On July 27, the Marion County Hospital District Board of Trustees elected Rusty Branson, a local banker, as its new chair. The hospital district was established by the state legislature in 1965 as a governmental agency formed to oversee the healthcare of Marion County residents. Today, the board of trustees is responsible for overseeing a community investment fund that totals nearly $337 million. The trustees utilize the funds to meet the health needs of the community. The trustees also heavily invest in local mental health and substance abuse support programs, including the creation of the Beacon Point behavioral health hub.