Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today (Thursday), announced that USDA is investing $501 million in 60 projects to help improve health care infrastructure and services in rural communities nationwide. Included among the projects is the Glen Haven Home, Inc., in Glenwood, which is receiving $400,000 to provide additional financing to lease and renovate six cottages for skilled nursing care services, memory care, and short-term rehabilitation. The new facility will be able to serve up to 69 residents in family-style living in each cottage. Additional funding includes a $4.6-million Community Facilities Direct Loan and a $641,000 applicant contribution.

And, St. Anthony Regional Hospital and Nursing Home in Carroll, is receiving a little more than $12.6-million in a Rural Development investment used to construct a free-standing cancer center on the campus of St. Anthony Regional Hospital. The center will combine all of the cancer services into one area. The facility will provide improved radiation and medical oncology services and house the upgraded linear accelerator. Currently, cancer services are spread throughout the hospital, and there is not space for an upgraded linear accelerator. Additional funding includes a $3.6-million Rural Development Community Facilities loan guarantee, and a $1.22-million applicant contribution.

Secretary Hazlett said “Creating strong and healthy communities is foundational to increasing prosperity in rural America. Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA is committed to partnering with rural leaders to improve quality of life and economic development through modern and accessible health care.” Hazlett made the announcement as part of USDA’s commemoration of National Rural Health Day, which is held annually on the third Thursday of November to focus on the specific health care issues facing rural communities. The Department is investing in 60 projects through the Community Facilities direct loan program. These investments will expand access to health care for approximately 2 million people in 34 states.