CONNERSVILLE — Reid Health broke ground on a new hospital in Connersville on Wednesday. The eyesore empty lot on Park will soon be a new facility rife with services, including a helipad linked to an emergency department, something Fayette County hasn't had in 30 years.
"We're going to bring more services, such as infusions, we're going to have our sleep lab here. We'll have rehab and primary care and specialty care physicians, as well," Reid Health president and CEO Craig Kinyon said.
In its health assessment, the state health department identified Fayette County as having a shortage of primary care physicians, dentists, and mental health services. Members of the community attended the groundbreaking, relieved that much-needed medical services are on the horizon.
Connersville High School student body president Jocelyn McClung spoke at the ceremony about the opportunities the new facility will bring to the area.
"It's scary knowing you'd have to travel so far, especially in an emergency. You could travel to the hospital and get there too late in an extreme circumstance," McClung said.
Kinyon hopes the hospital will provide more than just healthcare services. He hopes it will attract other employers and be a source of hope for the future. That's why local children were the ones who broke ground.
"If you can support the children of the community to be successful and want to stay here because they've grown to love this community, then that gives them the opportunity to build this community," Kinyon said.
The facility should be opening in 2024. It will replace the old facility on Virginia Avenue.
-
Urban farmer navigates funding shifts with Farm Bill expiring
Urban farmer struggles with federal funding delays as Farm Bill expires. Indianapolis' Soul Food Project forced to furlough workers, shut down operations for months.
Neighbors near Wheeler Mission notice increase in homeless population in area
Ohio Street neighbors say they’ve noticed an increased number of homeless people in the area surrounding Wheeler Mission.
Free Books Instead of Chips: Greenwood schools install reading machines
With a free coin and push of a button, students at all four Greenwood Community Elementary schools can get their hands on a new book.
INDOT opens two new truck rest areas with 150 parking spots
This investment comes as the Indiana Motor Truck Association says for every 11 trucks on the road, there is only one parking spot, a shortage drivers face nationwide.
