© 2023 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
TECHNOTE: Possible broadcast interruptions Friday 5/26, 6am-7am

UP Hospital Asks County For Help While It Fixes Finances

Doctor's Office
Pixabay Creative Commons
/

An Upper Peninsula county is being asked to extend a financial lifeline to a hospital, which is the area's largest employer.

Dickinson County Healthcare System wants the county to back a $7 million line of credit from banks while it pursues a federal loan or other financing.

The Daily News in Iron Mountain reports that former U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak made a pitch to county commissioners last week.

Stupak says he's "looking for a backstop" while he pursues a financial restructuring of the hospital.

The Daily News says Dickinson County has a legal relationship with the 49-bed hospital but no financial responsibility.

The county's financial controller, Brian Bousley, says he's seeking legal advice on the request. He says, "We have to do something to keep the hospital."

Support local journalism by becoming a new WKAR donor and get ad-free feeds of your favorite NPR podcasts with NPR+ when you donate $8/month or more! Make your contribution today to fund more vetted news reports throughout mid-Michigan!