Gov. Abbott Announces $60 Million in Federal Funding to Rural Hospitals

AUSTIN, TX — Gov. Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission will provide $60 million in initial federal funding to rural hospital districts to expand community-based health programs.

The funding will support prevention, wellness and nutrition initiatives as part of the state’s Rural Texas Strong plan, aimed at improving health outcomes in underserved areas.

"Every community in Texas deserves to have a health system that works as hard as them," said Governor Abbott. "This funding will aid rural hospital districts to provide the critical services needed to keep Texans healthy and strong. Together, we will ensure that top-of-the-line health programs and preventive care are accessible to every corner of our state."

The initiative, titled “Make Rural Texans Healthy Again,” will focus on addressing chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness and obesity.

According to state officials, the funding can be used for projects including opening wellness centers, supporting grocery stores and food access programs, establishing after-hours primary care clinics and providing low- or no-cost health screenings.

HHS Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth said prevention efforts are key to improving long-term health outcomes.

“Improving health outcomes in rural Texas starts with prevention,” said Muth. “By supporting wellness and chronic disease prevention efforts, this initiative helps communities take meaningful steps toward lifelong health.”

Texas expects to receive approximately $1.4 billion in federal funding over five years through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Rural Health Transformation Program. The Rural Texas Strong plan, approved by CMS, includes multiple initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare access across rural communities.