McCook, Neb. - The Community Hospital Health Foundation granted over $73,000 to support home care services provided by Community HealthCare and Hospice during fiscal year 2024. This funding includes $67,000 in direct operational support, along with additional funds for a mobile translation system, patient-specific needs, and educational resources.

“The Health Foundation is actively raising funds with the goal of granting another $70,000 this year to help maintain these vital services in our region,” said Jessica Bortner, Executive Director of the Community Hospital Health Foundation. “This funding is essential to purchase equipment, supplies, and fuel vehicles, as well as to support the care and maintenance of our multi-disciplinary healthcare team,” she added.

Providing home health and hospice services poses significant financial challenges. Reimbursement from Medicare and other payors is often far less than the actual cost of services. Additionally, operating these services in a rural area introduces further expenses and complexities, as the healthcare team frequently travels long distances, often on country roads in difficult conditions, such as mud and snow, to care for patients. Many patients wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible, and the demand for these services in southwest Nebraska continues to grow, with patients becoming increasingly more medically complex.

Community HealthCare & Hospice is committed to providing home care and hospice services. In response to evolving community needs, services have been expanded to include palliative care. This new service is designed to support medically complex patients at home, even if they do not meet the traditional eligibility criteria for home health care. Barbie Long, Community HealthCare and Hospice Director states, “Our team is dedicated to ensuring that residents in our region receive the high-quality care they need, even in the very rural counties we serve”.    

Individuals interested in supporting Community HealthCare and Hospice can donate to the Community Hospital Health Foundation by visiting www.chmccook.org/foundation/giving or by calling 308-344-7222 for more information.

Community HealthCare and Hospice serves seven counties in southwest Nebraska, providing care through a dedicated team that includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, physical and occupational therapists, and hospice volunteers.

Back Row L to R: Barbie Long, Tyler Thiessen, Morgan Coady, Joleen Bradley, Sarah
Bridges, Eleesha Edwards, Amber Carpenter, Tina Gehring, Michael Carpenter, Deb
Gleason; Front Row L to R: Shannon Hinson, Angie Garrett, Becky Felker, Melissa
Melchert, Jen Wilcox, Darian Krysl, Candy Carfield; Not Pictured: Kellie Felzien