702 N. 13th St.
Artesia, NM 88210
(575) 748-3333
www.artesiageneral.com
Living in a rural area has many advantages and topping the list is a sense of community.
In a small town, it is not uncommon to see a neighbor running errands or to pass a friend in the aisle at the grocery store. The same people we call co-workers are also the people with whom we serve on various committees, chase our kids’ activities, or worship on Sundays.
This sense of community can be experienced in our healthcare system as well. Yes, there are certain limitations to small-town services simply because of the size of the hospital or the availability of specialists, but the benefits far outweigh these limitations. For Artesia General Hospital (AGH), the value of benefits offered can be summed up in one word, the same word that keeps many of us tied to Artesia: community. Community-owned, operated, and focused, AGH has many advantages that other rural hospitals do not. This manifests in a variety of ways.
Local Leadership
Two boards of local volunteers govern AGH. The Artesia General Hospital Governing Board comprises appointed members, and the Special Hospital District Board are elected officials. These leaders have a vested interest in Artesia and the surrounding area. Decisions for the hospital are made by citizens in our own town, not by a large corporation in a different state. There is always a need for local citizens to make a difference by stepping into these roles of great responsibility.
Financial Stability
Hospitals are funded through private insurance, Medicare payments, taxes, and donations. One noteworthy tax that has been voter-approved since 1979 is the 2.7 mill levy which generates around $4 million annually for the hospital. Since much of the mill levy revenue comes from the oil and gas industry, the hospital does not rely on increasing property taxes for funding. Because AGH is community-owned, funds go directly to the hospital for day-to-day operations, salaries, uncompensated care, and physician recruitment.
Distinguished Practitioners
A small hospital does not equal small care. Our medical professionals are not only experts in their fields but most are invested in Artesia, putting down roots in the same soil as you and me. AGH’s annual census exceeds our population. In other words, people travel from surrounding areas to seek the medical care we have just minutes away.
Air Medical Transport
While many ailments can be addressed in our Emergency Department (ED), patient transfers to another facility may be required depending on the severity of the situation or the availability of a specialist. Ambulance services are reserved for in-town needs; therefore, air medical transport services are vitally important. Thanks to the generosity of the PY Foundation and Written in Red Foundation, all Eddy County Residents are automatically enrolled in the TransAero Medevac Membership Program. Therefore, there is no out-of-pocket expense for Eddy County Residents who need transfer services. The benefit of this cannot be overstated!
One of the most underappreciated aspects of our hospital is the Emergency Department (ED). When minutes matter, a local ED should not be taken lightly because it serves as a safety net, bridging the gap for medical emergencies. Not only is the proximity of the ED vitally essential but the caliber of the responders as well. With Dr. Abalos and Dr. Baca, Jr. on the case, we can be confident in the care received as both are board certified in Emergency Medicine, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
Recently, I got a peek behind the scenes of the ED as I shadowed Dr. Baca, Jr. and heard from the nurses. Admittedly, I entered with expectations to witness scenes similar to TV, you know, the drama that keeps inviting you back and a sweet conclusion at the end of a 42-minute episode. But the reality is, critical situations are anything but glamorous, and this team chooses to step into the sad, messy, and painful moments of people’s lives anyway. They shoulder the pressure and stand in the gap between death and life, pain and comfort, despair and hope.
To survive this rugged terrain, it takes good leadership and camaraderie among the team. Dr. Baca, Jr. shared that “The ED is a high-stress environment. You can’t be too strict, or it makes for a long shift. The ED has a high burnout rate so even while you are caring for patients, you have to have fun and have good relationships to survive.” Working side by side through some of life’s most tragic moments builds a bond that is not quickly broken. While the practice of medicine is a science, the rhythm of teamwork is an art.
Not every situation that comes through the door is critical, but the ED team is close by when it is. From cuts to broken bones to a need for CPR, their day-to-day heroisms are veiled from public praise. For this team, they choose to return day after day to help a fellow community member on their worst day.
Whether medical professionals, administrators, hospital staff, or board members, AGH is one avenue by which these men and women make a difference. The strong community we enjoy every day is the same one in our hospital that is filled with people who are eager to shine a light, even in the darkest moments. May we always be thankful for the blessings right at home and the services that we benefit from locally.
Photos Provided by A Rose of Grace
Other Amenities
- The Green Chile Cafe offers quality dining. With indoor and outdoor seating, this cafe is open to the public.
- A Monthly eNewsletter is emailed. For the latest updates and upcoming events, sign up online.
- The chapel is for guests and patients, offering a place of solitude. A wooden box is provided for notes and prayer requests.
- Green Chile Meeting Room is available for conference or event rentals. Consider hosting your next meeting or community event at AGH.
