‘Significant disparities’: Virginia seeks $1 billion to transform rural health

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia has submitted an application seeking $1 billion in federal funding to transform health care in rural parts of the Commonwealth.

According to a Nov. 7 press release from the Office of the Governor, Virginia's rural communities "face some of the most significant health disparities" in the U.S., such as:

• Nearly 55% of rural localities have a shortage of health professionals.
• About 63% of counties lack an OB/GYN and 22% of rural residents travel over 40 minutes to reach a labor and delivery unit.
• Chronic conditions — such as diabetes, obesity and hyperextension — exceed national averages.
• About 17% of rural adults and 9% of youth aged 12 to 17 years old are affected by substance use disorders.

The "VA Rural Vitality" proposal is seeking funding from the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, according to the RHT Program's website.

The proposal aims to modernize health care delivery, expand the workforce, empower healthier lives and invest in innovation across rural Virginia, per the release.

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“Our VA Rural Vitality plan takes bold action to ensure every Virginian — no matter their zip code — can access high-quality care close to home,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in the release. "I want to thank President Trump and his administration for their collaboration and commitment to transforming rural health care and building a stronger, healthier Virginia for generations to come.” 

Once funding is awarded, the statewide initiative will be implemented through a partnership between the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources. It will also work alongside hospitals, health systems, food banks and other local partners, the release said.

“This plan reflects the voices of rural Virginians,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly in the release. “From Chincoteague to the Cumberland Gap, we listened to Virginians who want their health care to improve — and VA Rural Vitality directly responds to their needs with innovative, community-based solutions.”

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will announce the Rural Health Transformation awards by Dec. 31.

For more information on Virginia's application, visit Virginia's Rural Health Care Transformation.