Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Geary Community Hospital leaders confirmed on Tuesday that a local task force is trying to raise $6.5 million to keep operations going until the end of the year at the hospital.
The task force has been working to help address financial challenges at the hospital and will also facilitate a contract development process with Stormont Vail Health. Talks with that entity about a potential partnership will be in the letter of intent phase for approximately two months while they complete their due diligence, and negotiate with the county on the lease or purchase of the hospital facility.
Geary County Commissioners earlier agreed to provide up to $3.5 million in American Recovery Program Act funding, and have provided some of that money to supplement the hospital's operations. But an estimated $6.5 million more is still needed. Margaret Grismer, Interim CEO for Geary Community, said now that there are efforts toward a contract with Stormont Vail Health there will be an extended period of time. "There is going to be fundraising efforts in place to make up that operational shortfall to get us to the point where we partner."
On the search for more money Grismer noted that the Task Force is getting organized around that job.
Theresa Bramlage, Hospital Trustee Chair, said they are attempting to raise $6.5 million. "That's a high number but we want to make sure that we have community support, we don't have a shortfall as we go into this arrangement with Stormont Vail." Bramlage is optimistic about making a partnership with Stormont Vail work. "Very excited about the healthcare improvements and economic impact for Junction City - Geary County."
On the search for money, Bramlage observed, "We just start knocking on doors. I have already engaged a grant writer. We've already had a meeting and our task force will be working on fundraising as well."
Bramlage also made it clear that officials are trying to reduce the $6.5 million number. "With the leadership that we have in place we are reducing our monthly operating expenses, and so hopefully, within the next few months we realize that that $6.5 million isn't necessary, but that's going to be the overall objective." Bramlage agreed that it could eventually be a reduced number.