Governor Greg Abbott recently announced a $4.5 million grant opportunity awarded by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) for four eligible Texas hospitals that are deemed critical to serving the state’s rural population.
The Texas Rural Emergency Hospitals Financial Stabilization Grant will provide qualifying hospitals up to $1.1 million each through a two-year grant to improve healthcare access in rural communities.
“The State of Texas continues working to ensure Texans in all corners of our state have greater access to quality healthcare services,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for helping to provide this grant opportunity to support rural emergency hospitals in caring for Texans in their community. Expanding access to rural healthcare remains a priority as we work together to build a healthier, stronger Texas of tomorrow.”
Hospitals eligible for the grant funding were designated earlier this year as a Rural Emergency Hospital by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. These hospitals are: - Crosbyton Clinic Hospital; - Anson General Hospital; - Falls Community Hospital and Clinic in Marlin; and - St. Marks Medical Center in La Grange.
“We are proud of the investment this grant will make to support life-saving care for the Texans living in these communities,” said HHSC Chief Financial Officer Trey Wood. “Through the newly created State Office of Rural Health Finance, we are going to work fast to support rural hospitals in staying open so Texans get the healthcare they deserve.”
The hospitals have until October 13, 2023 to apply for the grant, which can be used to supplement operational expenses, serve debt payments, make facility repairs, or purchase or rent equipment. Up to $1.1 million will be provided to each hospital through a two-year grant— $750,000 for the first year and $375,000 for the second year.
Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature appropriated $25 million per year for rural hospitals beginning September 1, 2023. HHSC provides grant funding and administers programs for rural hospitals in alignment with the Rural Hospital Services Strategic Plan with a goal of ensuring rural Texans have access to hospital services.
It was a busy weekend for our News-Press staff this past weekend, but Cotton & Crude is always a fun time for us as we cover all the events and fun activities.
It is always nice seeing all the happy faces during the parade to start the day. Luckily, I had one of our newer staff members Emily Campos cover the Rotary Breakfast because I am not an early riser during regular business hours.
I had the opportunity to shoot photos of the parade and have my family along side me. My son had a blast and got to play with a few children who were also eager and excited to see the parade.
The vendors, activities and live music are always great. It is always nice to see a large number of community members exploring the downtown area.
I capped off the festivities with the concert portion taking photos of my first concert. It is a little different than sports, but I had a great time.
The local SPC talent did a great job to open the concert and the final to acts got the crowd dancing and enjoying themselves.
For any individuals with Facebook, the photos taken from the parade and concert will be on our page. The same photos will be in this issue for your viewing.