SALINA — Eleven Kansas hospitals, including Salina Surgical Hospital have been selected to receive federal funding intended to preserve access to health care in rural communities.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday that 132 hospitals across 13 states will share nearly $25 million through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program.
Kansas recipients are
Salina Surgical Hospital- Coffeyville Regional Medical Center
- Labette County Medical Center in Parsons
- McPherson Hospital
- Miami County Medical Center in Paola
- Pratt Regional Medical Center
- AdventHealth Ottawa
- Stormont Vail-Flint Hills in Junction City
- Summit Surgical in Hutchinson
- Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital in El Dorado
- University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus
Individual award amounts for the Kansas hospitals were not included in the announcement.
The program provides direct financial assistance to eligible small rural hospitals facing financial and workforce challenges. Hospitals may use the funding to retain physicians, nurses and other health care providers while maintaining emergency, inpatient and other essential services.
“Every American should be able to reach a doctor or hospital when they need one, no matter where they live,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in the announcement. “We are putting these resources directly into rural hospitals so they can keep doctors and nurses on the job, protect lifesaving services, and deliver care close to home.”
HRSA Administrator Tom Engels described rural hospitals as lifelines that support patients, health care workers and local economies.
Federal officials said the assistance is intended to reduce the risk of avoidable hospital closures and help rural residents continue receiving care near their communities.
A complete recipient list and additional program information are available on the HRSA website.