Young County's two hospitals have been awarded nearly $9 million in federal grants, according to an Oct. 27 announcement by state Rep. David Spiller, R-Jacksboro. Graham Regional Medical Center will receive $5.42 million, and Olney Hamilton Hospital was awarded $3.5 million under the Rural Texas Strong initiative, Spiller said.
Interim CEO Stasha Siegert said Olney Hamilton Hospital could receive up to $3 million over five years to treat patients with diabetes and obesity. Funding in the first three years would reimburse the hospital for supplies, equipment and labor tied to patient care. Siegert said the benchmarks for the final two years, which could bring up to $1 million annually, have not yet been set.
The grants are administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and funded through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. Spiller's office said the awards total about $49 million for 17 hospitals and clinics in 10 counties in House District 68. The hospital board is preparing to move into the city's new $33 million facility at year's end.