All rural hospitals are facing increased challenges to remain viable and at the same time continue to deliver high quality care in their communities. A good healthcare system is an important indicator of an area's quality of life. It is the board's goal to enhance the quality of life for the all Story County residents.

The mission of the medical center is to provide a local choice for high-quality healthcare to the residents of Story County. This project is a proactive, fiscally responsible approach to continuing our mission.

It is the board's top priority to move these departments to the new location as soon as possible. We are exploring all options to make it happen as fast as we can, while still being financially responsible.

Hospitals like Brigham and Women's Hospital are an inspiration to the field. They reaffirm that quality and patient safety are cornerstones of hospitals' commitment and mission. They are testing new strategies for providing safer, more effective patient-centered care, and are sharing what they learn with the field to help all hospitals fulfill the promise of high-quality, safe care for their communities.

Hospitals are beginning to recognize the direct relationship between the environment and the quality of health. By creating waste and energy reduction programs, offering organic and locally grown foods, healing gardens and more, hospitals are investing in the long-term wellness of not just their patients and staff, but the community as a whole.

Quality improvement has always been the right thing for hospitals to do. But it's also becoming a financial imperative.