Hardy: Let Us Help Save Rural Hospitals

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Cresent Hardy(Cresent Hardy) – This week, we took aim at a critical issue facing Nevada’s rural communities. I introduced the Rural HEALTH Act of 2016 to save our rural hospitals and prevent them from being shut down, so families living in these areas could get the urgent health care they need.

Earlier, I helped connect veterans and their families to several different programs and service providers dedicated to assisting our vets at my second annual Veterans Care Fair this past weekend. Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, and I also met with community leaders to discuss the innovative ways our community is fighting to end the war on poverty in America.

Last, are you looking for a better job or opportunities to kick start a new career? Below are the information on my Career Advancement Workshop to be held on May 5.

On Saving Rural Hospitals

Living near a functioning hospital can mean the difference between life and death.

Sadly, more than 30% of America’s rural hospitals are vulnerable to conditions that have caused the closure of 71 facilities in the last six years – and the numbers increased in each of those years. When a rural hospital closes, the next nearest facility could be hours away.

Rural communities are home to some of our most resilient people, but they are too often overlooked for that very reason. We have to act now to prevent more families from losing their lifelines in times of emergency.

That is why I am introducing the bipartisan Rural HEALTH Act of 2016. The Rural HEALTH Act aims to support existing rural hospitals through State Offices of Rural Health and incentivize construction of new facilities for communities in need.

Nevada’s rural families need to be able to access a nearby hospital just as everyone else does. I will continue to fight to make sure our rural communities have the services they need to take care of their loved ones.

On Serving Veterans and Their Families

Hardy - Let us help save rural hospitals

Our veterans have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom and our safety. We need to make sure they and their families are getting the care they deserve.

Unfortunately, too many veterans are still unaware of the many organizations and programs that are available to assist them. This is why I hosted a second annual Veterans Care Fair to raise awareness to the various services available to veterans and their families.

We brought together over thirty organizations, businesses, and government agencies to meet with veterans and help address some of the problems they face.

Attendees had the opportunity to participate in six discussions on issues important to veterans, such as housing for veterans, managing PTSD, suicide prevention and more. I also heard questions and concerns along with VA leaders at a VA Town Hall that took place at the fair.

Our veterans deserve the best and I’m glad this event could help so many families.

On Winning the War on Poverty

Hardy - Let us help save rural hospitals 1

We can win the war on poverty if we think outside the box and learn from each other.

Speaker Ryan and I sat down with community leaders who are tackling this problem through innovative approaches focused on empowering and connecting our communities around this issue. It was an honor to have Nevada’s own Jon Ponder with Hope for Prisoners join us to discuss the success they are seeing in their approach.

We are all in this together – and we can make a difference.

Upcoming Events

Career Advancement Workshop

Are you looking for a better job or opportunities to kick start a new career? Join me for my Career Advancement Workshop to help connect Nevada’s families with employment opportunities and resources that will help prepare you for a better career. Click here for more details.

Thursday | May 5, 2016
North Las Vegas City Hall
2250 N. Las Vegas Blvd., Room 510
North Las Vegas, Nevada 89030
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To RSVP, call (702) 912-1634 or email Kelly.Espinoza@mail.house.gov.

Get Funded, Get Marketing, Get Growing

Learn how to access capital and create a strategic marketing plan for your small business at my Get Funded, Get Marketing, Get Growing workshop. You will hear from banks, small business experts, and marketing gurus on how to expand and promote your business.

Friday | May 6, 2016
North Las Vegas City Hall
2250 N. Las Vegas Blvd.
North Las Vegas, Nevada 89030
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Reserve your seat by calling (702) 912-1634 or emailing Kent.Alexander@mail.house.gov.

 

Congressman Cresent Hardy represents Nevada’s 4th Congressional District. He serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Small Business Committee. For more information about him, visit Hardy.House.gov.