Strokes from other Pens

As a longtime resident of Haxtun and someone who has spent over three decades serving in various capacities — from education to corrections — I've seen the critical role healthcare plays in our rural community. While I currently serve on the Haxtun Health Foundation Board of Directors and work at the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, the views expressed here are my own, based on years of community involvement.

  Rural hospitals, including ours, are often the backbone of the community, providing not just physical care but also vital mental health services. However, the increasing financial pressures faced by these institutions have led to a concerning trend: the reduction or elimination of essential services such as obstetrics and mental health care. This not only impacts the immediate health of our residents but also their long-term well-being.

The mental toll of having to travel significant distances for healthcare cannot be overstated, especially for expectant mothers and those in need of regular mental health support. It creates an additional layer of stress and isolation, which in turn can aggravate health issues and undermine overall community resilience.

One major problem is that the current reimbursement model, particularly under Medicare Advantage plans, disproportionately disadvantages rural hospitals. Our hospital receives only a fraction of what is required to cover the costs of the comprehensive care we strive to provide. This is not sustainable and risks the very survival of essential health services in our community.

I urge our policymakers to reconsider and reform the financial structures that underpin rural healthcare. By ensuring fair compensation and supporting the maintenance and growth of services like obstetrics and mental health care, we can protect our community's health and its future.

It is imperative that we act now to ensure that rural hospitals are equipped to serve their communities fully. As I've seen in my various roles, from education to corrections and now in community development, the health of our community is fundamentally linked to the health of our local healthcare organizations. We owe it to our residents to provide them with the best possible care, close to home.

Sincerely, John Chapdelaine