(STURGIS) – The Sturgis City Commission will be discussing the possibility of loaning money to Sturgis Hospital to help keep their doors open during a special meeting tonight.

During their meeting on June 15, the Commission heard a presentation from Sturgis Hospital Board Vice President Joe Haas. He shared that the Hospital is at a point where they may have to file bankruptcy because they have not been able to find a partner, which has been a priority for many years.

Haas says that a new opportunity has come along that may be the saving grace for Sturgis Hospital, which is converting it to a Rural Emergency Hospital. Legislation has been passed by the State of Michigan allowing hospitals to become a Rural Emergency Hospital. But the law doesn’t go into effect until January 1, 2023, and Haas says that creates a new problem for Sturgis Hospital. ...... {LISTEN}.

Haas explains as a Rural Emergency Hospital, Sturgis Hospital would not provide any in patient or surgical services, unless it was out patient surgical services. The public could still come and get their blood work done and x-rays.

Haas says they have been communicating with State Senator Kim LaSata, and she says Sturgis Hospital may be able to receive $15 million in the upcoming budget. But they wouldn’t know if the money is available until sometime today. If it is available and can be given to the Hospital, Haas say LaSata would work to get that expedited to Sturgis Hospital as soon as possible.

In the meantime, Haas says Sturgis Hospital is asking the City of Sturgis for a loan of $645,000 to sustain them until they can get the money from the State.

Tonight’s meeting starts at 6 PM at the Sturges-Young Center For The Arts.