PIKE COUNTY, Alabama (WSFA) – Alabama has seen a number of rural hospitals close their doors over the past decade. Thursday marked National Rural Hospital Day, and to recognize the work Troy Regional Medical does in Pike County, the city’s mayor presented a proclamation to the facility. This is called care close to home.

“We care for the community, but we recognize the challenges that come with it,” said Amy Minor, TRMC’s director of nursing and clinical care.

Rural hospitals are struggling to keep up with the cost of care and medications, as well as staffing shortages and technological advances. The COVID-19 pandemic has actually been an opportunity for Troy Regional to invest in itself.

“Unlike many hospitals, we did not rely on contract nursing staff and were simply able to contain our operating expenses,” said Kathy Hill, chief financial officer.

The hospital used these profits to reinvest in itself, including purchasing new medical technologies.

“We had to do everything on paper and in 2024, in the health sector, paper will be eliminated. So it’s nice to have nice electronics that we can use,” said registered nurse Lindsay Lee, who adds that she has worked in larger hospitals but prefers smaller-scale care.

“In rural health care, I feel like I’m not a number or a name. I am valued. I don’t know anyone in healthcare who can say their CEO served them breakfast,” Lee said.

According to Lee, this quality treatment allows them to take better care of their patients.

Some may think they have to go to a larger hospital to get specific care, but at Troy Regional Medical Center they have a nuclear gamma camera, which most hospitals in the area do not have .

“Nursing care and equipment are of the same caliber in a larger facility. Some things we can’t provide, but what we do, we do well,” Minor said.

Troy Regional Medical Center offers a 24/7 emergency center, cancer center, primary care, acute care, a fully functional laboratory, and other specialty services like a drug treatment center. Click here to learn more.

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