GCHD looking at a possible $1,755,861 in grant and forgivable loan funding

POMEROY-Garfield County Hospital District (GCHD) co-CEO Mat Slaybaugh, briefed the board of commissioners on several grant and loan opportunities that are in the works at the meeting April 6. The $250,000 legislative grant has already been awarded to the GCHD for upgrades to the HVAC system at the hospital, but has been delayed for several reasons. However, a contract from the Department of Commerce, has been received and is in review with the attorney. They are hopeful to have the contract signed soon so that they may receive funding and be able to start work on the system in August.

An application has been submitted for the $100,000 Washington State Rural Facilities Grant through Premera & Empire Health Foundation. The application period closes in May, and they expect to have an answer in the fall. The Lewis-Clark Valley Healthcare Foundation is offering a $75,000 Large Impact Grant which the GCHD will apply this month. They are also working on an application to the M.J. Murdock Trust, requesting $300,000.

There are also some grant opportunities related to aid for the COVID-19 response and financial relief. The GCHD received $143,000 two weeks ago from the Health Care Authority, which were funds earmarked for at-risk rural hospitals in Washington. They also received $5,800 from the Greater Columbia Accountable Communities of Health specifically for equipment and software to conduct telehealth services. The GCHD is presently ordering materials and plan to utilize it to conduct telehealth services at the clinic. A notice was also received from the Department of Health of a possible $90,000 coming to hospitals in the SHIP program as aid for the COVID-19 response.

A Fast Track Grant for $10,000 is being offered by the Lewis-Clark Valley Healthcare Foundation as a COVID-19 response grant. The GCHD has applied for this grant and is awaiting to hear the results. Opportunities for funding are also available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, enacted on March 27, 2020, which is designed to encourage employers to keep employees on their payroll during the COVID-19 crisis. The GCHD applied for the Paycheck Protection Loan in the amount of $782,061, although they are not sure if they will qualify as a public entity. The loan will be fully or partially (75%) forgiven by the government if all employees are retained and the funds are used for that purpose. Any remaining unforgiven amount would be at a low interest (1%) and would allow two years for repayment. Also through the CARES Act, there is a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) Advance Payment Program, which would allow hospitals to received advance payments from Medicare for expected services. Any overage in the advance payments would be paid back to Medicare by the hospital giving services without reimbursement for a specified period of time, rather than a lump-sum payback.

Slaybaugh stated one last item needed their attention before the Allevant contract is ready to sign. Due to the COBID-19 crisis, they are looking at a June start date. The isolation order prohibits new people arriving at the hospital to begin training of the staff. Commissioner Steve Cannon stated that the financial outlook for the hospital looks good right now with an increase of cash on hand to 88 days of service. He estimates that the GCHD is in about the same financial position as one year ago. However, a decrease in revenue is expected due to the COVID-19 crisis. This has caused less lab services and fewer patients to the clinic. Compared to some other CAH facilities in the state, however, the GCHD is faring much better because they do not depend on surgical services, and are currently maintaining their acute care services.

All three new providers, Dr. Iacobelli in the clinic, and Josh Mayfield and Courtney Travis in the Emergency Department, have officially started now. Also, the new pharmacy program will begin hopefully in August. Brad Gingerich and the Pomeroy Pharmacy will be included in the program.

The levy will still be determined by an April 28, 2020, election. Although there will be no public meetings prior to the election, the public is encouraged to contact the hospital with any questions. Watch for results on the East Washingtonian website http://www.eastwashingtonian.com

The next meeting of the GCHD will be Monday, May 4, 2020, at 6 p.m.