Concho County Hospital Converts to Rural Emergency Hospital to Sustain Services

EDEN, TX — In a move to preserve essential healthcare access for residents of Concho County and surrounding areas, the Concho County Hospital District board of directors has approved the conversion of Concho County Hospital from a Critical Access Hospital to a Rural Emergency Hospital (REH). The decision, announced on January 29, 2026, comes as rural hospitals across Texas grapple with financial pressures that have led to numerous closures and service reductions.

Under the REH designation, the hospital will maintain 24/7 emergency care, along with outpatient services including clinic visits, pharmacy, lab work, imaging, physical therapy, and more. However, inpatient hospitalizations will no longer be available on-site; patients requiring extended stays will be transferred to other facilities. Observation services for determining the need for hospitalization will continue.

“We made the decision to convert to a Rural Emergency Hospital to preserve our community’s healthcare system,” said Julie Jones, president of the Concho County Hospital District board of directors. “With REH designation, we can continue providing essential 24/7 emergency care to anyone who needs it as well as the full range of services we provide on an outpatient basis through our clinic, therapy operations, and retail pharmacy.”

The board's analysis revealed low inpatient volumes—only 10 hospitalizations last year—compared to nearly 1,500 emergency department visits and thousands of outpatient encounters. This imbalance, coupled with the costs of maintaining inpatient capacity, prompted the shift. A public meeting in December solicited community input, and the hospital now seeks federal and state approval, expecting to complete the conversion by summer 2026.

Bob Pascasio, CCHD administrator/CEO, emphasized the importance of the change.

“Our communities deserve strong local healthcare. REH designation was designed specifically to preserve access to essential medical care for rural residents, and with this option we hope to ensure the long-term viability of locally available life-saving emergency services and outpatient medical care,” he said in a prepared statement.

This conversion reflects broader challenges in rural Texas healthcare. The Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals reports that 26 rural hospitals have closed since 2010, more than in any other state, with 76 currently at risk and 12 facing immediate closure threats. Factors include low patient volumes, insufficient reimbursements, and regulatory burdens.

In response to these issues, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 18 in 2025, known as the Rural Health Stabilization and Innovation Act. The bill establishes grant programs for financial stabilization, innovation, pediatric tele-connectivity, and emergency hardship support for rural hospitals. Recently, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission announced $44 million in funding to aid hospitals at moderate or high risk of instability.

As of January 29, 2026, the Financial Stabilization Grant Program under HB 18, which allocates the $44 million for fiscal years 2026-2027, is currently in the application phase. Qualified rural hospitals must submit a Request for Enrollment by Feb. 5, 2026, to be considered for awards. Concho County Hospital, facing financial challenges as evidenced by its recent conversion to a Rural Emergency Hospital, is likely eligible based on the program's criteria for hospitals at moderate or high risk of instability.

State Representative Drew Darby, whose district includes Concho County, addressed the announcement to us.

“The situation facing the Concho County Hospital reflects a growing pattern across rural Texas, where hospitals are struggling under the financial strain of providing essential care," Darby said. "I commend the Concho County Hospital District Board for doing everything possible to keep as many services available as they can for the citizens of Concho County and surrounding areas. However, the Texas Legislature must continue to do more to reverse the trend of rural hospital closures."

"During the most recent session, the Legislature passed House Bill 18 to fund and support rural hospitals. As that program gets underway, I will continue to advocate for the rural communities of House District 72 to receive their fair share of resources so they can not only survive but thrive. Our cities cannot exist without the hardworking people of rural Texas, and rural communities have every right to demand prioritized funding to keep our most basic necessities afloat. Access to quality health care should never depend on a ZIP code, and I will keep fighting to make sure the Concho Valley and West Texas are not left behind.”

The hospital's emergency department remains open 24/7 at 614 Eaker St. in Eden, and the Concho Medical Clinic at 814 W. Broadway St. offers appointments Monday through Thursday for children and adults. For more details, visit the hospital's website or call (325) 869-9250.