CMH to expand, modernize with $77M injection

Federal and local bank loans to the tune of $77 million will go toward expansion and modernization efforts at Bolivar-based Citizens Memorial Hospital.

The bulk of the funding, roughly $57.8 million, comes through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Community Facilities Direct Loan Program, according to a news release. Several local banks are partnering with the USDA to provides $19.3 million in loans for the project, which represents over 100,000 square feet added to facilities.

“The hospital is in dire need of an update to its facilities so that current medical demands of the community can be met,” said Kyle Wilkens, Missouri director of USDA Rural Development, in the release. “The planned expansion of the hospital facility has been developing over the past several years with hospital leadership, board of directors and the community. All are supportive of this project, and USDA Rural Development is proud to provide funding.”

CMH spokesperson Tamera Heitz-Peek said via email the funding from the USDA is in the form of a low-interest loan.

Renovations and expansions are planned for the main CMH building, which originally was constructed in Bolivar in the 1980s and expanded in the 1990s and early 2000s, according to the release. The hospital's emergency department, surgical unit, and intensive care and progressive care units will be expanded to the tune of 102,500 square feet, with 22,250 square feet of renovation.

Other planned improvements include transitioning medical and surgical rooms to private from semi-private; adding a third operating room and a shell for a potential fourth operating room; increasing emergency room beds to 21 from 12 and adding a six-bed unit specifically for behavioral health patients; and constructing two cardiac catheter units and replacing the current modular unit.

CMH recently was recognized as the No. 10 fastest growing company in Springfield Business Journal's annual Dynamic Dozen awards. The health care system reported 2021 revenue of $573.1 million, representing three-year growth of 8%.