Press Releases

ROLLA, Mo. – Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO) touted updated guidance from the Small Business Administration (SBA) that now allows rural hospitals that are owned or operated by counties or other localities to qualify for critical financial assistance programs. In early April Smith called on SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza to make this important change to ensure rural providers were not disproportionally affected.

After the SBA issued its updated guidance, Congressman Smith spoke about how he’s fought to include rural priorities in the government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, including financial resources to improve health care in southern Missouri.

“Since the coronavirus outbreak began, I have been in contact with doctors and medical providers throughout southern Missouri about how I can best help during this national health crisis,” said Congressman Jason Smith. “The updated guidance on these loans is something they highlighted, and I was able to bring to the attention of the White House. They will now allow our public hospitals to receive the funding they desperately need to keep providing quality care to our area. Rural hospitals faced unique funding challenges prior to the coronavirus outbreak, and I will continue to fight for the necessary funding to preserve the highest quality of health care in our area.”

Specifically, the change allows for hospitals that receive less than 50% of its funding from state or local government sources, excluding Medicaid, to qualify for new funding sources included in the CARES Act passed by Congress in response to the coronavirus outbreak. This is welcomed news for many hospitals in southern Missouri, including Washington County Memorial Hospital and Iron County Medical Center.

Washington County Memorial Hospital Chief Executive Michele Meyer talked about how critical access to this funding is for the hospital and thanked Congressman Smith for his continued leadership during the coronavirus outbreak.

“Washington County Memorial Hospital (WMCH) is a Critical Access Hospital and serves a rural population of approximately 25,000 residents,” Meyer said. “As many small rural hospitals, WCMH struggles financially to operate in the best of times. The Covid-19 virus has put an even greater strain on the finances of the Hospital.

“We are so thankful for the overwhelming support and resources we have received from Jason Smith and his staff during this crisis,” continued Meyer. “Due to the persistent advocacy of Jason Smith, County Hospitals are now included in the Paycheck Protection Program. The Paycheck Protection Program will allow WMCH to continue to employee over 220 employees during this economically challenging time.”

Iron County Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Joshua Gilmore also thanked Congressman Smith for his advocacy for the community and discussed just how vital this funding is.

“Iron County Medical Center would like to thank our Congressmen for their advocacy efforts on our behalf,” said Gilmore. “Rural hospitals such as ours would not have stood a chance of survival during this COVID19 crisis without federal intervention and infusion of cash. In particular, the SBA PPP loans being available for rural “government” hospitals like ourselves is going to make a huge difference in our fight for sustainability through these difficult times.

“While we know the fight isn’t over yet and COVID19 is going to be around for a long time to come, having the means to make payroll and keep the doors open is an awesome feeling,” continued Gilmore. “Our heartfelt thanks go out to our Congressmen who have so diligently advocated for rural health. Keeping our doors open will save lives and help sustain our communities! Thank you!”

Congressman Smith also spoke about his commitment to fighting for southern Missouri and getting the area opened for business. 

“I’m proud to fight every day for rural America, our communities, and our way of life,” responded Congressman Smith. “Our local communities are leading the response to the coronavirus outbreak across the country, and this funding will go a long way to support those efforts. Now, I’m looking forward to continue working with our local leaders about how we can get people back to work quickly and safely. I know rural Missouri can serve as the blueprint to the rest of the state and the country.”

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