The grants can be used to supplement operational expenses, serve debt payments, make facility repairs or purchase or rent equipment, according to a Sept. 25 news release from Gov. Greg Abbott’s office.
Each of the four hospitals can receive up to $1.1 million for the two-year grants, according to the release. The hospitals can receive $750,000 for the first year and $375,000 for the second.
The rural emergency hospital designation — which took effect Jan. 1 — aims to curb rural hospital closures by offering them a chance to close infrequently used inpatient beds and focus on outpatient and emergency department services.
The Texas hospitals that have converted to rural emergency facilities are:
- Crosbyton Clinic Hospital
- Anson General Hospital
- Falls Community Hospital and Clinic (Marlin)
- St. Mark’s Medical Center (La Grange)
