Rural health deserves a seat, and Husted pulled up a chair

This week, Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) had the honor of hosting Sen. Jon Husted for a thoughtful discussion on the future of healthcare in rural Ohio. His visit was more than a courtesy call, it was a genuine demonstration of leadership and concern for the communities we serve every day. In an era where rural hospitals face mounting challenges — financial, operational, and demographic—it matters when elected leaders take the time to listen and learn directly from those on the front lines. Sen. Husted's presence in Findlay and his willingness to sit down with our leadership team was not just appreciated, it was necessary. Rural hospitals are, quite literally, lifelines. In our region, BVHS serves over 100,000 households across eight counties. We're not just a place to receive care. We're a critical part of the community fabric. And yet, like many rural health systems across the state, we're feeling the squeeze. During our time with Sen. Husted, we outlined the harsh economic realities we face. The rising cost of everything — from medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to food service, utilities, and staffing — has not been matched by the reimbursements we receive for providing care. For Medicare patients, hospitals like ours are reimbursed less than 80 cents on the dollar. That means we're at a $99.2 billion shortfall nationwide that makes it increasingly difficult to keep services accessible and local. Add to that the shifting payor mix and the fact that more patients are delaying care due to their own rising household costs, and the equation becomes both concerning and unsustainable. Rural hospitals don't operate with the financial cushions of larger urban systems. We walk a fine line between sustainability and sacrifice. That's why Sen. Husted's visit and his voice is so necessary — not only for BVHS but for the community we serve. Alongside Sen. Bernie Moreno, he championed the Rural Health Transformation Program, which secured $1.3 billion for rural hospitals through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. That's a win for every rural family in Ohio who depends on local care like us. During my conversation with Senator Husted, his message was clear: rural doesn't mean forgotten. He came not with prepackaged solutions but with questions, curiosity, and an open ear. That kind of leadership is rare—and it's what we need more of. We left the meeting with a renewed sense of purpose and a shared commitment to keep moving forward, together. At BVHS, quality care is our most important job. But it's not a job we can do alone. It requires partnerships between providers, communities, and policymakers alike. I'm grateful to Senator Husted and his team for investing their time here. I'm also grateful to the providers, associates, and volunteers at BVHS who continue to deliver exceptional care despite extraordinary pressure. And I'm hopeful — because when government listens, and health systems collaborate — real progress is possible. We're not asking for special treatment. We're asking for a fair shot. Rural Ohio deserves healthcare that is close to home, high in quality, and built to last. With continued advocacy and innovative partnerships, we can make that a reality. The work is far from done, but this week reminded me that we are not alone in the fight. And for that, I'm thankful. Myron Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, is President and Chief Executive Officer of Blanchard Valley Health System.