BMC Meeting Praised by Community Trade Members

by Barbara Mastriania

FARWELL – The recent public meeting held by Bucktail Medical Center Board of Directors and administrator Timothy Reeves was praised by members of the Renovo Area Community Trade Association this week. Members said the public exchange of information regarding the center’s financial status was reassuring the center will remain in operation.

Nov. 10 BMC held a meeting for its corporate members and invited the public to attend. About sixty people attended the meeting to hear that the board is considering filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy to gain time and relief to meeting its $2.3 million debt. The corporate membership voted 47-4 to give the board the okay to file for bankruptcy if needed.

At the CTA meeting Monday, business committee chairman Mickey Kelley noted that much of the medical center’s current financial distress stems from the inability to pay back a $250,000 loan last summer.  When the loan became in default, all loans with that particular bank became in default.

As discussed, outsourcing physician, therapy, dietary and housekeeping services was also a problem. Rather than save money, outsourcing became a major expense. When the board hired others to provide those services it was with the idea they would be saving money. However, Reeves said, it became clear BMC needed to bring the services back in house.

Kelley is encouraging people to purchase corporate memberships ($500) to help keep BMC going. For more information people may contact Tina Schoonover at the medical center (570-923-1000).

CTA member Tom Campbell said Bucktail Medical Center is a fine institution that is owned by employees and the people it serves. He said it is the only employee-owned health facility of its kind in Pennsylvania.