Why it matters: As CEO of San Juan Hospital in Monticello, Clayton Holt provides critical perspective on the challenges facing rural healthcare facilities amid potential funding changes.
The big picture: Rural hospitals operate on thin margins, making programs like 340B and steady Medicaid funding essential to their survival.
Direct quote: “It’s a real privilege for me to represent rural hospitals and be an advocate for rural hospitals as part of the UHA on the board,” Holt said. “They use their voice collectively to benefit rural hospitals, to ensure that we have the best access to care and advocate for the small hospitals, like my hospital in San Juan County.”
Between the lines: Holt expressed concern about potential impacts from funding changes, noting programs like 340B “provide additional resources to critical access hospitals” that help cover service costs in rural areas.
On UHA’s advocacy role: “The Utah Hospital Association is very involved in working with the state in crafting the plan for the Health Transformation Fund… And so I have a lot of confidence in that advocacy there that we will see the best result possible,” Holt said.
The bottom line: UHA’s collective voice serves as a crucial advocate for rural hospitals like San Juan, ensuring continued access to care in Utah’s remote communities.