$2.5 million awarded to fund Baptist Health expansion

AMLER grant supports Baptist Health Corbin Tower expansion 

For many people, the ability to have access to great healthcare without the need to travel to receive it is of utmost importance. At Baptist Health, the largest not-for-profit health system in Kentucky, the dedication to making this dream a reality doesn’t begin and end in metropolitan areas. Baptist Health aims to deliver comprehensive medical care to communities of all sizes, so healthcare can transform the health of entire populations. 

When institutions like hospitals are invested in creating meaningful impact that can effect change, it requires the collaboration of many and support from individuals and organizations invested in the work of saving lives. In 2023, Baptist Health Corbin was awarded $2.5 million in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program funds to support a new medical tower.

In 2016, Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers established the AMLER program to help coal-producing states revitalize in the midst of the downturn of the coal industry. With millions of dollars being reinvested into the state of Kentucky, the focus of this initiative is to assist in generating innovation, job creation, boosting tourism, and expanding access to healthcare and education. 

“Baptist Health Corbin has a long-standing history as home of one of the busiest emergency rooms in the state, with more than 40,000 annual visits,” said Ryan Yother, director of philanthropy for Baptist Health Foundation. “The expansion will provide the ability to meet increased patient volume demands and ensure that those in and around Whitley County have access to the essential care they need when they need it.”

The construction of the new $75-million medical tower will house an emergency room, allow for the expansion of critical care, and increase the number of private, acute-care patient rooms to support the growing number of patients seeking care and medical treatment at Baptist Health Corbin. 

Since 1979, eastern Kentucky has witnessed a decline due to the transition away from reliance on the coal industry. Whitley County, home to Baptist Health Corbin, is one of the counties that has been hit the hardest following the loss of more than 61,000 jobs in the region. Baptist Health is dedicated to focusing on economic development and healthcare accessibility, and the addition of the new medical tower will reduce hardship for citizens and begin paving the way for the continued growth and advancement of eastern Kentucky. 

“Partnerships from philanthropically minded individuals and organizations that are invested in the advancement of healthcare and community health are invaluable,” said Roy Lowdenback, system vice president of philanthropy for Baptist Health Foundation. “The AMLER Grant is heavily investing in Whitley County to increase the number of patients being served, allowing for job creation and the construction of a new facility with modern technology that will revitalize the care available to thousands of people. Philanthropic investments are gifts that keep on giving and will continue to make a difference for years to come.”