Roper St. Francis Healthcare CEO’s commentary in The Post and Courier: Impact of SC hospitals goes b

Hospitals do far more than treat illness; they are essential to the economic vitality of our communities. Beyond providing critical medical care, hospitals are often among the largest employers in their regions, offering a wide range of jobs that support local families and contribute to the tax base. Additionally, health care facilities make communities more attractive to businesses and residents.

A new report from the South Carolina Hospital Association reveals the true scale of that impact. South Carolina’s hospitals deliver an eye-opening $36.75 billion per year in total economic impact. This includes direct patient care and the ripple effects that support everything from local restaurants and pharmacies to construction and IT services.

At Roper St. Francis Healthcare, we witness the power of this impact every day. With a dedicated team of 6,900 employees and 580 more on the way through our expansion of Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital and our future medical complex in the Sawmill community near Summerville, we are one of the Lowcountry’s largest employers. Our future Roper Hospital campus in North Charleston alone is projected to have a $2.5 billion impact, fueling not only economic growth, but healthier, more vibrant communities and greater opportunity for all.

That impact goes beyond the bedside. It’s not only vital that we care for the well-being of the communities we serve, but also that we remain a leading employer, a trusted community partner and an integral force in the economic engine that drives our region’s growth and prosperity.

It’s incredible to see the number of people S.C. hospitals have reached: 1.9 billion patients treated, more than 51,000 babies delivered and care provided during 2.3 million emergency room visits. Behind those numbers, there is a team of dedicated people caring for your loved ones.

As the president and CEO of Roper St. Francis Healthcare, I’m continually inspired by our organization’s unwavering commitment to extending compassionate care to all, especially the underserved. Every day, I see our teams making a real difference in people’s lives, driven by a mission of healing all people with compassion, faith and excellence — a mission that aligns with my personal values of service and stewardship.

As we celebrate National Hospital Week, we’re reminded that strong hospitals are the foundation of a thriving community. Yet, the proposed $800 billion cuts to Medicaid reimbursements under consideration by Congress threaten access to care, particularly in our underserved areas, which risks undermining the vital economic impact hospitals have.

We urge policymakers to look beyond the immediate costs of care and consider the broader value to individuals, families and entire communities. The impact reaches far beyond hospital walls, supporting industries, attracting new businesses and enhancing quality of life across our region. As health care systems continue to grow to meet the evolving needs of the Lowcountry and the state we proudly call home, we are deeply grateful for the many partners who support this vital work. Together, we are building healthier communities and a stronger, more equitable future for all.

Joseph DeLeon is the president and CEO of Roper St. Francis Healthcare.