State grant to benefit Clarion Hospital

The Clarion County commissioners are expected to approve a resolution that will provide funding for an addition to Clarion Hospital’s emergency room while helping to ensure employee retention and the creation of construction jobs.

The resolution will authorize the county to apply for funding to the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant in the amount of $1 million dollars.

The state previously notified the Clarion Healthcare System that Gov. Tom Wolf had authorized the funds for the project. The county is the eligible applicant for the hospital, which is the “subapplicant.”

Clarion County Commissioner Ted Tharan said the money was “flow through” funding, meaning the county does not retain any portion of the funds.

According to an earlier news release from state Rep. Donna Oberlander, R-63rd District, and state Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st District, the funding will be used to complete a renovation of the current ER, permitting the hospital to see additional patients and meet the current demand for emergency services.

Specifically, the waiting room will be expanded and three more exam rooms added.

Anticipated enhancements include space and design elements to improve patient safety, privacy, access and experience.

The overall project cost is estimated at $2 million.

According to estimates, the project will create 25 construction jobs while offering a boost to the local economy. Additionally, the project will ensure the current 500 hospital employees will continue to be gainfully employed, according to Clarion Hospital Chief Executive Officer Steven Davis.