We would like to recognize the leadership of CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System for investing further in the Port Arthur community.

Their announcement this week that they will be expanding their healthcare footprint in our community shows a couple of things. First, the hospital system believes it can better serve Port Arthur’s sick through a so-called micro hospital. Second, this shows the healthcare system is confident that our community can financially support an expansion — this is a vote of confidence in Port Arthur.

While the micro-hospital is, as its name implies, a smaller version of a hospital, it will be open 24 hours seven days a week, meaning this is a more significant investment than, say, a clinic office or a new hospital service.

While there remains much national debate over health insurance, no one denies the facts that hospitals and healthcare facilities remain highly important parts of local economies. Hospitals and healthcare facilities offer good paying jobs and they attract and retain professionals — things every community needs.

In addition, the new facility will mean that Port Arthur residents will not have to travel out of the area to get medical treatment. This is good news for people who need treatment and, again, it means more local money will be kept local.

We welcome the new micro-hospital and we are certain our readers will, too.