U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Director for Colorado Armando Valdez announced the investment of a $16,172,000 Community Facilities Loan for the Southeast Colorado Hospital District (SECHD) in Springfield, Colorado. The funding will be used for renovation and the addition of medical facilities at the current hospital.
“Having sustainable and accessible health care infrastructure in rural areas is critical to the health and well-being of people living in small towns across Colorado. The current hospital in Springfield is spread across two buildings dating back to the 1950s. This renovation will allow SECHD to alleviate health disparities in the community and adapt and modify their services to meet the community’s needs. For rural communities to thrive and grow, these essential services need to be available. I am excited that USDA-Rural Development is a partner on this project that will benefit Baca County and the Southeast Colorado Hospital District,” said Valdez.
The renovation will include a rehabilitation department, addition of an emergency entry waiting area and ambulance canopy vestibule, and a central nurses' station. The patient care unit will be renovated to allow for single-occupancy rooms with accessible bathrooms. An emergency department will increase patient capacity and increase the size of each patient treatment area, and add a separate, controlled public waiting area. The laboratory department will be renovated with modern equipment.
Through the Community Facilities program, USDA is ensuring that rural areas enjoy the same basic quality of life and services enjoyed by those in urban areas. This program offers direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in communities across rural America. These amenities help increase the competitiveness of rural communities in attracting and retaining businesses that provide employment and services for their residents.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal, and high-poverty areas. For more information in Colorado, visit www.rd.usda.gov/co.