Clarke County Hospital (CCH) has been notified by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) that it has been selected to participate in the second round of Healthy Hometowns grants funded through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Rural Health Transformation Program. These awards will strengthen local healthcare infrastructure, expand access to specialized services, and bring advanced technology to patients throughout south-central Iowa.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Clarke County Hospital and the communities we serve,” said Melanie Boyd, CEO of Clarke County Hospital. “These investments will strengthen our ability to provide exceptional care close to home by expanding access to cancer services, enhancing early detection capabilities, and bringing advanced imaging technology to our patients. We are grateful for the partnerships and support that continue to help us meet the healthcare needs of our community today and into the future.”
As part of the recently announced Combat Cancer Health Hub Program, Iowa HHS named five primary awardees tasked with establishing statewide hub-and-spoke networks for specialized cancer care. The designated hubs include Ottumwa Regional Health Center, Wayne County Hospital in Corydon, Shenandoah Medical Center, Greater Regional Medical Center in Creston, and Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.
Clarke County Hospital has been selected as a key “spoke” partner within Wayne County Hospital’s network. The five-year initiative is designed to improve access to cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and supportive services in rural communities through telehealth expansion, workforce development, and collaborative care partnerships.
Participation in the network will enhance Clarke County Hospital’s oncology and preventative care capabilities, including the future acquisition of a new state-of-the-art mammography system to support early detection and improve breast health services for area residents.
In addition, Iowa HHS announced 42 recipients of Healthy Hometowns medical equipment grants. Clarke County Hospital was selected as one of the recipients of the Healthy Hometowns Best and Brightest Medical Equipment Procurement Grant and has been awarded $202,474.85 for the purchase of a new Philips EPIQ Elite Ultrasound system. The advanced imaging technology will provide exceptional diagnostic clarity and support improved patient care across a wide range of services.
The grant award will become official upon final execution of the contract with Iowa HHS.
This marks the second major grant Clarke County Hospital has secured through the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program. Earlier this year, Iowa HHS approved a Healthy Hometowns Best and Brightest Workforce Recruitment grant to support the recruitment of an additional MD/DO physician to serve the community.
From advanced imaging technology and physician recruitment to expanded regional cancer partnerships, Clarke County Hospital continues to invest in innovative programs and strategic collaborations that ensure patients have access to high-quality healthcare without leaving the communities they call home.