Texas Health and Human Services says some West Texas patients travel up to 109 miles to reach the nearest referral center.
The money covers a long list, starting with chronic disease prevention, wellness and nutrition, plus consumer-facing technology meant to improve patients' health. It also pays for AI and telehealth services, cybersecurity for patient data, and upgrades to rural hospital equipment and clinics. Recruiting rural healthcare workers gets scholarships, relocation payments, career development and training programs.
One string comes attached. The federal government awards the funding only if programs meet every requirement. For people in rural West Texas, the pitch is straightforward: more healthcare workers, better equipment and telehealth services aimed at the long drives. KFYO Lubbock News Talk reported the details.
Right now, many Texas counties send pregnant women 70 miles or more to reach a hospital that will deliver their baby.