Hospital District Narrowly Misses the Vote

On the ballot November 5, Memorial Hospital of Carbon County’s (MHCC) hospital district initiative barely failed to pass by 89 votes.

Per a press release, this does not mean MHCC is closing its doors. The hospital does face financial challenges, but this was only one component of the overall financial picture.

“I personally look at the campaign as a win. To take a grass roots approach to the campaign and to have accomplished what we did in just under 4 months is incredible. All techniques were used to market the district; digital marketing, radio, social media, email blasts, signage, print ads, community forums, and multiple other group/business meetings were all used,” said newly appointed MHCC’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Stephanie Hinkle.

The hospital district formation would allow for a property millage to be assessed to residents in the district for purchase of capital equipment and facility improvements for MHCC, according to MHCC’s hospital district initiative webpage.

“MHCC is the only county-owned hospital in the state of Wyoming that does not have a district in place,” said Hinkle.

As of a December 2020 Wyoming Legislative Service Office Research Memorandum, the state of Wyoming has six county hospitals. County hospitals have a board of county commissioners with a direct fiduciary commitment to the viability of the hospitals.

According to Hinkle, the MHCC Healthcare District PAC is not deterred from trying again to get the district passed in the next election. After-action reviews have been accomplished and more meetings and strategies to get the votes necessary in two years will continue.

“We [MHCC] have received a very positive response in regard to narrowly missing initiative by only 89 votes; people have been very supportive which to me indicates that despite the negativity expressed by some, there is certainly a large sector that does recognize the importance of rural healthcare and is willing to look at the big picture,” said Hinkle.

The Saratoga Sun’s July 18 article “Hospital, heal thyself” explained that rural healthcare sometimes relies on funds from the millage to provide essential funding and support.

“This isn't simply a hospital issue, this is a cornerstone to a healthy economy in Carbon County,” said Hinkle.