September 7, 2023

In total, nearly $70,000 was granted from the Community Hospital Health Foundation in support of home care services provided by Community Healthcare and Hospice in fiscal year 2023. In addition to $66,000 of direct operational support, funds were provided for patient-specific supplies, needs, and educational resources.

“The Health Foundation is raising funds in hopes of granting another $70,000 this year to help maintain these important services in our region,” said Jessica Bortner, Community Hospital Health Foundation Executive Director. “The funding is vital to purchase equipment, supplies, vehicle fuel, care and maintenance, and support the multi-disciplinary healthcare team needed to provide services,” she added.

Providing home health and hospice services is financially challenging. Reimbursement from Medicare and other payors are often much less than the cost of the services.  Additionally, operating these services in a rural area adds additional expense and complexities, as the healthcare team must travel many miles, often over country roads with mud and snow, to care for patients. Many patients wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible, and the need for these services in southwest Nebraska continues to grow and patients are increasingly more medically complex, requiring care. 

Community Hospital is dedicated to providing home care and hospice. An additional palliative care service has been added to meet community needs and help keep more medically complex patients home even if they do not fit the traditional service requirements for home health services. “Community Healthcare and Hospice is committed to helping the residents of our region receive the excellent care they need in the very rural counties we serve,” Bortner said.   

Persons interested in supporting Community Healthcare and Hospice can donate to the Community Hospital Health Foundation at www.chmccook.org/foundation/giving or call 308-344-7222 for more information.