Can we afford a new ER?

Recent developments during efforts of the Jenkins County Hospital Authority (JCHA) to secure funding for a new emergency room (ER) at Jenkins County Hospital (JCH) highlights the need for local governments and other organizations to work together for the betterment of this community. It is called "cooperation."

In order to secure a 30-year $2.9 million loan from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to fund construction of a new ER, the Jenkins County Commissioners are being asked to enter into a written agreement whereby the county pledges to contribute $350,000 annually to the JCHA, with renegotiation of the amount possible at set intervals. Without the agreement, the USDA will not approve the loan.

The county already provides annual financial support to Jenkins County Hospital in amounts varying from $275,000 to $300,000. So, the additional funds requested appear to be a small price to pay for bringing the local ER up-to-date.

Cooperation, however, is not the only issue on the table. The county is also facing the prospect of building a new jail, a project that will place additional financial strain on its own budget. While the "want to" may be present, the county must also determine the feasibility of the JCHA request before committing to the agreement. Therefore, the commissioners have tabled the issue until the May 1 meeting in order to review their budget and discuss the matter.

The hospital needs a new ER. Our citizens would certainly benefit from a new ER. The $2.9 million question is, "Can we afford one?"