Hope hospital gets funding boost after voters approve tax

HOPE, Ark. (KSLA) - Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center got a major funding boost this week after voters approved a hospital tax.

An overwhelming 82% of voters approved the three-quarter cent tax. Hospital Administrator Shelby Brown estimates it will generate about $3 million a year. The money can only be used for the hospital.

“I think it was a statement to people of Hempstead County that want to make sure they continue to have quality healthcare close to home,” Brown said. “It is restricted funds. The county owns the hospital, so the funds can only be used to support or maintain the infrastructure.”

Brown said the hospital should begin seeing the benefits in January.

“So it was important for the viability and sustainability for our hospital. Now, it is not the only piece of the puzzle… we still have work to do,” Brown said.

Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center is a critical access hospital licensed for 25 beds and employing 115 people. Officials say those employees helped drive the strong vote.

“Obviously when you get 82% of the vote, the people trust the care they are getting,” Brown said.

Hempstead County leaders began operating the facility about two years ago after the previous owners filed for bankruptcy.