The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) approved $500,000 in funding to St. Claire Regional Medical Center for the purchase of equipment and supplies to be housed in the hospital’s new Imaging Center in Morehead, KY.
“I am pleased the ARC approved funding to assist St. Claire Regional Medical Center in equipping and expanding patient care by providing diagnostic services necessary to identify and treat a variety of medical conditions,” said Department for Local Government Commissioner Sandra Dunahoo. “St Claire is the largest rural hospital in northeastern Kentucky and their hope is treat over 2,800 additional patients annually with this new facility.”
The ARC support for this project will provide St. Claire Regional Medical Center with essential resources to establish the new Imaging Center so it can be expanded to diagnostic capabilities and continue its mission of providing patient care for citizens of Appalachia.
The digital imaging, ultrasound, and X-Ray machines that will be purchased and installed with ARC funds will provide the hospital with the necessary equipment for this expansion. The hospital estimates that the project will attract 42 new medical specialist providers and ancillary support professionals. In addition, the local medical school anticipates additional clinical rotations due to this expansion.
“This expansion project for St. Claire Regional Medical Center will have a tremendous impact on the region by increasing the overall capacity and quality of medical care, as well as the creation of new jobs,” said Sen. Stephen West. “I am very thankful to Commissioner Dunahoo and the DLG staff for securing these ARC funds to further assist and equip this new facility. I look forward to seeing the completion of this project.”
The ARC program and policy is to provide assistance for residential infrastructure project, water supply and wastewater treatment projects to assist in alleviating environmental public health concerns and ensure the acceptable quality of life for local residents.
(provided by Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department for Local Government)