Clay Community Hoping For County Commission To Reconsider Hospital Decision

Cumberland River Hospital Owner Johnny Presley said Boa Vida remains interested in reopening Celina’s hospital–but a county commission vote left them shaken.

Presley said there is concern that the county’s decision on funding could jeopardize efforts. He said they are hopeful that with a majority of the community in favor of the hospital reopening, they can get the county to agree to reconsider.

“For people to go into a rural community and reestablish healthcare, it requires 100 percent team effort from your city, your county, and your EMS,” Presley said. “And when people see that fractured, then they get very nervous.”

Presley said there will be a community gathering at the Cumberland River Hospital Thursday. He said the goal is to show the high community support to reopen the hospital. Presley said the need to reopen the hospital has been made very apparent over the last few years, especially during the pandemic.

“And it’s just unfair that these services have been taken away for whatever reason,” Presley said. “What I’m finding is that throughout the country every community is trying to reopen their hospital and to see a community that’s not supportive of it, it’s almost unheard of at this time.”

The city of Celina has already committed $250,000 if Boa Vida operated the hospital for at least a year. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Cumberland River Hospital.