The Lewis County Health System is set to receive repayment from the county for millions of dollars that were originally borrowed for the construction of the Jefferson Community College Education Center. The Health and Human Services Committee has approved moving $2.5 million from this year’s fund balance and an additional $1 million per year over the next two years towards repaying the debt.
The funds will be used for general operations but will also specifically assist in reopening the hospital’s maternity ward, which has been closed since 2018. Jeff Hellinger, CFO of Lewis County Health System, expressed optimism about the potential to move forward with reopening the ward, noting that a new provider recently started.
If approved by the full board of legislators, this reimbursement will provide crucial financial support to the health system and contribute to the potential reopening of the maternity ward.