NEWS RELEASE

 1303 SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka, KS  66604-4040
 Voice (785) 271-2701,  FAX (785) 271-2708,  WEB www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks

 





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 13, 2004
Contact - Harold Alford  (785) 271-2701

 

USDA Rural Development Participates In
Ellsworth Medical Facility Opening

 

Ellsworth, KS - USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks joined Ellsworth County Healthcare Foundation President Mark Parsons and other local citizens this afternoon celebrating the opening of the new Ellsworth County Medical Center and Rural Health Clinic. USDA Rural Development provided $1 million towards the $1.366 million healthcare project.

“Providing quality healthcare is an essential component to improving economic opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for our rural Kansas communities and its citizens. USDA Rural Development programs provide the opportunity for rural Kansans to upgrade their critically needed local healthcare facilities,” commented State Director Banks.

“We are excited about the completion of this facility, and appreciate USDA Rural Development’s assistance. This project was completed because of USDA Rural Development’s involvement,” remarked Foundation President Parsons.

In assisting the Ellsworth County Healthcare Foundation, USDA Rural Development provided a $1 million Community Facility Program loan for the construction of the new facility. The new Ellsworth County Medical Center, located next to the Ellsworth County Hospital, will also include a physical therapy department, wellness center and cardiac rehabilitation unit.

Over the past five years, USDA Rural Development programs have invested over $12 million in assisting ten rural Kansas communities to upgrade their healthcare facilities. These improvements to local healthcare facilities have benefited nearly 100,000 Kansans.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, the Agency provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure in rural America.

For additional information regarding USDA Rural Development programs, individuals may call 785-271-2702 or log onto the state’s Agency’s website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks

 

USDA Rural Development – Committed to the future of rural communities.

 

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