Hospitals receive rural development grant funds

Posted on 8/4/23

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Oklahoma State Director Kenneth Corn announced grants totaling more than $4.6 million to assist 12 communities expand access to healthcare. Seven hospitals received grant funds, including Elkview General Hospital, Hobart; McAlester Regional Health Center; Grady Memorial Hospital, Chickasha; Mercy Hospital Ada; Mercy Hospital Tishomingo; Mercy Hospital Watonga; and Northeastern Health System Sequoyah, Sallisaw.

This funding is made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act. The investments are aimed at helping regional partnerships, public bodies, nonprofits and tribes solve regional rural health care challenges.

USDA has awarded $129 million in Emergency Rural Health Care Grants to improve health care facilities in rural towns across the nation. These grants will help 172 rural health care organizations expand critical services. The complete list of awardees can be found here.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has shown how vital it is to invest in rural healthcare,” Corn said. “I am thankful that under the leadership of President Biden we are delivering real results for rural Oklahomans that are making an impact today and in the future for better health outcomes in our communities.”