Gov. Greg Abbott unveiled a significant allocation to rural healthcare, with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission earmarking $17 million in grant funding to fortify healthcare services in underserved communities across Texas.
The Texas Rural Hospital Financial Stabilization Grant is poised to inject vital resources into eligible hospitals, ranging from $100,000 to $375,000 over two years, to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality, according to a press release from the Office of the Texas Governor.
Addressing the need to bridge healthcare disparities in rural areas across the state, Abbott emphasized the critical role of these funds in bolstering the healthcare infrastructure to ensure Texans in every corner of the state have equitable access to essential medical services.
“The State of Texas continues to provide crucial funding and resources to rural hospitals so we can more effectively serve Texans in their communities. This $17 million in grant funding will help ensure Texans from every corner of the state have greater access to the quality healthcare services they need and deserve,” Abbott stated.
The grant’s initiative, spearheaded by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), illustrates the state’s commitment to fostering healthcare equity and addressing the unique challenges faced by rural hospitals. Executive Commissioner Cecile Erwin Young lauded the funding as a testament to the state’s unwavering dedication to supporting Texans and bolstering rural communities’ healthcare infrastructure.
“Rural hospitals are a critical part of the healthcare system in Texas, and HHSC is proud to facilitate initiatives like this to support Texans and our rural communities,” Young expressed in the press release.
Aligned with the Rural Hospital Services Strategic Plan, the grant program seeks to fortify rural Texans’ access to essential hospital services, addressing operational needs, debt repayment, facility enhancements and equipment acquisition, according to the press release.
The grant awards, tailored to individual hospital’s financial needs, signify a concerted effort to bolster rural healthcare resilience and ensure sustainable healthcare delivery in underserved regions, according to the press release.
Qualified rural hospitals are urged to seize this opportunity by registering and applying for the grant before the June 21 deadline. Interested hospitals can apply via the HHSC Rural Hospital Program Grants Portal.
Stakeholders are encouraged to visit the HHSC Rural Hospital Finance and Coordination webpage for further details regarding the grant and related programs.