More Than 14,000 West Virginians Will Benefit from Investment
SPENCER, W.Va., July 22, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development West Virginia State Director Ryan Thorn today announced that USDA is investing $3 million to help Roane General Hospital improve its inpatient care services.
“The funding announced today ensures that Roane General Hospital will continue its tradition of providing quality healthcare to the community,” said Thorn. “Rural hospitals and healthcare centers are the backbone of many communities and Rural Development is proud to support projects like this that help improve the comfort and safety of patients and allows them receive robust health and wellness services close to home.”
The funding announced today is provided through Rural Development’s Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. This supplements a $1 million USDA Rural Emergency Healthcare Grant that Roane General Hospital previously received for a new HVAC system.
Combined, the funding will be used to install a new HVAC system allowing the staff at Roane General Hospital to better moderate temperatures within the inpatient care unit for improved patient comfort during hospital stays. The new system will also enhance patient safety through improved air exchange that will mitigate the risk of infectious disease spread. Roof and ceiling repairs, new public and patient restrooms, new flooring and other aesthetic upgrades are also included in the project.
“For almost a half century, Roane General Hospital has continuously worked to improve the services we provide to the community,” said Roane General Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Doug Bentz. “Today, we are proud to be one of only five remaining independent, wholly-locally owned and operated Critical Access Hospitals in West Virginia. We would like to sustain that for our community. Maintaining our physical plant and having the ability to independently manage our facility and financial requirements is essential to maintaining that local control. The funding that the USDA has provided helps us do just that. We are tremendously grateful for their support.”
Under the Biden Administration, 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, visit www.rd.usda.gov/wv.
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