Virginia Hospitals Provide $4.5 Billion in Community Support, Generate $68.8 Billion in Positive Economic Activity

Virginia Hospitals Provide $4.5 Billion in Community Support, Generate $68.8 Billion in Positive Economic Activity

January 26, 2026

2026 Annual Report on Community Benefit Highlights the Significant Public Health and Economic Contributions Made by Virginia Hospitals and Health Systems to Expand Access to Care, and Invest in Workforce Education, Community Health, Clinical Research, and More

RICHMOND, VA - Virginia hospitals and health systems provide essential medical services to families and individuals through millions of patient encounters each year. They also contribute billions to the Commonwealth's economy through direct employment, taxes, and other community investments.

The important contributions hospitals make to enhance public health and well-being are highlighted in the 2026 Annual Report on Community Benefit, which shows that Virginia hospitals provided more than $4.5 billion in community support in 2024. That includes the cost of uncompensated care, community investments, taxes paid, and more. The VHHA website also features an interactive data tool that allows users to explore hospital community benefit contributions across categories dating back to 2008.

The report notes that in 2024 hospitals generated $68.8 billion in positive economic activity for Virginia, directly employed more than 130,000 people and provided more than $13 billion in payroll, accommodated 4.45 million patient days, handled more than 813,000 inpatient admissions, and accounted for nearly 92 percent of voluntary and involuntary behavioral health admissions statewide. These and many other services are provided across hospital settings including acute care, children's, psychiatric, rehabilitation, long-term care, and specialty hospital facilities whose work helps improve lives and strengthen community health.

This year, the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) is celebrating its centennial anniversary and the proud legacy of service provided by Virginia hospitals and their teams of doctors, nurses, technicians, and support staff who deliver exceptional care 24/7/365. That work has earned many accolades over the years, including regular recognition in the bi-annual Leapfrog Group Hospital Safety Grades which have consistently ranked Virginia among the top states in the nation for patient safety. That achievement is one example of the positive presence of community hospitals and the benefits they provide.

"Caring for people is a mission and a calling to serve others. That's what our hospitals represent - a commitment to community and people," said Mark Nantz, Valley Health President and CEO and the Chair of the VHHA Board of Directors. "We are proud to release the Annual Report on Community Benefit. It provides an opportunity to reflect on that important work and the lives it positively impacts. It also presents a chance to share those stories with our communities as a reminder of the meaningful work hospitals do across Virginia."

In addition to sharing stories about community-focused hospital programs, the report highlights that Virginia acute care hospitals invested $650 million in 2024 to fund the state share of Medicaid expansion costs to help more than 500,000 low-income adults gain health coverage. It documents the nearly $600 million hospitals provided to support healthcare workforce development through education and training program support. And it details the $457 million hospitals provided in charity care to support free and discounted health services to people who can't afford to pay for care and qualify for financial assistance.

"Virginia hospitals have long been part of the bedrock of the Commonwealth, providing services to reinforce health, safety, and stability in the communities they serve," added VHHA President and CEO Sean T. Connaughton. "The 2026 Annual Report on Community Benefit provides a snapshot of the extraordinary impact hospitals make each day by promoting access to care and stimulating positive economic activity. As we celebrate a century of vital hospital contributions, we also look to the future as we continue to pursue the work of making Virginia the healthiest state in the nation."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Julian Walker
Vice President of Communications
(804) 297-3193 office
(804) 304-7402 mobile
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