Rural Health Transformation Program allocates millions for healthcare access

The federal Rural Health Transformation Program is distributing significant funding to improve healthcare access in rural regions. In Idaho, nearly $186 million has been allocated for the first year of the program. This funding supports telehealth, cybersecurity for rural providers, maternal and child health, behavioral health, and improvements to medical facilities and equipment.

Specific Idaho sub-grants include $5.8 million for Bonner General Health, $4.8 million for St. Mary's Health hospital, and nearly $900,000 for a mobile pediatric audiology clinic. Additionally, $1.53 million is designated for a mobile dental clinic serving Kootenai, Bonner, and Benewah counties.

In Virginia, approximately $11.8 million is available through the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission and NRVRC for the New River Valley, Roanoke/Alleghany, and Central Shenandoah regions. This funding, part of the Connected Care, Closer to Home initiative, aims to launch mobile and hybrid care programs. Supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the grants will fund mobile care units, telehealth kiosks, and care hubs to provide primary care, specialty care, dental, vision, and behavioral health services.