Grande Ronde Hospital CEO testifies at Senate Finance Committee hearing on rural health care challenges
By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, May 21st, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Release from Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics) La Grande, OR – Grande Ronde Hospital’s President and CEO, Jeremy Davis, testified this week before the Senate Finance Committee, presenting critical issues and priorities faced by rural hospitals. His testimony underscores the vital role small, independent hospitals like Grande Ronde Hospital play in ensuring accessible, quality health care for rural communities.
Covering a vast and mountainous region of 2,038 square miles, Grande Ronde Hospital is a cornerstone for Union County, providing essential health services to a community with a median household income significantly lower than the state average and a 15% poverty rate. Davis, who grew up in Baker City, Oregon, shares a personal connection to our rural lifestyle and the unique health care needs of this region.
“Our hospital plays a crucial role in bridging the health care gap for rural residents, many of whom face chronic conditions,” said Davis. “We are committed to improving health outcomes by focusing on chronic disease prevention, addressing social determinants of health, and adding additional providers to our community.”
“Typically, when we’re asking for help, we’re looking for a hand up not a handout,” Davis emphasized during his testimony. He highlighted the financial challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, including a staggering 608% increase in cyber insurance premiums since 2019. The pandemic exposed the fragility of rural hospital finances, with rising expenses and workforce shortages contributing to the strain. In 2023, Oregon hospitals posted a -1.3% operating margin, a stark reminder of the ongoing fiscal pressures.
A significant portion of Grande Ronde’s patients rely on Medicare and Medicaid, with 41% covered by Medicare and 23% by Medicaid. Adequate reimbursement from these programs are essential to sustain high-quality care. “Reimbursement is only part of our challenge,” Davis noted. “We also need support for telehealth flexibilities, workforce stability, and innovative solutions to keep our services robust and responsive.”
Grande Ronde Hospital has been a pioneer in telemedicine since 2007, offering vital access to specialties not available locally. This program proved indispensable during the pandemic, allowing safe and effective patient care to continue. The hospital’s commitment to community investment extends beyond health care, with initiatives supporting local transportation, education, and housing to improve overall health and well-being.
“We are proud of our longstanding commitment to this community and the recognition we have received for our efforts,” said Davis. “Our goal is to continue providing exceptional care and to advocate for policies that support the sustainability and growth of rural health services.”
