Oregon hospitals to play prominent role at 14th annual Oregon Leadership Summit

Senior hospital leaders will play a prominent role in the annual Oregon Leadership Summit, scheduled for December 5th at the Oregon Convention Center. The annual gathering of business, government and not-for-profit leaders is an opportunity to discuss and outline solutions to the most difficult public policy issues facing the state. This year's focus will be on fiscal challenges sure to dominate discussions at the Oregon State Legislature next year.

"Oregon's hospitals are committed to more than just the physical health of our communities. We support collaborative solutions designed to ensure the long-term, fiscal health of our state's economy," said Andy Davidson, President and CEO of the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS). "Nothing is more important to Oregon's children and other vulnerable populations than access to quality health care. Without a sustainable budget plan, however, this coverage will be put at risk."

Oregon's hospitals are responsible for 70,000 direct jobs, making them a critical economic linchpin in communities across the state. In fact, it's not uncommon for rural hospitals to be the largest regional employer, convener of community events, and provider of essential health services. They have a unique interest in finding a balance between the climate in which employers operate and the necessary level of government services.

"Supporting a forum like the Oregon Leadership Summit is a way we can encourage discussions between key decision makers that can lead to creative solutions," said Davidson. "It's critical that we move away from a boom and bust state revenue picture and adopt a sustainable growth path for state services."

The Oregon Association of Hospitals & Health Systems is the Summit's sole Level 1 Sponsor, while four of the association's members are sponsoring at lower levels.

More information regarding the summit can be found online at: http://www.oregonleadershipsummit.com