DeSantis announces major investment aimed at fixing long-standing rural health gaps
Tallahassee, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis said last week that Florida will get more than $209 million in new federal money to help improve health care in rural areas of the state. The money comes from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program and is intended to assist with a statewide plan to make the rural health system stronger.
State officials say the money will be used to fix problems that have been around for a long time in rural health care, such as not having enough workers, not being able to get treatments, and not having enough specialist care. The plan focuses on making more providers available and leveraging technology and new care models to reach populations that don’t always get the care they need.
A large part of the money will go toward clinical training options, such as more rural rotations that are meant to get health professionals to work in smaller areas. The award also includes money to enable new rural clinics and satellite locations get started. This will help provide care closer to people who now have to travel vast distances to get essential services.
Florida also wants to buy mobile health units and remote patient monitoring to help people who have trouble getting around or getting to appointments. The money will also go to mental health telehubs and enhanced telespecialty services, which will enable people in rural areas talk to specialists without leaving their communities.
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In the next several months, the Agency for Health Care Administration is expected to start posting procurement opportunities related to the program. This will allow providers and organizations from across the state to take part in the project.
According to Agency Secretary Shevaun Harris, the award is based on direct feedback from rural providers and community members who reported that workforce development, innovation, and access were their top objectives.
“Our Agency, thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis and President Trump, has ample tools in our toolbox that will help in enhancing health care in our rural communities and bolstering the support families need,” said Agency Secretary Shevaun Harris.
“This award reflects the voices of our providers, stakeholders, and rural communities who told us what they need most, and we are laser focused on creating lasting impacts in our rural communities by building a stronger workforce, leveraging innovation, and expanding access to care. These investments will deliver sustainable improvements for rural families across Florida.”
State leaders stressed that access to quality health care should not depend on geography. Officials noted that rural communities often face provider shortages and higher barriers to care, and said the funding will help ensure that families can receive essential services closer to home, regardless of their ability to pay.
