Voters in Henry County have approved an expanded lease agreement between Henry County Health Center (HCHC) in Mount Pleasant and Great River Health (GRH) based in West Burlington.

In a special election Tuesday, yes votes for the measure were 1,236 while no votes were 850, making for 59% approval of the 2,092 ballots cast. That gives GRH the greenlight to lease HCHC’s facilities and assets, and will operate the health center starting July 1, a move expected to provide financial stability to HCHC, a Critical Access Hospital, and will ensure health care continues to be managed locally.

HCHC Board of Trustees Chairman Kent Severson says they are thrilled residents have voted to secure the future of local health care. He also notes HCHC is celebrating its 100th year serving the county and they can welcome that milestone while ensuring quality health care stays close to home for years to come.

The two entities have been health partners for 10 years and under the expanded lease agreement, HCHC will lease its facilities and assets to GRH, while the HCHC Board of Trustees will continue to be responsible for maintenance, improvement and any necessary replacement of leased hospital assets. The new plan also assures staff will remain employed by HCHC while retaining their current benefits. Henry County Health Center will continue to be the name of the hospital, taxes will remain in Henry County, and HCHC Foundation funds will stay within the community.

Results of the special election are unofficial until a canvassing by the Henry County Board of Supervisors.