A Hurricane nonprofit is using nearly $1 million in government and private funds to finance a rotating loan fund for health care in 26 rural West Virginia counties.
The Center for Rural Health Development Inc.'s West Virginia Rural Health Infrastructure Loan Fund project is designed to strengthen the health care industry in nearly half of the state's counties.
About a third of the funds come from a grant under President Barack Obama's POWER Initiative. The program is designed to assist communities hit hard by the decline of the coal industry.
The rest of the funds come from foundations and banks.
Sharon Lansdale, the center's president and CEO, said the organization differs from many others throughout the nation because it partners with public and private health care providers.
"What we always say is, 'We don't care how health care is developed in the community, as long as it's sustainable and reliable,'" Lansdale said.
The center's goal is to ensure appropriate health care providers stay in rural areas - whether it is a large hospital or a doctor in private practice.
Lansdale said one of its primary focuses is to make sure primary care services remain in these counties.
"We've provided everything from helping them purchase technology to have health care buildings built," Lansdale said.
The center's loans process has never failed, according to Lansdale. She said she believes the reason why is because they often partner with private loan providers. A bank loan often provides partial funds for projects, and the center covers the rest.
"We provide a lot of technical assistance for borrowers and lenders," Lansdale said.
She said many lenders don't have the time or expertise to properly work for years with providers, so when they step in, it becomes a "win-win-win situation" for the center, the lender and health care providers.
Lansdale said health care is one of the most important factors in rebuilding infrastructure in struggling communities. She believes proper health providers are as integral to communities as water and housing. Without them, she thinks businesses will not relocate or open in the area.
"Our hope is our little part in helping coal-impacted counties in West Virginia will help businesses," Lansdale said. "We hope it'll help these areas grow infrastructure."
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