Rep. Stephens Applauds Controlling Board Approval of Millions in Rural Healthcare Funding
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – State Representative Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) announced that the Ohio Controlling Board this week approved over $200 million in federal grant funding through the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Fund.
“As we work to Make America Healthy Again, rural Ohio cannot be left behind. I am proud to support these important earmarks that will improve healthcare access and stability,” said Stephens.
This boost in funding, approved Monday, benefits hospitals and health facilities in rural areas, allocates additional funding for new and expanded rural maternity units, and provides critical financial assistance to rural independent hospitals.
Funding secured through the grant will support the following initiatives that specifically benefit rural Ohioans:
- $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
Additionally, $30.3 million will be split among eligible rural hospitals, some of which are located in the 93rd House District.
Members of the House Republican Caucus reinforced that rural hospitals and healthcare providers are vital to the communities they serve – providing emergency care, employment opportunities, and 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.
The Rural Health Transformation Fund was created as a portion of the One Big Beautiful Bill that President Trump signed on July 4th, 2025.