The Trump administration announced more than $45 million in rural health funding for Missouri, to support hospital infrastructure improvements, expand access to behavioral and maternal healthcare, and strengthen the emergency medical services workforce.
The funding is being distributed through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) and includes approximately $35 million to support 20 rural hospital projects covering facility improvements, building system upgrades, new diagnostic equipment, and renovated critical care and treatment spaces.
Up to $6.4 million will connect rural providers with behavioral health and perinatal specialists, including rapid psychiatric consultations available often within 30 minutes for children and families, along with referral services, provider training, and additional support for pregnant and postpartum patients.
An additional $4.2 million will support rural emergency medical services workforce development, with 437 individuals selected to receive funded EMT and paramedic training and incentives for rural agencies to hire and retain certified staff.
"President Trump understands that every American deserves high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live," said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. "We are putting resources directly into rural communities to strengthen the health workforce, modernize infrastructure, expand access, and bring care closer to home."
The announcement builds on more than $7 million in previously announced funding to strengthen Missouri's rural maternal health workforce through expanded doula training and certification and to expand mobile healthcare and community paramedicine services.