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Vilsack Announces USDA Funding for Ohio Hospital
Ohio Ag Connection - 09/23/2016

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Thursday announced a $54.6 million Community Facilities program loan to the Fulton County Health Center in Wauseon, Ohio, to renovate a critical access hospital that also offers treatment for substance misuse disorders.

"USDA's investment in much-needed medical facilities is bringing state-of-the-art health care to residents in our rural communities," Vilsack said. "When complete, the hospital and new medical office building will have the staff and equipment to deliver quality medical services to Fulton County, including treatment for patients who have opioid and other substance use disorders."

Secretary Vilsack is leading an interagency effort to address the rural opioid crisis, which disproportionately affects rural areas. He made the announcement here today as part of the White House's efforts this week to bring increased attention to the opioid crisis in rural areas. On Aug. 31, Vilsack announced an initiative to provide transitional housing for rural Americans who are seeking to recover from substance use disorders.

Vilsack was on the campus of Clinton County's Wilmington College where a similar $19.7 million USDA Community Facilities loan in 2013 helped to finance the rehabilitation of Kettering Hall, home of the school's Center for Science and Agriculture.

"Standing in the rejuvenated Kettering Hall, we see proof of how USDA's Community Facilities program can have a massive, positive impact in rural areas," Vilsack said. "A few short years ago, Wilmington was reeling from the loss of the region's primary employer, which quadrupled the unemployment rate. But with steady effort and dedicated public-private partnerships, the tide is turning and the community is making a comeback."

Today's tour of the Center for Science and Agriculture included viewing renovations to the circa 1960s original footprint. These renovations focused on removing environmental hazards, updating mechanical systems and improving building accessibility. The 15,000-square-foot building addition provides much-needed classroom and laboratory space for Wilmington College's growing STEM program.

Vilsack said Wauseon and the surrounding region on Ohio's northern border also stand to benefit from the Fulton County Health Center's Community Facilities loan, particularly because the Center is the only medical provider in the area. USDA funds will help construct a 62,220-square-foot medical office building, easing a space shortage and helping attract additional medical specialists to the area. About 80 new jobs are anticipated as a result.


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