Federal grants target rural healthcare shortages in Colorado and West Virginia

Federal funding is being deployed through Rural Health Transformation Program grants to address healthcare workforce shortages and improve access in rural American communities.

In Colorado, approximately $169.5 million is being directed to 250 projects across 52 rural counties. These grants, funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, range from $100,000 to $8 million. Recipients include Middle Park Health, which received $7.7 million, and Elevated Community Health, which received $3.4 million. The initiative aims to support maternal health and sustain the healthcare workforce.

In West Virginia, the program is also targeting nursing shortages. The WVU Medicine Center for Nursing Education was awarded $201,403 to increase capacity for approximately 100 additional nursing students annually. This initiative is part of a larger federal assistance award totaling nearly $199.5 million intended to expand educational opportunities in rural and professional shortage areas.