Gov. Greg Abbott announced $281 million in federal grants to improve rural healthcare across Texas, including West Texas, through a program called Rural Texas Strong.
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.
Common questions
How much money is in Gov. Abbott's rural health plan?
- Gov. Greg Abbott announced $281 million in federal grants for rural healthcare across Texas, including West Texas. The program is called Rural Texas Strong. The money covers chronic disease prevention, wellness and nutrition, telehealth, cybersecurity for patient data, hospital equipment and clinic upgrades, and recruiting rural healthcare workers.
How far do West Texas patients travel to reach a referral center?
- Some West Texas patients travel up to 109 miles to reach the nearest referral center, according to Texas Health and Human Services. The $281 million in federal grants Gov. Greg Abbott announced for Rural Texas Strong covers rural healthcare across Texas, including West Texas.
How will the Rural Texas Strong plan help recruit rural healthcare workers?
- The plan pays for scholarships, relocation payments, career development and training programs to recruit rural healthcare workers. It is part of the $281 million Rural Texas Strong program Gov. Greg Abbott announced. The money also covers AI and telehealth services, cybersecurity for patient data, and upgrades to rural hospital equipment and clinics.
