U.S. hospitals not only play a critical role in the health of Americans, they also contribute more than $1.3 trillion to the nation's economy, according to a TrendWatch report by The Lewin Group released at the AHA Annual Meeting in Washington. Hospitals employ nearly five million people, rank second as a source of private sector jobs, and directly or indirectly support one of every nine jobs in the U.S., notes the report, which details the economic and societal contributions hospitals make to communities and states.

At a press briefing on the report, West Virginia Gov. Bob Wise noted that 19 of the top 100 private employers in his state are hospitals, and Joe Krier, president of the San Antonio (TX) Chamber of Commerce, said one in every seven workers in that city is employed in health care. Sandra Bruce, president and CEO of Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, ID, said her hospital contributed $53 million in community service benefits in the fiscal year ending last June 30, including patient care, patient and community health education, and other services.

According to the Lewin report, hospitals remain a stable source of employment even during times of economic stress, and support other businesses when they purchase the goods and services needed to provide care. "Hospitals are more than a place where you go to get well... Hospitals truly are the cornerstone of the community," said AHA Executive Vice President Rick Pollack. For additional information on this project, contact The Lewin Group.