Virginia Hospital Week Runs May 10-16

May 13, 2015

Virginia’s Hospitals Employ 123,508 People; Generate $34.8 Billion in Economic Activity

RICHMOND– May 10^th to 16^th will mark Virginia Hospital Week in the Commonwealth, a celebration of the great work done by Virginia’s hospitals and health systems day in and day out. The importance of Virginia’s hospitals to the quality of life in the state continues to increase, from providing care to all who seek it to playing an increasingly significant role in growing our economy.

Speaking about the week, James B. Cole, Chairman of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association Board of Directors and President and CEO of Virginia Hospital Center noted, “Virginia is fortunate to be home to world class hospitals in every region. In fact, nearly every Virginian lives within twenty miles of a hospital that is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, three hundred and sixty five days a year. This access to quality healthcare is crucial to the well-being of our communities. It is also equally critical to our economy. Virginia’s hospitals generate $34.8 billion in economic activity a year and employ 123,508 people. They are among the top three employers in 45% of our cities and counties.”

VHHA President and CEO Sean T. Connaughton remarked, “The men and women who work at our hospitals have dedicated their lives to caring for their fellow Virginians. This week, we thank them for that service. It is making our Commonwealth a better and stronger place. At the same time, we know our hospitals face tremendous challenges. With one-third operating at a financial loss last year, and major federal funding cuts coming in the years ahead, we must focus on finding solutions to ensure we care for our hospitals just as well as they care for all of us.”

Virginians will find posters highlighting Virginia Hospital Week throughout hospitals in the Commonwealth. In addition, a new website focusing on the week has been launched atwww.VirginiaHospitalWeek.com.  Everyone is encouraged to visit the new site, learn about Virginia’s hospitals and the great work they do, and sign up to receive updates throughout the year or engage with the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association on a broad array of social media platforms.

Did You Know?

In 2013, Virginia’s Hospitals:

• Delivered 103,808 babies
• Handled 3,572,959 emergency department visits
• Provided nearly $3 billion in community support

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About VHHA

The Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association is an alliance of 107 hospitals and 30 health delivery systems that develops and advocates for sound health care policy in the Commonwealth.