Lucas County Health Center (LCHC) has been selected to receive a $150,000 Community Facilities Grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist with the purchase of a new ambulance.
The hospital learned of the grant Monday when Anne Hazlett, Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development, made the funding announcement.
“It is crucial that our emergency department has the ability to respond to situations within our county,” said JoBeth Lawless, Chief Nursing Officer. “This grant ensures that we can continue to focus on what is important – the care and safety of the communities we serve.”
This particular Community Facilities Grant comes following an April announcement from the USDA to prioritize funding to address opioid misuse in rural communities. As the only ambulance service in the county LCHC serves as the front line of defense and response to opioid use.
“The investments USDA is making in our community highlights their dedication to combating this epidemic,” said Brian Sims, CEO. “This investment allows us to continue to provide life-saving emergency services in our county and strengthens our ability to respond when seconds matter.”
Funding for this program was made available through the FY 2018 Omnibus spending bill. USDA is an important partner to rural communities addressing the national opioid emergency. The Department is investing in treatment facilities and services, e-Connectivity and telemedicine, and public education efforts.
Lucas County Health Center is a critical access hospital serving Chariton and all of Lucas County.