SMMC board member sparks talk of need for hospital district

BIG SPRING, TX — During the Howard County Summit held on Wednesday afternoon, a rumor that Scenic Mountain Medical Center would be closing was addressed. Although it was noted that Steward Health Care, the corporation that currently owns SMMC, was facing financial difficulties, SMMC is financially strong.

Dr. Cheryl Sparks, Chair of the SMMC Board, voiced the need for the creation of a hospital district in Howard County. She stated that there is a need to move away from Steward Health Care because decisions for the local community’s healthcare needs are being made by a corporation with no personal ties to the community. She advised that in order to do that a hospital district was needed. This would allow them to hire someone to manage the hospital and provide philanthropic support, but it would be an additional cost for taxpayers.

Dr. Sparks advised that there was a need to begin the discussion now so that it may possibly be on the ballot for the November election.

A hospital district is a special district designed to support local healthcare efforts. Other hospital districts in the area include Martin County, Mitchell County, Dawson County, Midland County, and Ector County.

Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbye Valverde (left) and President of Howard College Dr. Cheryl Sparks (right)

Representatives from the Big Spring Economic Development Corporation

Representatives from the City of Big Spring

From left to right: Cash Berry, Howard County Commissioner for Pct. 2; Gloria McDonald, Big Spring Councilwoman for District 4; Cody Hughes (Big Spring Councilman for District 3; and Troy Tompkins (Big Spring Councilman for District 5)

(left to right) Manny Negron; Howard County Judge Randy Johnson with County Commissioners Jimmie Long, Doug Wagner, Eddlisa Ray, and Cash Berry.

Representatives from the Big Spring State Hospital and Scenic Mountain Medical Center

Representatives from the Howard College Board of Trustees with Big Spring ISD Asst. Superintendent Jeff Perez (far right)

(left to right) Dane Richardson, Forsan ISD Superintendent, with FISD representative

SMMC board member sparks talk of need for hospital district

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