Fairfield, Texas—Freestone Medical Center has been selected to participate in the first cohort of the Rural Hospital Stabilization Program, a new federal initiative designed to help rural hospitals improve their financial stability by developing or enhancing health care services.
Hospitals participating in the program — which is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Federal Office of Rural Health Policy and administered by the National Rural Health Resource Center — will work closely with a team of national experts to better understand each facility’s financial and operational performance.
With funding support to help grow services and associated facility needs, this will allow us to improve our financial outlook and meet our community’s top health priorities. These experienced leaders and technical assistance professionals will assist in identifying care gaps and provide education and coaching to help customize our strategy and work together through project implementation.
“This is more than a grant — it’s a strategic investment in the future of rural healthcare,” said Melissa Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Freestone Medical Center. “We are working hard to stabilize our hospital after years of financial pressure, and this program gives us the momentum to accelerate that progress. With expert support and a community-first mindset, we’re turning the corner — from surviving to building something stronger. Our patients deserve dependable, local care, and we’re committed to delivering that with transparency, strategy, and heart.”
The program is expected to take 18-24 months to complete.
The ultimate goal of the Rural Hospital Stabilization Program — whose first cohort includes eight hospitals from seven states — is to strengthen rural health care delivery nationwide by improving hospital financial stability.
