As we enter the holiday season, I want to give you my annual update on CCMC Health System operations. As in the previous two years, the close of 2024 will set another record for business growth, and we expect that trend line to continue in 2025. This has been achieved through adding new healthcare services and providers, managing costs, and working across our service sites. Our growth aims to promote health, improve access to care in our rural region, and help ensure sustainable operating revenue for the long term.
We completed construction and opened in May the state-of-the-art Legacy Estate Long Term Care nursing home on the main medical campus in Comanche. The massive project was the culmination and fulfillment of a dream community leaders and residents had for decades. They saw the need for a new nursing home with private accommodation back before the new CCMC Hospital was built.
In 2019, the nursing home project launched, slowed only by the pandemic. With board approvals and community support, construction began in September of 2022. The new facility has exceeded expectations in terms of design, operating efficiency, and best-in-class customer service. Administrator, Nikki Stark, MBA, and the Legacy care team do an exceptional job managing operations, caring for new residents, supporting family caregivers, and hiring and training healthcare staff. Full occupancy is expected in 2025.
Our growing pharmacy operations, which include a wide range of big pharmacy services and free delivery, serve many patients in Comanche and surrounding counties, some of whom have seen their pharmacy close or have no pharmacy in their community. Pharmacy services not only provide essential prescriptions, but are an important revenue source for the nonprofit health system. This year, we began construction of the new 4,000 sq ft retail CCMC Pharmacy and drive through on the south end of the CCMC Hospital and Doctors Medical Center clinic. Watch for the opening in February, and plan to attend our welcome reception to be announced. Just this month we welcomed the well-established McMahan Pharmacy in Goldthwaite into our system, and earlier in the fall, our Rising Star Pharmacy took on hundreds of new pharmacy customers who lost service in Cross Plains. We are fortunate to have top-notch pharmacy leadership.
Next door to McMahan Pharmacy, we recently opened an infusion service to better serve patients in Mills and surrounding counties who suffer from debilitating chronic conditions. This service adds to the scope of operations of the nonprofit Texas Outpatient & Infusion Centers located in Abilene, Brownwood, and Stephenville.
The CCMC Health System welcomed new medical providers in 2024: Charles Cooper, PA-C, a recognized and highly skilled family practice provider and engaged in our VA Community Care services; Brady K. Miller, MD, board-certified in anesthesiology, specializing in interventional pain management. In January, we will welcome James E. Cawley, MD, of Stephenville, a long-time provider who will fill the great need for gynecology care.
Grant funding and charitable giving to the health system grew in 2024. Kristine Bremer Kirk, MS, Director of Philanthropy, helped us secure new grant funding for the District’s operating needs, EMS response vehicle, Legacy furnishings and equipment, and rural health clinic services. Charitable gifts from community members, Comanche County Healthcare Foundation, members of health system boards, and staff also supported our service initiatives this year. We are grateful to them for their generosity and trust in our health system.
The CCMC Health System created over fifty new jobs in 2024. As many know, we serve as an economic anchor for the community, providing not only essential medical care and access to it, but substantial employment opportunities. In so doing, we help develop a stronger workforce, contribute to a healthier and more vibrant community, grow hundreds of family incomes, attract new residents, and contribute to local business growth. We are proud to serve as your hospital and health system, and look forward to growing with you in 2025 and beyond.
Dr. Larry G. Troxell
Chief Executive Officer
CCMC Health System
BLUE & BALD – OUR CEO’S PROMISE
New Look, Same Great CEO!
Pictured left to right in the back is Rhonda Alderman and Amber Bell, with CEO Dr. Larry Troxell in the front following his head-shaving event.
Dr. Troxell agreed to have his hair spray-painted and shaved after CCMC achieved a record- breaking goal. Rhonda and Amber, winners of an internal drawing, had the honor of spray- painting his hair blue—a nod to National Diabetes Month, showing CCMC Health System’s dedication to improving lives through trusted providers and compassionate care.