Report: Louisiana hospitals vital to state's economy

Louisiana hospitals generate more than $31.6 billion annually in state business activity and directly employ more than 103,000 people, according to a report released this week by the Louisiana Hospital Association. These expenditures in turn create and support another 311,120 jobs, the report notes. “As state lawmakers make difficult budget decisions, we urge them to protect medical access by preserving these highly-skilled jobs in Louisiana,” said LHA President and CEO Paul Salles. “Cuts negatively impact every region of the state.”