Federal Funding Helps Oklahoma Rural Hospitals Bounce Back

Rural hospitals in Oklahoma were struggling before the pandemic hit and now a year after COVID-19, they’re bouncing back. Part of that is thanks to federal funding they've received this past year and there is more money on the way.

Drumright Regional hospital has gone through a much-needed transformation this year, and CEO Jim Martin said it's thanks to COVID-19 relief funding.

"It's taking all the revenue you're getting just to keep the lights on," said Martin.

Martin said the hospital was previously owned by a company who financially drained the small hospital, and after surviving that, COVID-19 hit.

"The one positive about COVID is it's spotlighted rural hospitals and the place we hold in healthcare delivery," Martin said.

Martin said they've used federal stimulus money for a new roof, heating and air system and many needed upgrades, along with equipment to fight COVID-19.

The most recent stimulus package will allocate another $8.5 billion dollars to rural healthcare across the nation.

"This will impact most of Oklahoma," said Patti Davis, the president of the Oklahoma hospital association.

Davis said she's not sure how much Oklahoma hospitals are getting from the new money, but said every penny is helpful for strained medical facilities.

"This has been the most challenging year of their career," Davis said about people in the medical field.

In Poteau, CEO Bob Carter at the Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center said their hospital is finally bouncing back after initially laying off 52 employees.

Carter said once he gets more guidance on spending the stimulus money, the hospital plans to create a long-term plan to get them through the next several years.

"This pandemic has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt we can't have quality healthcare without rural hospitals," Carter said.

Another $500 million will be included in the new relief package for COVID-19 and telehealth grants for hospitals.