Silver City, NM (June 5, 2020)—The Gila Regional Medical Center Governing Board announced today that year-to-date losses for the hospital through the end of April amount to almost $12.2 million dollars. "Approximately half of this loss can be attributed to the increased costs of preparing for COVID-19 combined with the loss of revenue from canceling elective procedures during the crisis," said Board Chair Alicia Edwards. "Turning these losses into positive net revenue will take more than waiting for the pandemic to end. We need to creatively increase revenue while cutting costs," Edwards said.

Part of increasing revenue, according to interim Chief Executive Officer Scott Manis, is becoming designated a Critical Access Hospital by the federal government. "The dedicated employees at the hospital are working diligently preparing for the Joint Commission survey, which is the next step in becoming a Critical Access Hospital," Manis said. "This will help with future revenues, but it will not make up the whole loss," he added.

As the hospital receives updates and information, they will continue to share with the community. For more information go to www. grmc.org

COVID-19 Screening Clinic appointments: 575-388-4103.