Howard Memorial Hospital Reviews February Finances, Announces Upcoming Blood Drive

The Howard Memorial Hospital Board of Directors met Tuesday for their regular monthly meeting, where members reviewed financial performance and discussed upcoming community events.

Chief Financial Officer Bill Craig reported that collectible revenue for patient services came in $71,799 below budget for February. Emergency Department visits totaled 666, which was nine visits below projections, while outpatient visits reached 2,447 for the month. Surgical cases also fell short of expectations, with 102 cases compared to the budgeted 115.

Operating costs were reported at $3,822 above budget.

Despite some shortfalls, Craig highlighted several positive financial indicators. The hospital recorded $114,728 in stimulus and ARPA funds on its income statement, which will support the 2026 capital budget. Swing Bed volume accounted for 38.8 percent of February’s inpatient days, exceeding the hospital’s 30 percent goal.

Additionally, net figures after bad debt and charity care were favorable for the month, helping offset lower patient volume. Salaries, benefits, and contract labor expenses came in $26,079 below budget, while other expenses were $12,323 under budget.

CEO Stacy Harberson also had a discussion with the board about the vacancy of the Howard Medical Office Building that is next to the hospital.

She then announced that she’s been appointed to the Hospital Association Rural Health Services Committee and attended her first meeting last month.

Harberson also talked about the after hours clinic and provided details on the hours of operation.

In other business, officials announced an upcoming community blood drive scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Howard Memorial Hospital, located at 130 Medical Circle in Nashville.

Before concluding the meeting, the board approved a motion to grant IT Director Jacob Goff access to the Lock Box-CPSI Tapes.