How The Shutdown’s Freeze On USDA Funding Is Affecting Rural Hospitals
Low-interest Department of Agriculture loans, delivered through its rural development program, are attractive to rural hospitals that have been economically struggling in recent years. As the shutdown continues, hospitals may have to bear the brunt of getting another loan with higher interest. In other shutdown news: food safety, the FDA, and mental health services for furloughed workers.
Modern Healthcare:
Government Shutdown Threatens Loans To Rural Hospitals
The partial government shutdown, now on its 32nd day, has dried up a key cash flow for at least one rural hospital: a $3.2 million low-interest rural development loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In the case of the small not-for-profit medical center in Pecos, N.M., the shutdown's freeze of USDA funding also halted financing of a costly construction project when the official in charge of the loan went on furlough. The project, a 9,000-square-foot expansion to bring all its treatments into one building, is slated for an August completion. (Luthi, 1/22)
CQ:
Food Safety Faces Risks During Shutdown, Say Experts
The monthlong partial government shutdown is exposing the pressure points of an already vulnerable food safety system and risks hindering responses to illness outbreaks that might arise, warn safety experts. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb tweeted this week that about 350 inspectors out of 550 total are furloughed. He said Tuesday that the continuing food safety work included inspections of facilities producing foods with higher-risk of outbreaks like fish, cheese and raw produce. High-risk facilities make up around one-third of the 160 inspections that the FDA normally conducts when fully funded. (Siddons, 1/22)
Politico Pro:
Patient, Doctor Groups Warn Of Shutdown Impact On FDA
A coalition of more than 40 patient and health provider groups are warning about the effects of the government shutdown on the FDA, marking the first time advocacy organizations have weighed in on the more-than-monthlong lapse in appropriations. (Karlin-Smith, 1/22)
Chicago Tribune:
Furloughed Federal Workers Offered Free Mental Health Counseling
Concerned about the mental well-being of federal workers affected by the longest government shutdown in history, a local health system is offering free counseling. Sinai Health System’s behavioral health department is accepting walk-ins and appointments for adult patients at Mount Sinai and Holy Cross hospitals. Workers who show their government IDs can get services for free if they’ve been furloughed or have been going without pay. (Schencker, 1/22)
