Louisiana Rural Hospital Coalition Honors Rep. Chaney as Legislator of the Year

PRIDE, La., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rural Hospital Coalition announced that it has selected State Rep. Charles R. "Bubba" Chaney (R-19) as Legislator of the Year at its annual conference in Baton Rouge.

"We chose Rep. Chaney because of his outstanding service and dedication to our rural citizens," said Linda Welch, coalition president.  "He is a firm and loyal supporter of rural issues, and he has worked diligently in several key rural initiatives that will greatly enhance the quality of life in Northeast Louisiana."

Welch said that Rep. Chaney's involvement with two recent initiatives show his leadership.  The first is the recent location of Air Evac, the largest evacuation helicopter service in the United States, at Richardson Medical Center in Rayville, La.  As Air Evac's first U.S. location, the helicopter service covers a 70-mile radius that includes all of rural Northeast Louisiana.  "This service has already saved lives on several occasions and is a tremendous boost to the economy in that area," Welch said.

The second is Rep. Chaney's involvement in a recent renewal of a dedicated tax millage that brings in more than $800,000 a year to Richardson Medical Center in Rayville.  "This money allows the hospital to remain fiscally viable to serve our rural citizens in that area," Welch said.  "Rep. Chaney's dedication to preserve our rural hospitals is evident statewide, especially so in his home district.  He believes in the importance of rural healthcare as a means to not only enhance Louisianans' quality of life but also as an essential part of growing rural economies."

Thank you Representative Chaney for all you do to serve Louisiana and thank you District 19 voters for electing him.

About The Rural Hospital Coalition Inc.

The Rural Hospital Coalition, Inc., is a statewide 501(c)(6) trade organization limited to Louisiana's rural hospitals.  Membership is limited to hospitals of 60 beds or less and/or serving parishes with populations of 65,000 or fewer residents.  Since the Coalition's establishment on 1994, membership has steadily increased due to the focused approach on rural issues that directly affect member hospitals.  Currently, the organization's membership consists of Louisiana's 41 small rural hospitals which is comprised of political subdivision hospitals, private non-profits and proprietary hospitals, all serving rural communities throughout the State.  

SOURCE The Rural Hospital Coalition Inc.