Rep. Robb Blasdel Applauds Controlling Board Approval of Millions in Rural Healthcare Funding
State Representative Monica Robb Blasdel (R-New Waterford) announced that the Ohio Controlling Board approved over $200 million in federal grant funding through the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Fund.
This federal funding, approved on Monday, benefits rural hospitals and providers, allocates additional funding for new and expanded rural maternity units, and provides financial assistance to rural independent hospitals.
Funding secured through the federal fund will support the following initiatives:
- $92M - Ohio Rural Health Innovation Hubs/Clinically Integrated Networks
- $21.2M - Ohio Rural School-Based Health Centers
- $25M - OhioSEE Rural Expansion
- $1M - Rural Hospital Training and Technical Assistance Center
- $12.5M - Rural Health Workforce Pipeline and Development Projects
- $16.7M - Healthier Ohio Initiatives
- $12M - Rural Ohio Emergency Care/EMS transformation
- $3.5M - Electronic Medical Records Access for Pharmacies
- $7M - Rural Maternal and Child Health
- $9M - Rural Health Equipment and Supplies
- $2.1M - Rural Health Program Implementation
Representative Monica Robb Blasdel is proud to be a part of the House Rural Hospital Caucus, led by Representatives Kellie Deeter and Meredith Craig, which continues to highlight the vital role rural independent hospitals play in their communities—providing emergency care, employment opportunities, and supporting overall community well-being. This funding will help address rising operational costs, shrinking reimbursements, and other fiscal challenges that have placed unprecedented strain on rural healthcare infrastructure.
“Every Ohioan deserves access to quality, reliable healthcare, regardless of where they live,” said Monica Robb Blasdel. “This investment ensures our rural hospitals and providers have the resources they need to continue serving their communities, strengthening care, expanding services, and supporting healthier futures across rural Ohio.”
The Rural Health Transformation Fund was created as a portion of the One Big Beautiful Bill that President Trump signed on July 4th, 2025.