US Dept. of Agriculture Loan to Assist Cameron County Health Center Expansion Project, Thompson says
Washington, DC – Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-05) today announced that federal funds will assist in the expansion of a Cameron County health center. The Keystone Rural Health Consortia was awarded a $657,540 loan from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Rural Development.
The funding will be used to build an addition to Keystone’s dental and medical care clinic in Emporium. The addition will provide more space for their administrative staff and to provide telemedicine to patients. In addition to the facility in Emporium, Keystone Rural Health Consortia has locations in Centre and Elk counties.
“Having worked in non-profit healthcare for nearly three decades, I can attest to the challenges providers often face in adequately providing services in rural communities,” said Thompson. “I am very pleased that Keystone Rural Health Consortia is expanding the use of telemedicine to help offer quality care to the residents of Cameron County and the surrounding areas,” Thompson added.
Grant and loan funding from the USDA’s Office of Rural Development is intended to assist small businesses, boost economic development projects and in the improvement or construction of community facilities and/or equipment. In Feb. 2016, Thompson joined with Rural Development Office in hosting a workshop highlighting the various opportunities for communities and non-profits throughout the 5th Congressional District. Thompson, a member of the House Committee on Agriculture has oversight of the USDA and is available to provide technical assistance to those perusing grant or loan opportunities. Interested parties should contact Thompson’s Bellefonte office at (814) 355-0215.