>>> A NEW LAW GOES INTO EFFECT NEXT WEEK THAT WILL CRIMINALIZE CAMPING AND SLEEPING IN PUBLIC SPACES.

WE SPEAK WITH LOCAL OFFICIALS ABOUT HOW THE LAW WILL IMPACT BLOOMINGTON'S UNHOUSED COMMUNITY.

>>> RURAL HOSPITALS HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS DUE TO CUTS TO MEDICAID, BUT THEY SAY ANOTHER BIG ISSUE FOR THEM IS FINDING AND RETAINING STAFF.

>>> AND A PLAN TO MERGE THE TOWN OF ELLETTSVILLE AND RICHLAND TOWNSHIP INTO ONE GOVERNMENT ENTITY WILL BE ON THE BALLOT THIS FALL.

WE'LL HAVE THESE STORIES AND MORE COMING UP ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

>> "INDIANA NEWSDESK" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY: >>> WELCOME TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

I'M PERRY METZ SITTING IN FOR THE VACATIONING JOE HREN.

BEGINNING JULY 1st, A NEW INDIANA LAW WILL MAKE UNAUTHORIZED CAMPING OR SLEEPING ON PUBLICLY OWNED LAND A CLASS C MISDEMEANOR.

AND AS ELYSE PERRY REPORTS, THE LAW WILL CREATE A MAJOR SHIFT IN HOW BLOOMINGTON POLICE, DOWNTOWN RESOURCE OFFICERS, AND SERVICE PROVIDERS RESPOND TO HOMELESSNESS.

>> A SIDEWALK NEAR WHEELER MISSION HAS BEEN A LONG-TIME HOME BASE FOR SAMMY CARROLL, ONE OF ROUGHLY 300 PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS, BUT CAMPING WILL BE ILLEGAL AFTER A NEW STATE LAW.

IT RESTRICTS LONG-TERM SHELTER, INCLUDING PARKS, SIDEWALKS AND ROADS.

IT WAS SIGNED INTO LAW IN APRIL.

THE LAW REQUIRES POLICE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON SHELTERS AND DIVERSION PROGRAMS BEFORE ISSUING FORMAL WARNINGS.

ONCE A WARNING IS GIVEN, A 48-HOUR CLOCK BEGINS.

IF A PERSON REMAINS WITHIN 300 FEET OF THE LOCATION AFTER THAT PERIOD, THEY CAN FACE UP TO 60 DAYS IN JAIL AND A $500 FINE.

>> IT'S JUST ANOTHER WAY TO GET US AWAY.

TO MAKE US LEAVE.

AND, YOU KNOW, IT'S HARD OUT HERE.

IT'S NOT EASY AT ALL.

>> CARROLL HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS SINCE HE WAS EVICTED FROM HIS APARTMENT THREE YEARS AGO FOR FAILING TO MAKE RENT.

HE'S LEAVING FOR ARIZONA IN THE MIDDLE OF AUGUST.

>> I GOT SIX WEEKS FROM THE BEGINNING OF JULY 1st TO FIGURE SOMETHING OUT.

WORST CASE SCENARIO, I WILL JUST THROW MY SLEEPING BAG IN THE WOODS SOMEWHERE AND WAKE UP AND MOVE ON.

>> DOWNTOWN RESOURCE OFFICERS, ALSO KNOWN AS WHITE SHIRT POLICE HAVE WORKED WITH CARROLL AND OTHERS LIKE HIM.

THEY CONNECT PEOPLE TO SERVICES TO HELP WITH HOMELESSNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.

CARROLL SAYS THOSE RELATIONSHIPS HAVE HELPED HIM STAY IN CONTACT WITH SUPPORT SYSTEMS EVEN WHILE LIVING OUTDOORS BUT UNDER SENATE ENROLLED ACT, 205, THEY HAVE TO CHANGE THE WAY THEY OPERATE.

THIS RESOURCE OFFICER FOR THREE YEARS, FABRIS SAYS THE LAW COULD BE BENEFICIAL SINCE IT PROVIDES ANOTHER WAY TO GET PEOPLE CONNECTED TO RESOURCES.

>> KNOWING THAT WE HAVE A TOOL, ANOTHER TOOL THAT MAY FORCE PEOPLE INTO SERVICES, WHETHER IT BE SHELTER OR REHAB OR MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT, SOMETIMES IS GOOD.

I MEAN, IT'S GOOD TO HAVE MORE TOOLS TO FACILITATE THESE THINGS.

>> HOWEVER, HE SAYS THE NEW LAW COULD DRIVE PEOPLE INTO HIDING AS THEY AVOID ENFORCEMENT.

>> THE TROUBLE I RUN INTO IS FOLKS WON'T BE AS VISIBLE AND IT WILL BE HARDER TO INTERACT WITH THEM.

THE TIME CRUNCH OF SAYING, HEY, YOU NEED TO FIGURE YOUR LIFE OUT IN 48 HOURS IS GOING TO BE DIFFICULT.

>> UNDER THE LAW, OFFICERS MUST DETERMINE WHETHER SOMEONE NEEDS EMERGENCY MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTION BEFORE ISSUING A WARNING.

ONCE A WARNING IS ISSUED, THE PERSON MUST MOVE OR FACE ENFORCEMENT.

IF NO SHELTER BEDS OR TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE WITHIN FIVE MILES THAT CAN BE A LEGAL DEFENSE AGAINST THE MISDEMEANOR CHARGE.

FABRIS SAYS LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS OFTENTIMES TAKE LONGER THAN 48 HOURS.

>> I THINK THE ISSUE WE WILL RUN INTO WITH SERVICE PROVIDERS, THEY WILL BE MESS LIKELY TO COMMUNICATE WITH US ABOUT THINGS THAT COULD BE A VIOLATION, KNOWING THAT WE HAVE TO TAKE ACTION ON IT.

>> FABRIS SAYS THE TIMELINE INTRODUCED BY S.E.A.-285 IS MUCH HARDER THAN THE 30 DAYS THE OFFICERS PREVIOUSLY HAD.

>> THERE'S SO MUCH TO DO AND NOT ENOUGH TIME TO DO IT.

SO WHEN WE TALK ABOUT PROBLEMS BEING COMPLEX, THEY TAKE A LOT OF TIME, THEY TAKE A LOT OF ENERGY, THEY TAKE A LOT OF MEETING AND COMMUNICATION.

>> FABRIS SAYS D.R.O.

ARE ALREADY BUSY BECAUSE PEOPLE NEED HELP 24 HOURS.

ENFORCEMENT WILL ONLY ADD TO THEIR WORKLOAD.

>> THESE ARE COMPLEX INDIVIDUALS, COMPLEX CASES AND NOT ONE SIZE FITS ALL.

SO GETTING SOMEONE INTO ONE SERVICE, THINKING IT'S GONNA FIX ALL OF THEIR ISSUES IS NOT USUALLY POSSIBLE.

>> IN JANUARY, MAYOR KERRY THOMSON SUPPORTED THE BILL FOR PUTTING POLICIES IN PLACE TO GET PEOPLE THE SERVICES THEY NEED.

HOWEVER, SHE SAYS IT'S NOT POSSIBLE TO ARREST OUR WAY OUT OF HOMELESSNESS.

>> IT NEEDS TO BE FOLLOWED NEXT YEAR WITH FUNDING FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND RECOVERY SERVICES AND FOR HOUSING BECAUSE AT THIS POINT, THIS IS A RESOURCE DISCUSSION.

>> BEACON INC.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FORREST GILMORE SAYS WITHOUT INCREASED FUNDING AND SHELTER CAPACITY, THE LAW SHIFTS TO AN STRESSED SYSTEM.

>> THE BIGGEST FLAWS THAT THEY HAVEN'T ADDRESSED IN ANY WAY, AN EXPANSION OF SERVICE CAPACITY OR ABILITY TO HELP PEOPLE.

>> ADDITIONALLY, HE SAYS NOT ALL COUNTIES AROUND BLOOMINGTON HAVE RESOURCES OR SERVICE PROVIDERS.

BECAUSE THE LAW ALLOWS OFFICERS TO DIVERT PEOPLE TO SERVICES INSTEAD OF MAKING ARRESTS, GILMORE SAYS SOME COMMUNITIES MAY OPT TO TRANSPORT PEOPLE TO COUNTIES WHERE THOSE RESOURCES EXIST.

>> THERE ARE VERY FEW COMMUNITIES, ESPECIALLY AROUND US THAT HAVE ANY SHELTERING AT ALL, CERTAINLY ANY ALL-YEAR ROUND SHELTERING.

AND THEY'RE ALL GONNA BE UNDER THE SAME LAW.

SO DOES THAT MEAN ALL OF THOSE COUNTIES ARE GOING TO HAVE TO SEND EVERYBODY TO BLOOMINGTON?

>> GILMORE SAYS BLOOMINGTON IS LUCKY TO HAVE AS MANY RESOURCES AS IT, DOES BUT WORRIES THEY WILL BE OVERWHELMED BY OTHER COUNTY'S RELIANCE.

>> THOSE COMMUNITIES NEED TO BE OFFERING SERVICES TOO AND THIS BILL DOESN'T PROVIDE ANY SUPPORT FOR THAT AT ALL.

>> GILMORE SAYS HE IS CONCERNED THE LAW COULD PUSH PEOPLE FURTHER OUT OF SIGHT, RATHER THAN INTO SERVICES.

HE SAYS INDIVIDUALS WHO FEAR ENFORCEMENT MAY MOVE INTO WOODED AREAS OR AVOID CONTACT WITH OUTREACH WORKERS ALL TOGETHER.

>> WE HAVE JUST BEEN TRYING TO ESTABLISH A PLAN FOR HOW WE DEAL WITH CAMPS AND HELP PEOPLE MOVE OUT OF CAMPS AND HOPEFULLY MOVE INTO HOUSING DIRECTLY FROM THEM AND THAT PLAN IS COMPLETELY OBLITERATED.

>> WHILE CARROLL SAYS HE KNOWS THE POLICE ARE DOING THEIR JOB, HE'S WORRIED ABOUT HOW PEOPLE FACING ENFORCEMENT WILL REACT.

>> PEOPLE ARE CORDIAL, YOU KNOW, I MEAN, IT'S JUST GONNA GET ROUGH.

I WANT TO BE OFF THE STREETS BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO BE PART OF THAT BATTLE.

>> FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M ELYSE PERRY.

>> GILMORE ESTIMATES THAT OF THE ROUGHLY 300 PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS IN BLOOMINGTON, 160 ARE UNSHELTERED.

AND HE SAYS THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH SHELTER BEDS FOR ALL OF THEM.

>>> BLOOMINGTON CITY COUNCILMEMBERS, WHO VOTED FOR THE ORDINANCE TO CLOSE KIRKWOOD AVENUE SEASONALLY, SAY THEY WILL NOT PURSUE OVERRIDING MAYOR KERRY THOMSON'S VETO.

JOE HREN HAS MORE ON THIS STORY.

>> THE ORDINANCE WOULD HAVE CLOSED FIVE BLOCKS OF KIRKWOOD AVENUE TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM APRIL 1st THROUGH NOVEMBER 15th EACH YEAR.

IT PASSED THE CITY COUNCIL ON JUNE 10th, BUT AFTER A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION LAST WEEK AT CITY HALL TO HEAR THOUGHTS ON THE PLAN, THOMSON VETOED IT.

>> OUR JOB AS A CITY IS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE FUNCTIONING WELL AND PEOPLE CAN GET TO WHERE THEY NEED TO GO, AND -- AND WE WORK REALLY HARD ON QUALITY OF PLACE INITIATIVES.

>> IN A LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY, THOMSON CITED A LACK OF PLANNING, FUNDING UNCERTAINTY, AND A LOSS OF PROPERTY TAX REVENUE DUE TO SENATE ENROLLED ACT 1.

>> I THINK THE VISION A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE FOR A CARLESS KIRKWOOD REALLY WILL TAKE A SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL INVESTMENT.

THIS IS NOT THE TIME WE HAVE A SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL INVESTMENT.

>> NOW COUNCILMEMBERS WHO VOTED FOR THE ORDINANCE SAY THEY WON'T PURSUE OVERRIDING IT.

>> MY VOTE TO UPHOLD THE CLOSURE FOR 2027 WAS TO SEND A SIGNAL THAT WE NEEDED A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH.

SO THAT WE COULD DISCUSS THIS AMONG ALL STAKEHOLDERS.

>> ROLO SAYS THE MAYOR'S LETTER ADDRESSED MANY OF HIS CONCERNS AND HE LOOKS FORWARD TO FUTURE DISCUSSIONS.

THE CITY IS PREPARING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE KIRKWOOD CORRIDOR STUDY NEXT YEAR TO EVALUATE SAFETY, TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT, ACCESSIBILITY, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND ECONOMIC VIABILITY.

IN THE MEANTIME, COUNCILMEMBERS HOPE TO CONTINUE WORKING WITH RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES, AND CITY OFFICIALS TO DEVELOP A LONG-TERM VISION FOR KIRKWOOD.

>> THE REASON THAT COUNCILMEMBER ROSENBARGER AND I WANTED TO INTRODUCE THIS ORDINANCE AND TO CODIFY THE STREET CLOSURE IS BECAUSE FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, IT'S BEEN OFF AND ON.

AND NOBODY HAS BEEN ABLE TO PLAN SOLIDLY.

NOBODY HAS KNOWN WHAT TO EXPECT.

>> FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M JOE HREN.

>>> WE'RE JOINED NOW BY AUBREY WRIGHT FOR MORE HEADLINES FROM AROUND THE STATE.

>> AUBREY?

>> HEY, PERRY.

A PLAN TO MERGE THE TOWN OF ELLETTSVILLE AND RICHLAND TOWNSHIP INTO ONE GOVERNMENT ENTITY WILL BE ON THE BALLOT THIS FALL.

THE TOWN COUNCIL AND THE TOWNSHIP BOARD VOTED MONDAY NIGHT TO ADVANCE THE PROPOSAL.

IT WOULD BE RAN BY A SEVEN-MEMBER TOWN COUNCIL WITH FIVE DISTRICT SEATS AND TWO AT-LARGE SEATS.

THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THE MERGER SINCE LAST NOVEMBER.

NOW IT'S IN THE HANDS OF THE VOTERS.

>> THEY TRUST US TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS BUT ON SOMETHING THIS BIG, I THINK WE SHOULD FINALLY TRUST THEM TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION.

>> ELLETTSVILLE WOULD GROW BY ALMOST 40 SQUARE MILE AND ADD MORE THAN 15,000 PEOPLE, MORE THAN TRIPLING ITS POPULATION.

MERGING THE TWO BODIES WOULD AFFECT LOCAL POLICING, PUBLIC WORKS AND ZONING AND COULD RAISE PROPERTY TAX RATES.

>> I WOULD ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO ASK THE QUESTIONS YOU NEED, TO FIND OUT THE ANSWERS FOR YOURSELF.

DON'T JUST BELIEVE EVERYTHING THAT'S FLOATING AROUND BECAUSE THERE'S A LOT OF MISINFORMATION, BOTH PRO AND CON OUT THERE.

>> TO PASS, THE MEASURE WOULD NEED A SIMPLE MAJORITY FROM VOTERS IN THE CITY AND TOWNSHIP.

ELECTION DAY IS NOVEMBER 3rd.

>>> THE AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION IS INTERVIEWING INMATES AT THE MONROE COUNTY JAIL AS POTENTIAL PLAINTIFFS IN A NEW LEGAL CASE.

IN MAY ACLU DROPPED A LAWSUIT AFTER IT DIDN'T SELECT A SITE FOR A NEW JAIL.

THE ACLU SAYS THE ISSUE HAS BEEN WELL DOCUMENTED FOR YEARS AND REMAIN UNRESOLVED.

>> I HAVE BEEN PROMISED SO MANY TIMES THAT THE PROBLEM WOULD BE RESOLVED, AND THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED WHEN IT COMES TO JAILS.

IT'S JUST INCONCEIVABLE TO ME HOW THE CAN HAS BEEN KICKED DOWN THE ROAD FOR 15, 16 YEARS.

>> THE COUNTY COUNCIL, COMMISSIONERS AND SHERIFF'S OFFICE EACH HAVE RETAINED LEGAL COUNSEL AHEAD OF THE IMPENDING ACLU LAWSUIT.

>>> PANTRY 279 RECEIVED A DELIVERY OF 40,000 POUNDS OF FOOD WEDNESDAY THAT WILL FEED ABOUT 1400 RESIDENTS.

THE DELIVERY SPONSORED BY THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SERVES AND JUST SERVE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AMERICA 250 IS PART OF A NATIONWIDE INITIATIVE TO ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITY.

THE TRUCKLOAD WAS FILLED WITH FOOD, FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND DRIED MILK AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD SUPPLIES.

>> OUR SHELVES WILL BE FULL AND PEOPLE CAN HAVE HIGHER LIMITS THAN THEY HAVE BEEN USED TO SINCE PROBABLY DECEMBER.

WE WILL HAVE A LOT MORE FOOD ON THE TABLES.

>> CHAVEZS IS THE PANTRY IS SERVING 17% MORE EWE NECK INDIVIDUALS THIS YEAR THAN LAST YEAR.

>>> INDIANA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF THEATER, DRAMA AND CONTEMPORARY DANCE IS MOVING FROM THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES TO THE JACOBS SCHOOL OF MUSIC.

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT TAKING OVER THE DEPARTMENT STARTED NEARLY TWO YEARS AGO AND GAINED MOMENTUM AFTER A STATE LAW PASSED ELIMINATING DEGREE PROGRAMS WITH LOW ENROLLMENT.

WHILE SOME CURRICULAR ADJUSTMENTS ARE BEING MADE, NO FACULTY OR STAFF WILL BE CUT AND CLASSES WILL STAY IN THE SAME BUILDINGS.

>> IN THE SUMMER, AFTER THE LEGISLATIVE ACTION, WE REALIZED THE CONTEMPORARY DANCE PROGRAM WAS IN TROUBLE AND IT NEEDED A DIFFERENT KIND OF HOME.

>> THE CONTEMPORARY DANCE AND MUSICAL THEATER PROGRAMS WILL JOIN THE JACOBS SCHOOL IN JULY.

THE REMAINDER OF THE PROGRAMS WILL OFFICIALLY SWITCH ON JULY 1st, 2027.

>>> PILLAR ARTS IS LOOKING TO PURCHASE THE OLD HER TIMES BUILDING FROM THE MONROE COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION.

THE BLOOMINGTON NONPROFIT IS LOOKING TO TURN IT INTO AN INTEGRATIVE ARTS COMMUNICATIVE HUB, INCLUDING CAFE AND WORK SPACES AND MULTIRESEARCH ROOMS.

>> THAT BECOMES THE EXCITING SPACE YOU WANT TO BE IN AS A CREATIVE PERSON WHEN IT'S NOT JUST AN OVERABUNDANCE OF YOUR OWN PERSPECTIVE, BUT IT'S A LOT OF DIFFERENT THINGS HAPPENING AT ONCE.

>> PILLAR ARTS APPLIED FOR A $4 MILLION STATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT TO FUND THE PROJECT.

THE ORGANIZATION WILL KNOW IF THEY RECEIVE FUNDING ON JULY 1st.

>>> CONGRESS APPEARS TO BE MAKING PROGRESS TOWARDS A NEW FARM BILL AFTER YEARS OF TEMPORARY EXTENSIONS.

MOUNTAIN LARGEST AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS WERE ALREADY INCLUDED IN THE BUDGET BILL, DUBBED BY THE PRESIDENT AS THE BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL, BUT THE REMAINING PORTIONS OF THE FARM BILL STILL INCLUDE FUNDING FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND OTHER PROGRAMS IMPORTANT TO INDIANA FARMERS.

>> WHAT THIS FARM BILL REALLY IS, GETTING IT ACROSS THE FINISH LINE AND SIGNED INTO LAW, THAT'S THE CERTAINTY THAT OUR MEMBERS NEED ESPECIALLY IN THE TIMES WE HAVE.

>> CONGRESS HAS BEEN OPERATING UNDER THE EXTENSIONS OF THE 2018 FARM BILL SINCE IT EXPIRED.

>>> AND AN ORIGINAL BOB ROSS PAINTING FROM THE JOY OF PAINTING CALLED MOUNTAIN SUMMIT WILL BE AUCTIONED ON JUNE 30th.

IT WILL BENEFIT THE PBS STATION WHERE ROSS FILMED 30 OF THE 31 SEASONS THE SERIES.

IT'S THE FOURTH ORIGINAL ROSS PAINTING AUCTIONED IN THE LAST YEAR TO SUPPORT PUBLIC FUNDING AFTER FUNDING WAS FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WAS ELIMINATED.

AND PERRY, THE PREVIOUS THREE PAINTINGS AUCTIONS FETCHED MORE THAN $2 MILLION.

>> I THINK BOB WOULD BE PLEASED.

>>> EVERY LITTLE BIT OF ADDITIONAL FUNDING HELPS.

THIS IS AUBREY'S FINAL DAY WITH US AND WE WISH HER THE BEST GOING FORWARD.

GOOD LUCK.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> COMING UP NEXT ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK," RURAL HOSPITALS HAVE FELT THE FINANCIAL PAIN FROM MEDICAID CUTS, BUT STAFFING THOSE HOSPITALS MAY BE JUST AS BIG AN ISSUE.

AND A LOCAL NONPROFIT OFFERS DOULA SERVICES AND MORE TO HELP MOTHERS IN THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD.

WE WILL HAVE THESE STORIES AND MORE COMING UP ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

>>> WELCOME BACK TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

LAST YEAR, A NATIONAL REPORT IDENTIFIED A DOZEN INDIANA RURAL HOSPITALS AS FINANCIALLY VULNERABLE IF MEDICAID FUNDING DECLINED.

BUT AS CLAYTON BAUMGARTH REPORTS, ONE-YEAR LATER, SOME HOSPITAL LEADERS SAY THEY STABILIZED FINANCIALLY BUT CHALLENGES REMAIN.

>> FOR MANY RURAL COMMUNITIES, THE LOCAL HOSPITAL IS MORE THAN A PLACE TO RECEIVE CARE.

IT'S OFTEN ONE OF THE AREAS LARGEST EMPLOYERS AND ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT INSTITUTIONS.

THE REPORT IDENTIFYING 12 INDIANA RURAL HOSPITALS AS VULNERABLE CITED FINANCIAL PRESSURES AND CONCERNS ABOUT FUTURE MEDICAID FUNDING.

ONE WAS DAVIESS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL IN WASHINGTON.

TODAY THE C.E.O.

SAYS THE HOSPITAL IS IN A MUCH DIFFERENT POSITION.

>> OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS THEY HAVE NOT MADE ANY MONEY.

THEY HAVE NOT COME CLOSE TO BREAKING EVEN.

SO THEY HAVE BEEN LOSING MONEY FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS.

FORTUNATELY WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BREAK EVEN JUST IN THE LAST MONTH.

HARRIS SAYS THEY EXPANDED SERVICES AND FOCUSED ON REBUILDING ITS BUDGET.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST INVESTMENTS IS A NEW WOMEN'S HEALTH CENTER.

>> SINCE 2023, THERE'S ALMOST A DOZEN HOSPITALS THAT CLOSED THEIR OB-GYN UNIT.

>> THEY SERVE A LARGE RURAL POPULATION AND HARRIS SAYS ACCESS MATTERS WITHOUT LOCAL CARE, MANY PATIENTS ARE FORCED TO TRAVEL LONG DISTANCES.

>> IF YOUR WIFE WAS PREGNANT, GETTING READY TO HAVE A BABY, YOU'RE EXPECTING THEM TO DRIVE, 30, 40 MINUTES WHILE THEY'RE IN LABOR?

I DON'T THINK SO.

>> NOT EVERY HOSPITAL WAS FACING THE SAME FINAL STRUGGLES.

THE SULLIVAN COUNTY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL C.E.O.

SAYS HER HOSPITAL WAS SURPRISED TO BE INCLUDED ON THE AT-RISK OF CLOSING LIST.

>> NO INTENTION OF CLOSING.

HAVE AN EXCELLENT BALANCE SHEET AND CONTINUE TO GROW OUR FOOTPRINT AND CONTINUE TO GROW OUR SERVICE LINE.

>> STILL, FRANKLIN SAYS FUTURE MEDICAID FUNDING REMAINS A CONCERN FOR RURAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS.

>> I REMAIN OPTIMISTIC THAT SOMETHING WILL BE DONE BEFORE WE SEE THIS KIND OF REALLY CATASTROPHIC EFFECTS ON OUR HEALTHCARE ECOSYSTEM HERE IN THE STATE OF INDIANA.

>> WHILE THE FINANCIAL PICTURE VARIES FROM HOSPITAL TO HOSPITAL, BOTH LEADERS POINT TO THE SAME CHALLENGE, FINDING ENOUGH HEALTHCARE WORKERS.

>> YOU ALWAYS HAVE WORKFORCE CHALLENGES IN A RURAL COMMUNITY, BECAUSE IT'S -- IT'S DIFFICULT TO RECRUIT TO THIS COMMUNITY.

IT'S DIFFICULT TO RECRUIT A VARIETY OF WORKFORCE MEMBERS.

>> WE NEED MORE NURSES AND WE NEED MORE LPNs AND RNs.

REALLY, WE NEED JUST AS MANY IF NOT MORE SURGICAL TECHNICIANS AND MORE RADIOLOGY TECHNICIANS.

WE NEED MORE RESPIRATORY TECHNICIANS.

>> THAT'S ONE REASON DAVIESS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL JOINED THE NEW CROSSROADS ACADEMIC MEDICAL INSTITUTE.

THE PARTNERSHIP BRINGS TOGETHER MARION UNIVERSITY, PURDUE UNIVERSITY, HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS AND HOSPITALS ACROSS INDIANA.

ITS GOAL IS TO CREATE MORE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND ENCOURAGE FUTURE HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO PRACTICE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES.

>> OUR STATE IS EDUCATING 500 SOME DOCTORS A YEAR, WE ONLY HAVE 300 SOME RESIDENCY SLOTS.

SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE VERY SMART TO FIGURE OUT, OH, WE GOT A PROBLEM HERE!

>> UNIVERSITY LEADERS SAY TOO MANY MEDICAL STUDENTS LEAVE INDIANA AFTER GRADUATION.

CROSSROADS AIMS TO CHANGE THAT BY PLACING RESIDENTS AND STUDENTS IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE.

>> I GET THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN A RURAL AREA, THESE RELATIONSHIPS, HIGHLY RESPECTED, MAKING A BIG DIFFERENCE, BUT I'M NOT ISOLATED.

I'M PART OF A PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY.

>> HOSPITAL LEADERS HOPE EXPOSING STUDENTS TO RURAL COMMUNITIES WILL ENCOURAGE THEM TO STAY.

THE INDIANA RURAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION SAYS RURAL HOSPITALS CONTINUE TO FACE SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES, BUT REMAIN COMMITTED TO SERVING THEIR COMMUNITIES.

AND FOR THOSE RURAL COMMUNITIES, THE STAKES COULDN'T BE HIGHER.

>> IN FARMING COMMUNITIES AND PLACES WHERE YOU HAVE TRAUMATIC INJURIES OR TRULY EMERGENT HEART ATTACKS, STROKES, THOSE SORTS OF THINGS, NOT HAVING ACCESS TO MEDICAL CARE VERY QUICKLY IS ULTIMATELY AN ISSUE OF LIFE OR DEATH.

>> FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M CLAYTON BAUMGARTH.

>>> THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD CAN BE TOUGH FOR NEW PARENTS.

WHILE MOTHERS ADJUST TO A NEW BABY, RAGING HORMONES AND BIG EMOTIONS, A LOCAL NONPROFIT WANTS TO HELP.

AUBREY WRIGHT HAS MORE ON DOULA SERVICES AVAILABLE AT TANDEM.

>> RENEE CORDESS KNOWS HOW DIFFICULT THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD CAN BE.

SHE EXPERIENCED POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION WITH THE FIRST THREE CHILDREN.

SHE SAYS THIS TIME TANDEM WAS THERE TO HELP HER AFTER SHE GAVE BIRTH.

>> POSTPARTUM WITH HER HAS BEEN, LIKE, NIGHT AND DAY COMPARED TO MY THIRD AND -- AND NOT ONLY BECAUSE THE BIRTH WAS EASIER, BUT MY EXPERIENCE AT THE POSTPARTUM HOUSE REALLY HELPED SET A FOUNDATION OF, LIKE, REST AND QUIET.

>> AT A DISCOUNTED RATE, CORDESS AND HER DAUGHTER STAYED OVERNIGHT AT THE POSTPARTUM HOUSE WITH 24/7 CARE FROM POSTPARTUM DOULAS.

>> I THINK IT MADE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE.

AND IT WAS LIFE SAVING.

>> THE EIGHT DOULAS IN ADDITION TO HELPING WITH THE NEW BABIES SHE SAYS DOULAS OFTEN KEEP AN EYE ON MENTAL HEALTH AND SUPPORT SELF-CARE AND CONNECT FAMILIES TO FREE RESOURCES.

>> WE ARE THERE TO BE THE VILLAGE FOR THEM AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE SURROUNDING THEMSELVES WITH THE SUPPORT THEY NEED.

>> TANDEM OPENED THE POSTPARTUM HOUSE LAST FALL AND THERE ARE NOT MANY PLACES LIKE IT.

LIKE A HOTEL PARENTS CAN STAY OVERNIGHT WITH THEIR BABIES FOR UP TO THREE DAYS.

DOULAS WORKING 24/7 WILL TAKE CARE OF ALL OF THEIR NEEDS AND THEY CAN ALSO MAKE HOME VISITS.

IS.

>> WE'RE ABLE TO JUST PROVIDE THAT SUPPORT, MAKE SURE YOU'RE CONNECTED WITH THE RESOURCES AND MAKE SURE, LIKE, THINGS ARE GOING WELL FOR YOU, MORE OF LIKE A PERSONAL, LIKE -- ALMOST LIKE A FRIEND IN A WAY.

>> CLIENTS PAY WHAT THEY CAN ON A SLIDING SCALE AND GRANT FUNDING KEEPS THESE PROGRAMS ACCESSIBLE.

>> YOU CAN SAY ANYWHERE FROM I CAN PAY 95% OR 100% ALL THE WAY DOWN TO 5%, ZERO PERCENT, WHATEVER IT IS YOU ARE ABLE.

WE DON'T ASK QUESTIONS.

WE DON'T REQUIRE ANY PROOF OF INCOME.

>> FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M AUBREY WRIGHT.

>>> TANDEM ALSO OFFERS FREE DIAPERS, CLOTHES, AND SUPPORT GROUPS FOR THOSE IN NEED.

>>> AND THE MONROE COUNTY FAIR KICKS OFF THIS WEEKEND AND RUNS THROUGH JULY 5th.

FAIR ATTRACTIONS WILL INCLUDE MONSTER TRUCK RIDES A DEMOLITION DERBY, A RODEO, CARNIVAL RIDES AND LIVE MUSIC AND NEARLY 1,000 4-H MEMBERS WILL EXHIBIT THEIR ANIMALS AND FINE ART AND MORE.

>> THE FAIR IS A WAY TO PUT THE CAPSTONE ON EVERY EXPERIENCE, WHETHER IT'S A WOODWORKING PROJECT OR YOU ARE, YOU KNOW, TRYING TO GET THE BEST CAT PERSONALITY THIS YEAR.

>> THE BEST CAT PERSONALITY.

TICKETS ARE $5 FOR ATTENDEES OVER 13 AND $3 FOR KIDS 6 TO 12.

CHILDREN 5 AND UNDER GET IN FREE.

>>> THAT'S THE END OF THIS PROGRAM, BUT OUR WORK CONTINUES ONLINE AS WE COVER THE NEWS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK AT WTIUNEWS.ORG.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

>> "INDIANA NEWSDESK" IS MADE