Mississippi has awarded 167 grants totaling $104.1 million through the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program.
Five things to know, according to a Sept. 14 news release from Gov. Tate Reeves’ office:
1. The awards are part of Mississippi’s $205.9 million first-year implementation budget, which will be allocated this year. The program is funded through CMS, which is distributing rural health funding to states nationwide.
2. The grants fall under three programs: rural provider technology, rural capital project care gap closure, and telehealth hub connectivity, equipment and education.
3. Recipients include Gulfport-based Memorial Health System, Jackson-based University of Mississippi Medical Center, Tupelo-based North Mississippi Medical Center, Laurel-based South Central Regional Medical Center and Hattiesburg Clinic.
4. The awards represent the first three grant opportunities in year one of a five-year effort. Applications for workforce and psychiatric emergency services initiatives are under review and will be announced in the next 30 to 45 days.
5. In October, the state will launch additional opportunities focused on closing gaps in rural care and helping rural providers modernize their EHR systems.
