USDA Rural Development Community Programs Director Denise Meeks and Chief Executive Officer Leslie Marsh of the Lexington Regional Health Center (LRHC) were among those who participated in the official ribbon-cutting and open house today for the new Outpatient Services Center at the Health Center.
USDA Rural Development awarded a $15 million loan, leveraged with the applicant’s $5.4 million and a Great Western Bank loan of $5 million that helped to build the new health facility and make renovations to existing space.
"The entire team at LRHC is committed to building a brighter future for the Lexington community and surrounding area. We will continue our journey to excellence; supporting one another, providing excellent, compassionate care and creating a warm, inviting and progressive place for people to receive care. A place where friends, family and faith are a part of everyone's healthcare experience," said Marsh.
“Rural health care is an ongoing focus of USDA Rural Development. Having close medical services offered to those who cannot commute many miles is a necessity for residents in the Lexington area,” said Meeks.
“Great Western Bank is proud to serve as a community development partner in financing this unique project,” said GWB Market President Earl Lindeman. “We believe this newly updated medical facility will serve the community for the next 40 years and beyond. The residents of Lexington are the real winners in this project.”
“Lexington Regional Health Center was able to secure a low-cost, innovative financing package, thanks to our unique ability to provide capabilities typical of a much larger bank, with a customer-focused approach usually seen with smaller banks. We want to thank the community for allowing us to be a part of this exciting project,” Lindeman said.
The Outpatient Services Center houses 14 exam rooms, two general procedure rooms, a room dedicated to wound care, a treadmill room to support mobile nuclear medicine services, and other areas dedicated to patient support.
At the Lexington Regional Health Center funds provided for renovations that included the construction of a surgery addition with three operating rooms, a post anesthesia care unit, patient preparation and recovery rooms. Two endoscopy rooms and other surgical support areas along with staff support spaces were also included in the renovations. Also renovated were the patient rooms, interior space, the dietary area, business center, and lobby and gift shop along with new/replacement/upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems.
The hospital project was funded through the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Direct Loan program. For more information contact Roberta Mues at 308-237-3118 ext.128.
For additional information visit www.rd.usda.gov/ne to learn more about programs offered by Rural Development.
To view a list of Nebraska contact information, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices/ne.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.