St. Thomas East End Medical Center urges $2.5 million GVI appropriation, seeks $2.5M one‑time infusion for legacy debt

St. Thomas East End Medical Center Corporation (STEAMCC) asked the Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance on July 30 for a $2.5 million GVI appropriation for FY2026 and a separate one‑time infusion of $2.5 million to reduce legacy accounts payable and restore fiscal equilibrium.

The request was presented by Tess Richards, STEAMCC executive director, who described the health center—s recent recovery and ongoing financial pressures. "Our testimony today is a reflection of 2 years of grit, sacrifice, and hope," Richards said, adding that the center has closed a $300,000 monthly shortfall and ended FY2025 with a small surplus.

Richards told the committee STEAMCC has rebuilt patient trust, expanded services and improved operations through staff restructuring and revenue cycle changes, but continues to face growing uncompensated care and lingering liabilities. She said the center now serves a patient population with 99 patients below the federal poverty line and that self‑pay patients have grown from 29.5% to 34% of the payer mix, contributing to rising uncompensated care.

Nut graf: The center presented a FY2026 operating budget of $8,456,000 and…