Missouri opens $55M in rural health grants for hospitals, clinics

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KQTV) -- Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe announced the launch of more than $55 million in funding opportunities aimed at strengthening and modernizing health care in rural Missouri.

According to a news release, the funds will be administered through the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program and Healthier Communities Together initiative.

“Our rural hospitals, clinics, and frontline clinicians are critical to the success of Missouri communities,” Kehoe said. “With this new $55 million investment, we are putting tools directly into the hands of local providers. We are cutting red tape, upgrading technology to save doctors valuable time, bringing critical maternal and mental health care directly to communities via mobile units, and making sure our rural healthcare workforce has the support they need to stay and thrive right here in Missouri.”

The package focuses on challenges facing rural Missouri families and providers. According to the release, major pieces include:

• $5 million for mobile health units to bring maternal, mental health and primary care into high-need counties.
• $11 million to help rural communities recruit and retain doctors, nurses and specialists, including support tied to local barriers such as child care and housing.
• $37.5 million combined for technology and ambient AI, including:
  • $24.4 million to upgrade digital systems and keep health records secure and connected.
  • $8 million for digital innovation pilots led by local providers.
  • $2.5 million for high-risk pregnancy monitoring in southeast and south-central Missouri.
  • $1 million for telehealth access to cardiac and stroke specialists.
  • $1 million to help rural hospitals secure essential emergency care certifications.

The state will host informational webinars in November to guide local providers through the application process. A workforce support webinar is set for Nov. 12 from 2-3 p.m. CT, and a digital backbone application webinar is set for Nov. 17 from 10-11 a.m. CT.

Rural hospitals, clinics and community partners are encouraged to connect with local hub program coordinators and leadership boards for more information. Additional details are available through the Missouri Department of Social Services at dss.mo.gov/mhd/rural-health.