Dr. Pugh is the hospital administrator for Greene County Hospital and John is the chair of the hospital board. They are both passionate about Greene County, its hospital and the hospital’s patients, and work hard to ensure the hospital stays viable.
But because Alabama didn’t expand its Medicaid program, Greene County Hospital – like many rural hospitals across the country – see many patients who do not have health insurance, and therefore cannot pay their bills. “The hospital has a deficit because we do not turn people away,” John said, “and we have been providing approximately $100,000 a month in uncompensated care.”
The town raises money for the hospital through electronic bingo and residents host fundraisers to support the hospital. But these charity events only raise about half the amount needed to cover the hospital’s deficit.
“Healthcare is one of the cornerstones for economic growth,” Dr. Pugh said. “The hospital employs about 150 people, which is one of the largest employers here in Greene County. It’s vital that we keep this facility open.”
Want to see more of Dr. Pugh and John’s story? Watch On the Edge: Health Care in Alabama, a short film featuring community members and health professionals from across North Carolina sharing their challenges and triumphs as they strive to take care of themselves, their families, and their communities.