USDA Rural Development Louisiana's Community Facilities Programs are key to strategic investments in rural communities. One recent success is our partnership with Allen Parish Community Healthcare in Kinder, Louisiana. This rural hospital—serving not just Allen Parish but also neighboring Beauregard and Jeff Davis parishes—underwent a remarkable transformation, made possible by Rural Development Community Facilities direct and guarantee loans.
For over five decades, Allen Parish Community Healthcare (APCH) operated out of a facility built in 1969. While the dedication of the staff has never wavered, the building itself could no longer keep pace with the demands of modern medicine. Aging infrastructure, limited space, and outdated systems constrained the care they could provide. That's when APCH learned about Rural Development and the Community facility loan program.
"We met with staff, who explained the application process and encouraged us to apply." Program Director Matt Seaton and Loan Specialist Kyla Flemming stuck by us and saw our project across the finish line," said APCH CEO Jackie Reviel.
“APCH did a great job at highlighting their needs, constraints, and lack of resources. Their strong application allowed them to qualify for our Emergency Rural Healthcare grant in addition to loan funding”, said Kyla.
With funds in hand, the journey started with a feasibility study. After determining that a renovation would be more costly, a comprehensive hospital replacement project was set in place. "Our facility was on its last legs. We had to figure out a way to sustain healthcare in our community, so we decided on new construction," said Jackie.
Adding over 27,000 square feet to the campus, the new building includes a redesigned patient lobby and entrance, making the hospital more welcoming and accessible when residents walk through the door. A key feature of the project is the brand-new Surgical Department—something the existing facility simply could not support. This addition brings operating rooms, a procedure room, pre-op areas, and a recovery unit, allowing Allen Parish residents access to procedures they previously had to travel far to receive. The upgraded Emergency Department, complete with trauma and treatment rooms and a modern ambulance dock, ensures that lifesaving care is just around the corner when every second counts.
By adding square footage and departments, APCH also created jobs and economic advancement for 36 new staff. New doctors, pharmacists, physical therapists, radiologists, laboratory, and maintenance technicians now call APCH home, providing excellent customer service and bedside manner to Allen Parish residents.
The Imaging Department is now equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, including X-ray, CT, ultrasound, and mammography services. For the first time, the hospital will feature a dedicated IT hub, essential for secure and efficient healthcare delivery in today's digital world.
"The funding we received is life-changing for our community hospital. These improvements are more than bricks and mortar. Our patients and staff are proud of their hospital. They're actively supporting it, discussing healthcare and how to live healthy lives." said Jackie. In a parish where many residents live on modest incomes and travel long distances for specialized care, having a state-of-the-art facility close to home is life changing. "Our service lines have increased in volume, and the community engages when we have Lunch-n-Learns, and Farmers Markets. We are improving community health one patient at a time.”
The improvements extend beyond medical equipment and departments. New electrical systems, natural gas generators for backup power, fire safety systems, and energy-efficient LED lighting have been installed to ensure safety, reliability, and sustainability for decades. These upgrades are not only practical—they're essential for long-term resilience and the entire community's well-being.
"At USDA Rural Development, we believe quality healthcare should not be a luxury based on where you live. Our Community Facilities loan and grant programs exist to ensure rural towns like Kinder aren't left behind," said Rural Development Program Director Matt Seaton. "We're proud to be a part of this investment in Allen Parish's future."
Allen Parish Community Healthcare is not just keeping up—it's leading the way in what rural healthcare across Louisiana can look like: modern, compassionate, and ready to meet the needs of the community it serves. "At the groundbreaking ceremony, a pharmacist approached me to say how much she appreciated the upgrades to the building and how excited she is to have a new workstation. I felt proud to know we helped their community"—said Kyla.
This is the kind of impact Rural Development Louisiana strives for daily—and Allen Parish is proof of what's possible when we invest in the heart of rural America.
For more information about Rural Development Community Facility Programs, visit our website.