RENOVATION, TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE PLANNED AT HEALTH CENTER

More than a half-million dollars from the federal economic stimulus package is coming to Emporium for renovation of the Cameron County Health Care Center.

About $300,000 will be used by Keystone Rural Health Consortia for construction projects, while another $225,000 will be spent by Keystone for a new electronic medical records system for its entire service area.

Local contractors are expected to play major role in this first renovation the building has seen in 30 years.

Ron Hammersley, chief executive officer of Keystone, said work will be focused on the front half of the 7,000 square foot building. It will include a new heating and air conditioning system, modernized rooms, a new X-ray room and system, and vinyl siding.

"Once the renovation is complete, we will have a cleaner, more modern, more efficient site," Hammersley said. "The new electronics record system will save us money and time."

Funds are being provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.