rural health

The Rural Health Transformation Program is a $50 billion investment signed into law last year, alongside an estimated $911 billion in reductions to federal Medicaid spending over a decade.

Newman Memorial hopes the model it’s building can sustain access despite looming reductions to federal Medicaid spending signed into law last year alongside the dollars fueling its project.

Hospital leadership says the new status allows the facility to “better align our resources with the healthcare needs of the community.” Nowata residents are grappling with how to move forward without inpatient services, which they argue are essential for Nowata County.

The update comes as Oklahoma prepares to enter the second budget period of a five-year federal funding opportunity meant to transform rural health.

The researcher makes the case for investments in facilities that lack the funds to evaluate and implement it safely.

The new course’s goal is to strengthen the capabilities of current and emerging healthcare leaders, equip them with practical tools and help them build a network of peers to share best practices with.

Ascension St. John is seeking federal approval to turn its Nowata hospital into a rural emergency facility, which would mean ending acute inpatient and swing-bed services

Funding will support one-time purchases of equipment and other assets. The goal is to improve health care access, outcomes and community wellness in rural communities.

The agency provided updates on its plans during a webinar Thursday.

The state received one of the highest Rural Health Transformation Program investments nationally, only ranking behind California, Montana, Alaska and Texas.