Ky. Rural Health Assn. names state Auditor Adam Edelen "Rural Health Champion" for report on finances of rural hospitals

State Auditor Adam Edelen

The Kentucky Rural Health Association has named state Auditor Adam Edelen its first “Kentucky Rural Health Champion” for his special examination of the financial strength of 44 of the state’s 66 rural hospitals.

Edelen found that most of Kentucky’s rural hospitals were below the national average in financial strength. His report "emphasized the importance of rural hospitals, which provide healthcare to 45 percent of Kentuckians and serve a disproportionate share of low-income and elderly citizens," KRHA said in a news release. "In many rural communities, hospitals are the first or second largest employer."

“Auditor Edelen’s leadership sparked a statewide dialogue about the importance of rural hospitals, and provided policymakers with a baseline for monitoring the financial health of rural care centers in the future,” KRHA Executive Director Tina McCormick said. “He has proven himself a true advocate for rural health care.”