Rhode Island hospitals boost economy by $6.9 billion

Rhode Island hospitals contributed $6.9 billion to the state's economy in 2013, according to a new report by the Hospital Association of Rhode Island. The state’s hospitals employ nearly 20,000 health care professionals and support another 21,400 jobs through their economic activity, the report indicates. “Hospitals support one in ten jobs in Rhode Island,” said HARI President Michael Souza. “We’re an economic engine that is providing Rhode Islanders with well-paying jobs and supporting local business. State leaders must make the appropriate investments to secure our role in the state’s economy.”