Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Monday that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is awarding $3.3 million in taxpayer money to improve maternal care in rural hospitals that currently do not provide labor and delivery services.
“Texas continues working to ensure that new mothers and families have access to quality healthcare services in every corner of our great state,” said Abbott in a press release. “Expanding access to rural healthcare remains a top priority. With this $3.3 million in grants, hospitals will receive much-needed financial assistance to purchase equipment and train healthcare personnel for emergency labor and delivery services to help Texas mothers.”
“I thank the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for their tireless efforts to provide quality healthcare through this grant opportunity to rural hospitals across Texas,” he added.
The grants, which aim to improve maternal care operations related to neonatal preparation and readiness for emergency labor and deliveries, will provide qualifying hospitals with a one-time payment of $35,000 to purchase equipment, supplies, and training.
“Having the right equipment and training can potentially save lives, especially in communities with few choices for emergency care,” said HHSC CFO Trey Wood. “These grants give hospitals an opportunity to address a critical gap in rural health care and serve our most vulnerable and newest Texans.”
Rural hospitals not currently providing inpatient labor and delivery services are encouraged to apply for the grant. Applications must be submitted through the HHSC Rural Hospital Program grants portal by 5 p.m. on September 13.
To learn more about the grant, click here.