Governor Abbott announces millions in federal funding to strengthen health care in rural communities
Austin, Texas – Texas is directing millions of dollars toward improving health care access and prevention efforts in rural communities, as Governor Greg Abbott announced a major new funding opportunity aimed at strengthening hospitals and expanding services across the state’s less populated areas.
According to the announcement, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission will distribute $56 million in federal funding to rural hospitals that are working to improve prevention, nutrition, and wellness programs within their communities. State leaders say the investment is intended to help hospitals address some of the most common long-term health problems affecting Texans living in rural regions.
“Rural Texans deserve access to quality care,” said Governor Abbott. “This $56 million investment will help expand care, combat chronic disease, and bring prevention and nutrition resources directly to the communities that need them the most. We are backing rural hospitals and ensuring that all Texans — no matter where they live — have the chance to live a better, healthier life.”
Initiative focuses on prevention and chronic disease
The funding is part of the state’s broader Rural Texas Strong plan and supports an initiative called “Make Rural Texans Healthy Again.” Officials say the effort is focused on improving overall health outcomes while reducing conditions that continue to impact rural communities at high rates, including diabetes, heart disease, chronic respiratory disease, and obesity.
Hospitals receiving the funding will have flexibility in how the money is used, allowing them to target the needs of their local populations. Possible uses include expanding health screenings, offering after-hours medical care, strengthening community wellness programs, and improving access to healthy food options.
State officials stressed that better health often begins with preventive care and stable community support systems. “Good health starts with reliable access to care and nutritious food,” said HHS Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth. “This investment helps rural communities strengthen prevention efforts and support long-term health.”
Both public and private rural hospitals across Texas are eligible to apply for the funding. The process will be competitive, and applications must be submitted by June 4.
The $56 million announced this week represents just one part of a much larger federal funding package tied to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Rural Health Transformation Program. HHSC received a first-year award totaling more than $281 million through the program, which supports the Rural Texas Strong initiative.
Officials estimate that Texas could receive approximately $1.4 billion in federal support over the next five years through the program. The initiative is fully federally funded and includes six separate programs designed to strengthen health care access and services in rural areas.
State leaders say the long-term goal is to improve quality of life while helping rural hospitals remain stable and capable of serving growing community needs. Funding, however, remains dependent on hospitals meeting all program requirements and guidelines established through the federal program.
