Missouri awarded $216.3 million from federal rural health care program

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri was awarded $216,276,818 through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, according to a Monday press release from the Missouri Primary Care Association.

The award includes a $100 million base allocation, supplemented by additional discretionary funding, the release says. The money will support the state’s Transformation of Rural Community Health Care initiative, which aims to expand access to health care, improve outcomes and strengthen provider sustainability, the release says.

“This significant investment affirms the strength of Missouri’s vision for rural healthcare and the collaborative work already underway across the state,” Missouri Primary Care Association CEO Joe Pierle said in the release. “These resources will help ensure rural Missourians can access high-quality, sustainable care close to home.”

The announcement saw praise on social media from US Reps. Mark Alford and Sam Graves (R-MO).