WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the Trump Administration announced more than $45 million in federal investment to upgrade rural Missouri hospitals, connect providers with behavioral and maternal health specialists, and grow the emergency care workforce in rural Missouri. This investment is part of the Rural Health Transformation Program’s (RHTP) historic $50 billion investment in rural healthcare, which Rep. Jason Smith (MO-08) authored as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts, also known as the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

“Rural hospitals are the backbone of communities like the ones I grew up in. When a rural hospital shuts its doors, that often means an extra hour on the road to see a doctor, and that extra hour can be the difference between life and death,” said Rep. Jason Smith. “That’s exactly why I fought to create the Rural Health Transformation Program when I was writing the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. I knew we had to make a real investment in rural healthcare, so hospitals, clinics, and EMS crews have the resources they need to continue serving the families who depend on them. I was glad to see it pay off for my hometown recently when Salem Memorial hospital received $1.7 million through the RHTP, and this announcement is just further proof that the One, Big, Beautiful Bill is delivering for families and rural communities across the nation. I will never stop fighting to make sure our rural communities have access to the quality healthcare they deserve.”

“President Trump understands that every American deserves high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are putting resources directly into rural communities to strengthen the health workforce, modernize infrastructure, expand access, and bring care closer to home. We are giving states the flexibility to build solutions around the people they serve, while demanding accountability for results. That is how we strengthen rural health, improve the lives of patients and families, and Make America Healthy Again.”

“President Trump made a historic commitment to rural America, and these investments are turning that commitment into better care for patients in communities across Missouri,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “This is what rural health transformation should look like: federal investment that is putting patients first, driving lasting improvements and expanding healthcare for the hardworking Americans who call these communities home.”

“A person’s ZIP code should never determine whether they can see a doctor, receive emergency care, or access the services they need to live a healthy life,” said Gov. Mike Kehoe. “With this investment, we can continue to deliver meaningful improvements in rural healthcare for generations to come. We’re grateful to President Trump and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for their continued partnership as we work to build a stronger, healthier future for rural Missouri.”

Background:

• The announcement is part of the more than $216 million Missouri received through the RHTP, and includes approximately $35 million for 20 rural hospital projects. The $35 million will go toward facility improvements, building system upgrades, new diagnostic equipment, and renovated critical care and treatment spaces.
• Up to $6.4 million will connect rural providers with behavioral health and perinatal specialists. This includes rapid psychiatric consultations for children and families, often within 30 minutes, plus referral services, provider training, and added support for pregnant and postpartum patients.
• Up to $4.2 million will grow Missouri’s rural EMS workforce. 437 individuals have been selected to begin funded EMT and paramedic training, and rural agencies will get incentives to hire and keep certified staff.
• These investments build on more than $7 million the Administration previously announced to expand doula training and certification for Missouri’s rural maternal health workforce, as well as mobile healthcare and community paramedicine services in rural communities.
• Missouri’s broader Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) strategy aims to strengthen coordination and build a more sustainable rural healthcare system. It focuses on four areas:
  • Local and regional care networks: community hubs and regional networks that improve care coordination and connect rural Missourians with providers.
  • Rural healthcare workforce: recruitment, training, clinical education, and retention to strengthen the pipeline of rural health professionals.
  • Technology and data: shared digital infrastructure and better data sharing so rural providers can coordinate care.
  • Rural care delivery: provider modernization and new care and payment models that support long-term sustainability.