USDA is sending $500 million dollars in pandemic relief to rural hospitals. The grants will help communities expand access to COVID vaccines, health care services, and nutrition programs.
USDA’s Rural Development says that this will help expand rural hospitals and providers.
According to Justin Maxson, “It will allow health care systems to expand offerings around behavioral care and primary care. It’ll encourage rural residents to seek care at local hospitals. It’ll also expand things like telehealth, styptics, and behavioral health.”
Rural hospitals have struggled for more than a decade, with many having to close their doors. Sec. Tom Vilsack says that these grants will improve the long-term viability of rural health.
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