A t a time when rural hospitals are struggling to keep their doors open, Hale County Hospital in Greensboro has received a shot in the arm toward remodeling its emergency room. Thanks to a $1 million dollar check from West Alabama Democrat Rep. Terri Sewell, the facility will receive its first significant improvement since it was constructed in 1963.

During a press conference in front of the facility this morning Sewell told media and a group of hospital employees, "I for one believe my constituents should have an amazing healthcare system and one that responds to their needs." Then with a wry smile she added, "And we know here at Hale County Hospital we are long overdue for renovation for the emergency department."

Hospital CEO Shay Cherry accepted the ceremonial check, "We are thrilled here at Hale County Hospital and want to thank you Congresswoman Sewell so much for all your hard work in securing the funds for the renovation of our ER."

Cherry told the crowd the ER has not been renovated since the hospital was constructed in the early 60s and the new work is expected to begin within the next three months, "We have a long way to go but we are so excited to receive this funding so we can improve our care in a safer, nicer environment for our patients. Our patients are very important to us here at Hale County Hospital and hope to be here for a very long time giving great customer service."

With numerous rural hospitals already shuttered in Alabama Rep. Sewell lobbied the Alabama Legislature to expand Medicaid in the state, "It is a direct correlation, the closing of rural hospitals, and the lack of expanding Medicaid. I really hope that our state legislators and our governor are listening because if we expand Medicaid to get more resources for rural hospitals, for all hospitals, it will provide critical services to patients."

Since being first elected in 2011, Sewell has been a outspoken proponent of rural healthcare in the Black Belt. Today, she encouraged leaders in both parties to put people over politics, "I really do believe that if we in Alabama were to expand Medicaid it would go a long way to helping rural hospitals and our rural citizens get better, more affordable care."

Alabama reportedly has the lowest Medicare reimbursement in the country putting rural hospitals at financial risk. Based on a study by Kauffman Hall, Alabama Hospitals Association President and CEO Dr. Donald Williamson worries that at least a dozen rural hospitals are at immediate risk of closure if reimbursements are not increased.

For now, Hale County Hospital has battled financial hardships by cost-cutting Measures, seeking financial aid, enlisting community support and making operational adjustments.

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