After significant losses last year, the CEO of Drew Memorial Health Systems, Scott Barrilleaux, announced at the Drew County Quorum Court meeting held on Monday, February 13, that he is applying for money from the American Rescue Plan Act. The American Rescue Plan Act, also known as the Covid-19 Stimulus Package, was passed in 2021 using $1.9 trillion to help the economy.
According to Barrilleaux, $60 million of this package was given to Arkansas to give to hospitals specifically. This application is asking for $5.6 million to be given to Drew Memorial Hospital to help with losses.
Under former Governor Asa Hutchinson, a committee was formed to make decisions on this matter, but this committee has since been disbanded by current Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. This disbanding leaves the entire decision up to Governor Sanders. Barrilleaux says the hospital has reached out to Governor Sanders on multiple occasions and is waiting for her decision.
