Oklahoma officials are highlighting early progress under the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program, pointing to new investments in workforce development, health technology and expanded access to medical services as the initiative approaches the end of its first budget year.
Governor Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma Commissioner of Health Keith Reed and Southwestern Oklahoma State University Rural Health Center Director Dr. Kalie Kerth outlined the program’s progress during a Sept. 29 media briefing. Officials said Oklahoma received the fifth-largest award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services under the program and is working to meet CMS spending deadlines and funding milestones.
The Rural Health Transformation Program, or RHTP, is designed to strengthen health care systems in rural communities, where patients can face longer travel distances, workforce shortages and limited access to specialized services.
“Rural Oklahoma is the heart of our state, and we want families to have the confidence that quality health care is available close to home,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “This investment will strengthen our rural health-care workforce and give more Oklahomans the opportunity to live, work, raise a family, and pursue the American Dream right here at home.”
State Looks to Build on First-Year Implementation
Commissioner Reed said the first year has focused on establishing the foundation for longer-term improvements in rural health care. Officials also discussed expectations for the program’s second year and encouraged participating organizations and communities to continue developing projects around rural health needs.
“RHTP is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to set up rural healthcare for a stronger future in Oklahoma,” said Commissioner of Health Keith Reed. “The innovative work happening across the state is laying the groundwork for lasting change, and it is a reflection of what we can accomplish when communities, stakeholders and partners work together. We look forward to continuing this shared effort to improve rural health outcomes and care.”
Southwestern Oklahoma State University is among the institutions using RHTP funding to develop programs aimed specifically at rural communities.
SWOSU received nearly $200,000 in RHTP Microgrant funding to support Washita and Roger Mills counties. The funding will help provide a mobile resource unit as well as health and wellness equipment for screenings, chronic disease prevention, telehealth and other services.
“This investment allows SWOSU to do what we do best—prepare students for careers that Oklahoma needs while expanding access to quality health care in rural communities,” said SWOSU President Joel Kendall. “By strengthening our health care programs and working alongside partners like Weatherford Regional Hospital, we are creating opportunities for our students while helping ensure that people in western Oklahoma can receive more of the care they need closer to home.”
$4 Million Investment Targets Technology and Workforce Training
SWOSU also received approximately $4 million through the Rural Regional Reorientation Program to work with Weatherford Regional Hospital on expanding access to advanced clinical technology.
The partnership includes robotic-assisted surgery capabilities that could support approximately 360 procedures annually. Officials estimate the expanded local services could reduce patient travel by about 46,800 miles each year, allowing more residents to obtain treatment closer to their communities.
The investment also has a workforce component. Funding is expected to support training for more than 900 students annually across SWOSU’s pharmacy, nursing and allied health programs.
Developing a sustainable pipeline of health professionals is considered a key part of the program’s strategy, particularly as rural hospitals and other health providers work to recruit and retain skilled workers.
“For rural Oklahoma, improving access today is important, but we also have to build for the future,” said Dr. Kalie Kerth, Director of the SWOSU Rural Health Center. “Strengthening our rural health systems, growing our workforce and creating sustainable solutions will help ensure these communities have access to high-quality care for generations to come.”
Oklahoma Prepares for Second Year of Rural Health Program
Oklahoma’s first RHTP budget year is scheduled to end Oct. 30, with the second year beginning Oct. 31.
State officials said additional details about second-year funding are expected after CMS awards the next round of funding in October.
As the program moves into its next phase, Oklahoma officials and participating institutions are expected to continue focusing on rural workforce development, technology investments and locally accessible medical services, while meeting federal spending and implementation requirements tied to the funding.
