Memorial Health Systems President and CEO Scott Cantley discusses financial struggles for rural hospitals Thursday morning. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

MARIETTA — Memorial Health System leaders hosted a community discussion titled “The Cost of Care: A Transparent Conversation with Memorial Health System’s President and CEO” to address pressures facing rural health care and provide updates on major projects underway in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Memorial President and CEO Scott Cantley spoke on the financial challenges rural hospitals encounter, including rising costs and stagnant or declining reimbursements from government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.

“We don’t have the population growth of urban centers, and with more of our patients covered by Medicare and Medicaid, revenues don’t keep pace with rising costs,” he said.

Cantley reviewed the history of U.S. health care financing, noting that Medicare’s establishment in 1965 expanded access for seniors, while the 1980s shift to fixed-rate payments based on diagnoses put financial strain on hospitals. He said smaller communities like Marietta, which have seen population decline and industrial loss, face particular difficulties as more residents rely on government coverage.

According to Cantley, Ohio has lost two-thirds of its independent rural hospitals in the past 20 years, with many absorbed into larger systems that consolidate services in metropolitan areas. He said MHS plans to remain independent and continue investing in regional care.

Dan Breece, the chief medical officer for Memorial Health Systems, gives updates on Memorial Health Foundation’s “Together” campaign. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Among the system’s largest projects is the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Belpre, developed with Akron Children’s Hospital, which is scheduled to open in late 2027. Another project in Sistersville, W.Va., is expected to replace the existing hospital with a new facility by 2026 or 2027.

“These are once-in-a-generation projects,” Cantley said. “They will ensure that our communities don’t lose access to high-quality care.”

The Memorial Health Foundation is supporting the initiatives through its $50 million “Together” campaign, which has raised $39.3 million to date. Donations are designated for construction and patient assistance programs, including transportation and specialty care.

“Every dollar stays here to strengthen local care,” said Dr. Dan Breece, MHS chief medical officer.

Cantley also said he will travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress about rural health care financing and the need for structural reforms.

Despite challenges, Cantley said he is optimistic about Memorial’s future, citing partnerships, federal funding opportunities, and community support.

“We’re committed to making sure the Mid-Ohio Valley has the health care it needs, not just for today, but for generations to come,” he said.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com.