Access to high-quality healthcare can be a challenge in rural communities. Nearly thirty years ago, the federal government introduced the critical access hospital program (CAH) to ensure rural communities have access to essential medical services. East Adams Rural Healthcare is designated a CAH, meaning we are on a mission to help meet the healthcare needs of Adams County residents with tailored medical services.
Learn more about how we’re fulfilling our role as a CAH and how this designation is helping us on our mission to improve rural healthcare.
What Is a Critical Access Hospital?
A critical access hospital is a healthcare facility designated by the federal government to improve access to healthcare in rural areas. To qualify as a CAH, a hospital must meet specific criteria:
- Be located in a rural area
- Maintain 25 or fewer inpatient beds
- Provide 24/7 emergency care
- Ensure the average length of patient stay for acute care is no more than 96 hours
The purpose of a critical access hospital is to ensure rural communities have access to high-quality care close to home, reducing the need to travel long distances and improving patient healthcare outcomes.
Why We’re a Designated CAH
Adams County faces unique healthcare challenges as a rural community. The 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment highlighted several critical needs for residents, including:
- High rates of chronic disease, particularly heart disease and diabetes
- Limited access to specialty care, requiring patients to travel long distances
- Gaps in mental health services
- Economic challenges that make healthcare unaffordable
These factors highlight the importance of EARH’s designation as a critical access hospital. Our healthcare team can help fill these gaps and ensure residents get the care they need with services such as:
24/7 Emergency Care
EARH offers round-the-clock access to emergency medical services, reducing the risk of delaying care during critical moments. Access to emergency care is vital for life-threatening conditions when immediate attention can make all the difference.
Inpatient Services
We provide acute care services tailored to patient needs, ensuring each patient gets personalized attention during their stay with us. These services address immediate health concerns in a supportive, professional healthcare environment.
Swing Bed Program
Our swing bed services support patients transitioning from acute care to recovery. They offer rehabilitation and post-acute care close to home, allowing patients to fully recover without the stress of traveling long distances for follow-up care.
Walk-In and Mobile Clinic
EARH operates walk-in and mobile healthcare clinics to improve accessibility for residents. These clinics provide convenient options for routine checkups, vaccinations, and minor medical concerns. They can help bridge the healthcare gaps for those with limited mobility or without access to transportation options.
Collaborative Healthcare Efforts
The hospital collaborates closely with local healthcare providers and organizations to address healthcare gaps, particularly in mental health and chronic disease management. This approach ensures that patients get the care they need, no matter where they live.
The Impact of a Critical Access Hospital on Adams County
Our efforts to provide the local community access to high-quality health care are paying off. We’ve been able to help:
- Reduce travel times. Adams County residents can access care locally, which is great news for everyone but even more critical for seniors and those with mobility challenges.
- Improve health outcomes. We’ve helped residents manage chronic conditions and prevent complications. By taking a collaborative care approach, we are helping improve the quality of life for patients throughout Adams County.
- Provide economic stability. We contribute to the local economy by providing jobs and supporting health initiatives that help residents maintain employment. We also offer access to affordable healthcare services at our walk-in and mobile clinics.
Learn More About Our Mission as a Critical Access Hospital
East Adams Rural Healthcare’s designation as a critical access hospital shows our commitment to the community. We want to continue helping residents address healthcare challenges, whether receiving preventative care, emergency treatments, or finding resources to manage chronic conditions.
If you’d like to learn more about EARH’s role as a critical access hospital, you can read the 2024 Community Needs Health Assessment. Or, if you’d like to learn more about how we’re serving the local community’s healthcare needs, contact us. We’re looking forward to helping Adams County thrive for many years to come.