Big things are happening in Harrison County, and the new Harrison County Community Hospital (HCCH) facility is just the beginning of a transformational era for Harrison and surrounding counties.

In the heart of Bethany, Missouri, nestled halfway between Kansas City and Des Moines, a beacon of healthcare is about to shine even brighter. For over seven decades, HCCH has been a cornerstone of its surrounding communities. HCCH is now embarking on a new project that will expand the facility and enhance healthcare accessibility and quality for residents of Harrison County, as well as five surrounding counties.

USDA Rural Development funded the project through Community Facilities Direct Loans totaling $57 million.

The community can benefit from the stable, predictable payments, and it enhances our financial planning and budgeting

HCCH CEO Tina Gillespie shared that a key factor in the decision to apply for this direct loan was the low fixed interest rate offered in this program.

“The community can benefit from the stable, predictable payments, and it enhances our financial planning and budgeting,” Tina added, “This Community Facilities loan not just helps our hospital, it’s going to help our entire region.”

The expansion aims to introduce numerous new features to the hospital, including private patient rooms, expanded surgical areas, and a dedicated space for outpatient specialty clinics. These new features promise increased patient comfort, the ability to provide more complex surgeries, and easier access to essential care.

Apart from the new facility, HCCH CEO Tina Gillespie anticipates many other improvements in Harrison County and surrounding areas as a result of this project. Some of the changes Tina anticipates include economic development, with 20-30 new jobs at HCCH resulting from the new facility, as well as an improved quality of life through increased access to preventive care, outpatient specialists, and emergency services. Another change that residents will see is community development.

“The new hospital will serve as a hub for our community development, offering educational programs, wellness initiatives, and support services that will benefit residents of all ages,” said Tina.

USDA Missouri Rural Development State Director Ben Baker highlighted the critical partnership between the Rural Development staff, rural hospital stakeholders, and community leaders, saying, “Rural residents often face unique challenges accessing healthcare, including distance to facilities, transportation barriers, and limited financial resources. The HCCH’s project is an excellent example of how rural hospitals’ commitment and dedication play a crucial role in filling these gaps to ensure residents can receive essential healthcare services. We are extremely proud to be part of their success.”

To learn more about Community Facilities Direct Loans visit, Community Facilities Programs | Rural Development (usda.gov).