Fillmore County Hospital held a ribbon cutting and open house today in Geneva, Nebraska for the newly constructed $5.4 million Behavioral Health Facility located adjacent to the hospital. Special guest Rich Davis, Deputy Administrator for Community Programs, USDA Rural Development was in attendance.
“As we explored the prospect of adding an addition to our hospital with space specifically dedicated to expanding our integrated behavioral health services, the USDA Rural Development Office was extremely helpful in assisting our hospital to evaluate the plan and secure financing for our project. We are already seeing where our new service line is meeting and will continue to meet a growing unmet need in our rural region. We appreciate the USDA initiating emphasis on behavioral services in rural areas and cannot say enough about the respect and appreciation we have for the Lincoln USDA Rural Development staff for their assistance and guidance throughout the project, said Chief Executive Officer Paul Utemark, Fillmore County Hospital.
“Behavioral healthcare is being recognized as a much needed part of our health systems in today’s times,” said USDA Rural Development Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul. “There are facilities in our urban areas of Nebraska but there needs to be a greater presence of behavioral facilities in rural areas such as Geneva.”
“Heartland Bank is pleased to provide construction and term financing for the hospital’s Behavioral Health Facility Project. Cutting edge health care is an integral part of Geneva, and the surrounding communities and this addition continues the tradition of excellence that Fillmore County Hospital has long provided,” said Senior Vice President Senior and Chief Loan Officer Kevin Parde, Heartland Bank
“We are pleased that Perennial’s economic development revolving loan fund could assist in the financing of this project. As the loan to Fillmore County Hospital is repaid, funds will become available for the expansion and recruitment of business in the area,” said General Manager Jamey Pankoke, Perennial Power.
USDA Rural Development provided loans totaling $3.48 million for the facility. Heartland Bank issued a $1 million dollar loan backed by a USDA Rural Development guarantee. Fillmore County Hospital contributed $556,000 and a USDA Rural Development Rural Economic and Development Loan recipient, Perennial Power, generated a $340,200 loan.
The new facility has psychiatric inpatient areas total 6,748 square feet. Eight semi-private patient rooms with restrooms are available. All rooms have the ability to accommodate double occupancy. Also a private seclusion room, a dayroom and secured exterior courtyard along with exam, group, tub and consultation/visitation rooms are offered. The Outpatient area consists of 2,107 square feet which features the reception and waiting area, patient therapy/counseling room as well as a large group therapy room and a rehabilitation gym. Common and administrative areas are contained in 3,150 square feet.
Prior to the Behavioral Health facility, the Hospital offered only outpatient behavioral services in the Senior Behavioral Health Clinic. The Clinic provided individualized treatment to senior adults who suffer from emotional, behavioral, or mental health disorders.
USDA funding was provided through the USDA Rural Development Community Facility Direct and Guaranteed Loan programs. For additional information contact Janice Stopak at Janice.Stopak@ne.usda.gov; or phone (402) 437-5743. Visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/ne.