OSAGE -- Mitchell County Regional Health Center will receive funding to establish an electronic medical records filing system.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently awarded a $527,200 low-interest loan and a $131,800 grant, according to Mark Reisinger, state director of the agency's rural development office.

The money will help pay for equipment and software to implement a comprehensive electronic records system using high-speed telecommunications lines.

The health center will collaborate with Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa and Trinity Health to install a standard, integrated system that will improve the accessibility, safety and efficiency of its medical service.

The system will provide authorized health care providers immediate access to records of patients treated at any hospital within the Mercy Health Network-North Iowa. Reisinger said the network will also provide information resources and clinical rules.

Kay Gabriel, interim CEO at Mitchell County Regional Health, said hospital officials are excited about the opportunity.

"This project will put our whole network on the cutting edge of technology for health care," she said. "The electronic health record will allow health care providers to get critical medical information and test results more quickly, allowing faster treatment options and decisions."

Reisinger said the USDA recognizes the project will bridge the gap between doctors and patients.

"Access to high-quality health care is an issue of growing concern to many rural communities," he said.

Earlier this month, Mercy Health Services received a $224,000 grant to deploy radiography, radiology information services and a picture arching and communications system at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton, Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt, Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona, Mercy Medical Center-New Hampton, Mitchell County Regional Health Center and Regional Health Services of Howard County in Cresco.

Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage is a critical access hospital with rural health clinics in Osage, Riceville, St. Ansgar and Stacyville.