Florida Awarded $209 Million Through Federal Rural Health Transformation Program

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ~ TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - In a press conference today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida has been granted over $209 million through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). This significant funding will enable the state to implement a comprehensive plan to strengthen rural health care by focusing on workforce, innovation, and access.

The award will support a variety of initiatives aimed at improving health care in rural areas. These include expanding clinical training and rotations in rural communities, providing start-up funds for rural and satellite clinics, and investing in mobile health units, remote patient monitoring, behavioral health telehubs, and advanced telespecialty services. These investments will ensure that residents of rural Florida have access to essential health services close to home.

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) will soon release procurements related to the RHTP throughout the state. Agency Secretary Shevaun Harris expressed her gratitude for the leadership of Governor DeSantis and President Trump in securing this funding. She stated that this award reflects the voices of providers, stakeholders, and rural communities who have shared their needs with the Agency. Harris emphasized that the Agency is committed to creating lasting impacts in rural communities by building a stronger workforce, leveraging innovation, and expanding access to care.

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Justin Senior, CEO of Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida also praised the funding announcement. He stated that every family in Florida should have access to high-quality care regardless of their location. Senior believes that these funds will improve access and care in rural communities where there is often a shortage of providers. He also highlighted the important role that safety net hospitals play in providing care to patients regardless of their ability to pay.

Jonathan Chapman, President and CEO of Florida Association of Community Health Centers echoed Senior's sentiments about improving access to care for patients in rural areas. He believes that expanding training opportunities and supporting Community Health Clinics will result in more patients having access to consistent, high-quality care.

Sarah Catalanotto, Executive Director of Suwannee River Area Health Education Center, emphasized the impact that these initiatives will have on rural families. She stated that families in rural Florida often face long drives and limited options for care. The funding will bring services closer to home, including behavioral health and chronic disease management, resulting in healthier communities and stronger families.

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David Walker, CEO of George E. Weems Memorial Hospital, described the funding as a lifeline for rural hospitals. He believes that telehealth, mobile health units, and care coordination will help keep patients local and reduce unnecessary transfers. This will ultimately provide the kind of care that rural communities deserve.

The RHTP funding is seen as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve health care in rural Florida. With a focus on workforce development, innovation, and access to care, these investments are expected to have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of residents in these underserved areas.

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