Missouri secures $218M in year two rural healthcare funds

Gov. Mike Kehoe and the Missouri Department of Social Services announced the state has secured $218 million in year two rural healthcare funding.

The money is coming through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, according to a news release. In Missouri, it will strengthen the state's Transformation of Rural Community Health, or ToRCH, program.

“This investment reflects a continued trust in Missouri’s commitment to strengthening care across our rural communities,” Kehoe said in the release. “This funding allows us to enhance community-based services, ensure more reliable access to care and support providers in building a stronger foundation of health for the people we serve.”

RHTP funding is awarded annually, with the potential for more than $1 billion over a five-year period, according to past reporting. 

Bolivar-based healthcare provider Citizens Memorial Hospital was chosen to lead ToRCH Health Care Hub 7, which comprises Cedar, Dade, Dallas, Hickory and Polk counties, according to past reporting. As the Hub 7 anchor, CMH coordinates the regional network of healthcare and community organizations participating in the program and provides administrative and operational support for Hub 7.