Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program - South Sunflower County Hospital Project Narrative Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program (RHPAP) HRSA-26-105 Applicant Organization: South Sunflower County Hospital UEI: C6L7GMBWNT74 CMS Certification Number (CCN): 250095 Project Director/Authorized Representative: Leigh Ann Armstrong, Chief Financial Officer Hospital Background South Sunflower County Hospital (SSCH) is a locally governed rural acute care hospital located in Indianola, Mississippi, serving residents of Sunflower County and the Mississippi Delta. SSCH provides emergency, inpatient, outpatient, diagnostic imaging, laboratory, surgical, rehabilitation, and specialty care services. The hospital serves a medically underserved population facing significant health disparities, chronic disease burden, transportation barriers, and limited access to care. The proposed project supports long-term sustainability through investments in infrastructure and technology. Project Overview SSCH requests $148,000.00 in Equipment funding through the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program to strengthen infrastructure, improve provider efficiency, enhance patient safety, and preserve access to healthcare services. Statement of Need The hospital must modernize its badge access system, communication infrastructure, mobile clinical technology, and surgical and diagnostic equipment to support provider retention, improve operations, and maintain essential healthcare services. Project Description 1. Badge Access Security System Upgrade - $32,610.00 2. Communication and Call System Upgrade - $54,885.55 3. Mobile Tablets and Rugged Point-of-Care Devices - $24,002.23 4. Surgical and Diagnostic Equipment Upgrade - $36,502.22 Goals, Objectives, and Expected Outcomes Goal 1: Improve Provider Efficiency and Workforce Retention • Install and operationalize the upgraded Communication and Call System by September 29, 2027. • Deploy mobile tablets and rugged devices to clinical staff by September 29, 2027. • Improve provider workflow efficiency through point-of-care technology. Goal 2: Enhance Patient Safety and Hospital Security • Install and activate the Badge Access Security System by September 29, 2027. • Strengthen protection of patients, staff, and visitors. • Improve communication response capabilities hospital-wide. Goal 3: Maintain Access to Essential Healthcare Services • Complete surgical and diagnostic equipment upgrades by September 29, 2027. • Maintain uninterrupted access to local surgical and imaging services. • Support provider recruitment and retention through modern equipment. Budget Summary Project Component Federal Funds Badge Access Security System Upgrade $32,610.00 Communication and Call System Upgrade $54,885.55 Mobile Tablets and Rugged Devices $24,002.23 Surgical and Diagnostic Equipment Upgrade $36,502.22 Total Federal Request $148,000.00 Sustainability All funded equipment and technology will be maintained through existing operational resources and maintenance programs. Investments will provide long-term benefits supporting healthcare delivery, provider efficiency, patient safety, and access to care. Conclusion RHPAP funding will allow South Sunflower County Hospital to modernize critical infrastructure, strengthen provider retention efforts, improve patient safety, and sustain access to healthcare services throughout the Mississippi Delta region.
