USDA Invests $1.25 Million to Improve Rural Kansas Health Care

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas State Director Christy Davis Thursday announced that USDA is awarding $1,255,209 million in grants to improve health care facilities in three Kansas communities. These grants will help rural health care facilities expand critical services in Republic, McPherson and Mitchell counties.

"USDA is committed to ensuring rural Americans have access to reliable quality health care," Davis said. "The Emergency Rural Health Care Grants being announced today will provide the infrastructure needed to improve the health and lives of rural Kansans."

These grants are part of a larger national announcement including facilities in 43 states and Guam. The Emergency Rural Health Care program is designed to help rural hospitals and health care providers implement telehealth and nutrition assistance programs, increase staffing to administer COVID-19 vaccines and testing, build or renovate facilities, and purchase medical supplies.

The details of the Kansas investments are:

• A $792,340 grant will help the Republic County Hospital purchase equipment and fixtures during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will also add telehealth infrastructure to provide services to rural residents.
• An $87,464 grant will be used to help reimburse Mercy Hospital for lost health care revenue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will allow the residents of Moundridge and surrounding communities to continue to receive health care services from the hospital.
• A $375,405 grant will help Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems recover from lost revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds will also help replace flooring and improve the heating and air conditioning systems in areas of the hospital to aid in infection control and prepare for future pandemics.

In August 2021, USDA made the Emergency Rural Health Care Grants available through the American Rescue Plan Act to help rural health care facilities, tribes and communities expand access to health care services and nutrition assistance.

The assistance is helping provide immediate relief to support rural hospitals, health care clinics and local communities. USDA is administering the funds through Rural Development's Community Facilities Program.