New Hampshire hospitals generate more than $3.7 billion in economic activity annually and directly employ more than 37,500 people, according to a new study by the New Hampshire Hospital Association and Foundation for Healthy Communities. The report quantifies the substantial economic impact of New Hampshire’s 26 hospital systems. “This study shows in real numbers that hospitals are an important economic driver in our communities,” said NHHA President Steve Ahnen. “As New Hampshire’s leaders continue to consider the state’s economic priorities and look for ways to create more jobs in our state, they should keep in mind the importance of hospitals and health care to the state economy.”