DARLINGTON — Gov. Tony Evers announced more than $97 million in grants have been awarded to address healthcare access needs in communities across the state through the Healthcare Infrastructure Capital Investment Grant Program.   

The Healthcare Infrastructure Capital Investment Grant Program is administered by the DOA and funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), with grants ranging in size from $158,000 to a maximum of $20 million. Applications opened on Oct. 26, 2021, and closed on Nov. 30, 2021. 

Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County was a grant recipient for $4 million for the purchase of in-house MRI services for the replacement facility, which is scheduled to open summer of 2024. MHLC currently only has two day coverage for contracted MRI services from a traveling MRI unit. The expanded services will allow for MRI services on a daily basis, quicker turnaround time on results thus providing quicker access to treatment. 

“We are so thankful for these funds, an MRI was on our wish list for the replacement facility and thanks to this grant we can make it a reality,” Kathy Kuepers, CEO of Memorial Hospital said. 

With this new MRI service to be offered at MHLC, the healthcare facility will be able to better serve its patients and bring significant accomplishment to the newly formed Healthier Lafayette County initiative which was launched in 2021.

 “MHLC has always worked hard to provide quality healthcare while being mindful of their funding. Early in this process our committee was very vocal for MHLC to work on grants and other funding opportunities to help offset the cost of this much needed project. Not only will the funds be helpful to the project, but this shows support for the replacement hospital on a higher level of government. We look forward to hearing back about the other two pending grants,” Jack Sauer, Lafayette County Chairman said.