Hospital Week: Celebrating the Heart of Our Communities

Every May, National Hospital Week is recognized as a way to celebrate the more than 6,000 hospitals in the U.S. that serve as the cornerstone of our communities, and care for more than 30 million patients each year.

This year’s theme, “#WeAreHealthCare,” is intended to highlight our hospitals, health systems and healthcare workers and the innovative ways they are supporting and connected to their community.

Hospitals are more than simply buildings filled with medical professionals. They are vital institutions that provide life-saving care, comfort in times of crisis, and hope when people need it most. From emergency rooms open 24/7 to neonatal units caring for premature newborns, hospitals serve everyone, regardless of background or ability to pay.

Anchoring our communities — not only in health but in economic strength — hospitals are often one of the largest employers in a region, providing stable jobs and supporting local businesses. They attract other medical services, technology providers, and talent to the region, creating a positive ripple effect of growth and development.

Hospitals in Northeast Ohio provided economic value in the form of salary, wages and benefits paid to hospital employees. In 2023, area hospitals contributed to the Northeast Ohio economy $10.95 billion in salaries and benefits — a 3.48% or $368 million increase over the previous year.

And hospitals are not just places where care is delivered, they are deeply connected to the communities they serve and provide health education, preventive screenings, mental health services, rehabilitation, and more.

This week is about honoring the individuals behind the mission — the nurses, doctors, support staff, administrators, and volunteers — as well as acknowledging the ongoing challenges hospitals face to continue providing exceptional care.

The Financial Challenges Facing Hospitals

America’s hospitals and health systems are the foundation of the nation’s healthcare infrastructure, delivering life-saving care to millions each year. Yet, they are consistently navigating financial challenges, including rising operational costs, inadequate reimbursement rates, and evolving care demands driven by policy shifts and an aging population with increasingly complex, chronic health conditions.

At the same time, hospitals are working to sustain access to essential services while confronting workforce shortages, supply chain disruptions, rising tariffs, and regulatory decisions that often overlook the day-to-day realities of care delivery.

One major challenge is persistent underpayments from Medicare. Even as hospital expenses continue to rise, Medicare reimbursement has not kept pace with inflation, covering only 83 cents for every dollar hospitals spent on Medicare patients in 2023. According to an analysis by the American Hospital Association (AHA), this resulted in more than $100 billion in underpayments.

Between 2022 and 2024, while general inflation rose by 14.1%, Medicare net inpatient payment rates increased by just 5.1%, essentially amounting to a pay cut over the past three years.

Specifically, in 2024, total hospital expense grew more than 5%, outpacing the overall inflation rate of 2.9%. AHA explains that while expense growth has started to slow in 2025, it remains elevated, particularly in areas driven by labor and supply chain pressures.

This chronic underfunding puts enormous strain on hospitals and their budgets. It limits the ability to invest in staff, infrastructure, and innovation, all of which are crucial to delivering high-quality care. At the same time, hospitals are required to treat every patient, regardless of their ability to pay, further adding to financial challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed how vulnerable the hospital system can be when faced with large-scale emergencies. In addition, the cost of labor, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and technology continues to rise.

Despite these challenges, hospitals and their staff continue to go above and beyond expectations and provide significant assistance to their communities. In 2023 alone, Northeast Ohio hospitals provided $1.283 billion in financial assistance to the uninsured and Medicaid population, an increase of 7% over the previous year.

Why Hospital Week Matters

Now, more than ever, it's important to show appreciation for the people who work in hospitals. After years of pandemic strain, increased patient volumes, and workforce shortages, healthcare professionals deserve real, sustained recognition and support.

In 2023, more than 7.4 million people were employed in hospitals across the United States. Technicians, lab specialists, pharmacists, custodians, food service staff, security personnel, billing experts — each play a crucial role in delivering care and maintaining a safe, supportive environment. The seamless coordination among departments ensures patients receive not only the best medical care but also dignity, comfort, and respect.

This week is the perfect time to say “thank you” and to advocate for change. It’s an opportunity for communities to stand with their hospitals, recognize their value, and urge leaders to support fair funding, better resources, and stronger protections for the people who care for us.

As we celebrate National Hospital Week, let’s support policies that ensure hospitals are fairly reimbursed, adequately staffed, and equipped to thrive. Let’s champion the people who work long shifts, skip meals, miss holidays, and never stop caring.

To learn more about how you can help hospitals during National Hospital Week, visit aha.org.