Press Releases

At the National Rural Health Association’s 2020 Policy Institute, Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) announced the introduction of H.R. 5808, the Save Rural Communities Act, which would provide rural hospitals the option to scale down to an outpatient only, 24 hour emergency care center. Under current law, hospitals have very limited tools to adjust the services they offer to meet their community’s health needs and balance their budget. This legislation would provide rural hospitals the freedom and flexibility to adjust their business model to account for unique challenges in rural areas.   “The rural communities in West Texas and across the nation are facing unprecedented hospital closures that take a devastating toll on the health and safety of Americans living in America’s breadbasket and energy basin,” said Arrington. “If we are going to maintain the ability to feed and clothe our own people and fuel the American economy, we need a strong and sustainable rural America. Providing rural hospitals the flexibility to adjust their business model will be lifesaving to these facilities which are often the largest employer and the only emergency health care provider within 50 miles.” “Innovation is required to overcome the challenges our rural hospitals face in caring for patients, so we applaud Representative Arrington’s Rural Emergency Access proposal as a proactive, practical solution that puts survival back within reach for our most threatened communities and families.” -John Henderson, CEO/President of Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals (TORCH)   “At a time when rural hospitals are closing at an unprecedented rate, and many are financially vulnerable, we applaud the leadership of Congressman Arrington for realizing the challenges and stepping up to the plate. In the midst of his compelling remarks at the NRHA Rural Health Policy Institute, Congressman Arrington announced a new vital piece of legislation, the Save Rural Communities Act, which will provide rural hospitals an innovative path forward that will ensure access to care for rural residents. NRHA is proud to work alongside side Congressman Arrington to combat issues facing rural communities.” -Alan Morgan, CEO, National Rural Health Association Background:

• In the last ten years 121 rural hospitals have closed, including 26 in Texas alone.
• Currently, over forty percent of all rural hospitals are operating in the red and are vulnerable to closure.
• Congressman Arrington was the recipient NRHA’s 2019 Rural Champion Award.