Hospital Sale Pays For Community Perks

Dickson, Tenn., is a community that’s seen the monetary benefit of selling its hospital to a for-profit entity.

With a population of about 12,000 (in a county where the total population is only about 42,000), Dickson is just 35 miles west of Nashville. The community sold its 176-bed Goodlark Hospital three years ago to Columbia/HCA Healthcare. Proceeds from the sale — about $70 million — established the Jackson Foundation Inc., a public foundation that aims to provide educational opportunities for people of all ages.

“Our board has charged us, basically, to do things for the educational community in Dickson,” says Bob Spencer, the foundation’s assistant executive director. “Our overriding goal is to create an environment that encourages lifelong learning.”

With about $95 million in assets now, the foundation’s current project is the construction of a $20 million facility that will feature a planetarium, a performing arts center and lecture halls. The Renaissance Center, as it’s called, is to open in June 1999 and will offer classes in the traditional arts. In addition, there are to be computer classes and other courses for residents of Dickson County and neighboring counties.

Another program paid for by the Jackson Foundation is one that offers flying lessons to high school seniors. Students who wish to participate sign a pledge that they will remain drug-, alcohol- and tobacco-free. Students contribute one hour of community service for each hour of flight time.

The goal of the Eagle Squadron, as it’s called, is not to make pilots of students but to increase their self-esteem, Spencer says.

Spencer recalls no community apprehension when the hospital sold. “The [hospital] board just felt like it was a good time” to sell, he says.

The hospital’s name has been changed to Horizon Medical Center but that had been planned prior to the sale, Spencer says.