Haskell Memorial Hospital Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Haskell Memorial Hospital (HMH), established in 1939, is a 25-bed critical access hospital located in Haskell, Texas. It offers a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services, including an emergency department, two outpatient clinics, radiology and lab services, respiratory therapy, and physical therapy. The hospital is committed to delivering compassionate care to the residents of Haskell County and the surrounding region.

Mission and Vision

HMH's mission is to deliver compassionate care to all in the region—body, mind, and spirit—with dignity and excellence. The hospital aims to be the healthcare provider of choice for the community, ensuring high-quality services are accessible locally.

Industry Significance

As a critical access hospital, HMH plays a vital role in providing essential healthcare services to rural communities, ensuring that residents have access to necessary medical care without the need to travel long distances.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Community Engagement: HMH actively seeks community input to guide future decision-making and service improvements. In October 2025, the hospital conducted a citizens' survey to gather feedback on its services, facilities, and operations.

Service Expansion: The hospital is committed to expanding its services to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community. Plans include adding a permanent MRI machine in early 2022 to enhance diagnostic capabilities.

Areas of Specialization

Emergency Services: HMH operates a fully equipped emergency department to handle acute medical situations.

Outpatient Clinics: The hospital runs two outpatient clinics, providing accessible care for non-emergency medical needs.

Rehabilitation Services: HMH offers physical therapy and a swing bed/inpatient rehab program to support patient recovery and rehabilitation.

Key Technologies Utilized

Radiology Services: The hospital utilizes advanced imaging technologies, including a 64-slice CT scanner and MRI, to provide accurate diagnostics.

Electronic Health Records (EHR): HMH integrates EHR systems to streamline patient information management and enhance care coordination.

Primary Markets Targeted

HMH primarily serves the residents of Haskell County and the surrounding rural communities, focusing on providing accessible healthcare services to populations that might otherwise face challenges in obtaining medical care.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Recent Funding: In March 2025, HMH secured a $1.3 million loan from the First State Bank of Abernathy. This funding is crucial for maintaining healthcare services for local residents and supports the hospital's recovery from significant funding losses.

Utilization of Capital

The capital is intended to bolster the hospital's financial position, ensuring the continuation of essential services and supporting infrastructure improvements to meet the community's healthcare needs.

Pipeline Development

Service Enhancements

MRI Installation: HMH plans to add a permanent MRI machine in early 2022, enhancing its diagnostic capabilities and service offerings.

Community Health Initiatives

HealthConnect Program: The hospital is collaborating with a third-party research and strategic planning organization to strengthen its connection with the community through the HealthConnect initiative. This program aims to gather community feedback and guide future service improvements.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Swing Bed Program: HMH offers a swing bed program, allowing patients to receive skilled nursing care in a hospital setting, facilitating a smoother transition from hospital to home.

Scientific Methods and AI Capabilities

Care Coordination: The hospital is implementing care coordination programs to manage chronic conditions and improve patient outcomes, aligning with value-based care models.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Michelle Stevens, MHA, CRHCP – Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Joined HMH in 2019 as Chief Operating Officer and became CEO in 2021. Holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas Tech University and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

Mary Belle Olson – Chief Operating Officer (COO): A Haskell County native with a background in communication and public relations. Returned to Haskell County in 2018 and became COO in 2021.

Elizabeth Miller, CPA – Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Served as consulting CFO since 2020. Holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Hardin-Simmons University and a Master of Accountancy from Abilene Christian University.

Meghan Shelton, CNO – Chief Nursing Officer (CNO): A native of Haskell County with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Abilene Christian University. Joined HMH in 2018 and became CNO in 2021.

Board of Directors

Robbie Peiser – Board President: A Haskell County native with extensive experience in parts management. Serves as Board President and has been a member for nearly 15 years.

Amy Martin – Board Member: A pharmacist with a background in healthcare.

Lynn Dudensing – Board Member: A farmer with a strong connection to the community.

Elna “Jenny” Camacho – Board Member: A health information technology professional with a commitment to community service.

Darlene Hopkins – Board Member: A retired educator and certified emergency medical technician.

Reida Mullino Penman – Board Member: An educator with a focus on improving healthcare services in the region.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

HMH operates in a rural healthcare market where access to medical services is limited. The hospital's proximity to Abilene, Texas, approximately 54 miles away, allows it to collaborate with specialists from larger medical centers, enhancing its service offerings.

Competitor Analysis

Cogdell Memorial Hospital: A 25-bed hospital serving Scurry County and surrounding communities. It has implemented care coordination programs to improve patient outcomes.

Fairfield Memorial Hospital: Located in Fairfield, Illinois, this hospital expanded its facilities to meet growing healthcare needs, adding 56,218 square feet to accommodate new specialized units and additional beds.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Hendrick Health System: HMH entered into an affiliation agreement with Hendrick Health System in November 2019 to strengthen local healthcare services.

Operational Insights

HMH's strategic focus on community engagement, service expansion, and technological enhancement positions it to effectively compete in the rural healthcare market, addressing the unique challenges of providing quality care in underserved areas.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

Service Expansion: Continuing to expand and enhance services, such as the addition of the MRI machine, to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the community.

Community Engagement: Ongoing initiatives like the HealthConnect program to gather community feedback and guide service improvements.

Technological Integration: Implementing advanced technologies and care coordination programs to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

Future Business Directions

HMH aims to solidify its position as the healthcare provider of choice in Haskell County and surrounding areas by focusing on service excellence, community involvement, and strategic partnerships.