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Letter to the Editor: The Healing Heart of Health Care

Hospitals and the caregivers they employ are the heart of most communities. They provide life-saving emergency care, as well as other needed medical services. They support local physicians, pharmacies and numerous other health care providers. And they are a huge boost to the local economy; in fact, in many communities, the hospital is the largest employer.

Here are just a few facts about the impact of Alabama's hospitals:

- They deliver 59,000 babies each year, perform 544,000 surgeries and treat 2.4 million people in their emergency departments.

- They employ approximately 89,000 full- and part-time employees and create another 85,000 jobs indirectly.

- If you total the salaries and benefits paid to both hospital employees and those employed indirectly, it equals $7.8 billion each year.

So, as we celebrate Hospital Week, May 7-13, let's remember how important hospitals are to our communities. While things may be changing in Washington, one thing remains constant in Alabama...the 89,000 Alabamians who have dedicated their lives to keeping us healthy and who continue to work 24/7 to provide healing and comfort. Their presence keeps our communities strong.

Donald E. Williamson, MD
President, Alabama Hospital Association
500 North Eastern Blvd.
Montgomery, AL 36117
dwilliamson@alaha.org
334-272-8781

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