New Foundation Aims to Rescue Rural Alabama Hospitals!

Hold onto your stethoscopes, ChumCity! A brand-new superhero has arrived to fight for rural healthcare in Alabama: The Alabama Rural Hospital Foundation! This private nonprofit is swooping in to provide much-needed cash and support to struggling hospitals across the state.

Healthcare SOS in Rural Alabama

Jamie Troutman, a savvy economic developer and head of the foundation's board, says things are dire. Several rural hospitals have already closed due to lack of funds, and about half of those remaining are on the brink. That's a LOT of communities facing healthcare nightmares!

More Than Just Doctors: A Boost for the Whole Community

Troutman emphasized that access to healthcare isn't just about physical health; it's vital to the economic well-being of rural communities. The foundation's goal? To improve both!

Brainpower and Dollars

The foundation's board is packed with heavy hitters from Alabama's top health systems, plus business and economic development gurus. They'll use their combined knowledge to get private money flowing to the hospitals and projects that need it most.

Modernizing and Retaining Talent

Beyond keeping emergency rooms open, the foundation wants to help rural hospitals modernize, attract and keep talented doctors and nurses, expand outpatient services, and work more closely with local businesses and schools. It's all about building stronger, healthier communities!

Tax Credits to the Rescue!

Here's the cool part: the foundation is part of the Alabama Rural Hospital Investment Program. That means folks who donate to help rural hospitals can get dollar-for-dollar state tax credits! Talk about a win-win!

The Dream Team

The Alabama Rural Hospital Foundation is spearheaded by an impressive board that includes:

  • Doug Brewer, CEO, Whitfield Regional Hospital (Demopolis)
  • Dawn Bulgarella, CEO, UAB Health System (15 hospitals)
  • Jason Davis, Vice President, Alabama Power – Southeast Division
  • Lee Lawson, President & CEO, Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance
  • Mark Nix, President & CEO, Infirmary Health (serving 11 Gulf Coast counties)
  • Jeff Samz, President & CEO, Huntsville Hospital Health System (14 hospitals)
  • Russ Tyner, President & CEO, Baptist Health Montgomery (three hospitals)
  • Evie Mauldin, Of Counsel / Senior Vice President, Bank Independent (serving 18 northwest Alabama communities)

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