Kansas awards nearly $80 million to bolster rural health care infrastructure
The grants aim to improve access to care and ensure the financial stability of 39 organizations across the state
HUTCHINSON — Five hospitals and health centers across Reno, Saline and Ellis counties will share more than $10 million in state grants aimed at shoring up rural health care, part of a $79.1 million statewide award announced Friday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System and Hays Medical Center each drew multimillion-dollar capital grants, while Salina Regional Health Center, PrairieStar Health Center and Hays-based High Plains Mental Health Center rounded out the local awards.
The grants are split into two main channels: $50 million for the Regional Partnerships Grant Program to support collaborative and preventive care projects among 22 organizations, and $29.1 million to 17 facilities through the Rural Emergency Hospital Conversion and Transformative Capital Investment Program. Children's Mercy Hospital received the largest regional partnership grant at nearly $6.1 million, while Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System and Gove County Medical Center each received $3 million in capital investment funds.
Topeka organizations also figured prominently among the regional partnership awards. Stormont Vail Health drew nearly $5.5 million, the second-largest grant in the program, while the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities received $1.46 million. The Topeka-based advocacy association InterHab landed two grants totaling about $2.2 million, and Grace Team, a senior-care management nonprofit, received $173,355.
Gov. Laura Kelly said the investments empower communities "to strengthen local health systems, improve access to high-quality care, and build a more sustainable future for rural Kansans." The financial infusion comes at a critical time, as recent industry studies indicate that nearly two-thirds of Kansas' rural hospitals are at risk of closing due to ongoing financial instability. The state's funding stems from a $50 billion nationwide federal initiative designed to reshape rural health care delivery over the next five years.
State officials highlighted the competitive nature of the grants, with awardees selected from a pool of 152 total applications based on community need, innovation and long-term financial viability. Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Janet Stanek said the strategic investments will equip rural providers with the collaborative solutions and facility upgrades necessary to build healthier futures across the state.
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