In 2016, Blackwell’s hospital operator gave a 90-day notice that they would cease management operations of the hospital. The Blackwell community was not going to let a legacy of local healthcare end that dated back to 1955. When the hospital faced closure, community members and the Blackwell Hospital Trust Authority rallied together, passing a 1% sales tax to secure its future. This funding helped retain 100 jobs and sustain a $3 million payroll.
With Stillwater Medical agreeing to be the hospital operations management partner, and additional funding—including $25 million in NMTC support from REI Oklahoma—renovation of the hospital began.
These improvements expanded the hospital’s footprint, upgraded technology and enhanced patient care, allowing the hospital to serve more patients and strengthen healthcare access in the region.
