Medical Center gets COVID-19 funds, elects board members

PHILIPSBURG – The Granite County Medical Center (GCMS) received emergency funding last week in light of the COVID-19 crisis.

According to GCMC CEO Maria Stoppler, the local hospital received just under $2 million to help alleviate the losses suffered during the pandemic. The GCMC receives funds for use by residents. When those were eliminated due to social distancing guidelines, the hospital lost the corresponding revenue.

“GCHD is receiving relief funds from the Federal Government to compensate for the tremendous amount of lost revenue and added costs associated with the preparation and response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Stoppler told the Courier. “While these funds are intended to support the hospital throughout this crisis, we are awaiting guidance from Health and Human Services as to how the funds are to be spent and substantiated, and if any amount will need to be repaid. It is also uncertain at this point, how it will affect the annual cost report.”

Stoppler also noted that the GCMC will be required to report all expenditures and would likely need to refund any unused amount. The funds can only be used to make up for lost revenue and expenses related to the facility’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

GCHD Board Elections

The Granite County Health District held its board elections earlier this month with incumbents holding their seats. Jim Waldbillig defeated Elena Gagliano 634-190, Kristie Mainwaring beat Chris Cornelius 424-369 and Chad Green ran unopposed and won 703-0.