SOUTHERN TIER, N.Y. (WBNG) — A $76.2 million state initiative aims to improve health care accessibility and quality across rural New York communities.
Representative Nick Langworthy announced the funding last week through the state’s Rural Community Health Integration Initiative.
“When we created the Rural Health Transformation Program, it was to acknowledge that our rural communities face unique healthcare challenges and demand a unique approach to improving access and quality of care,” Langworthy said. “This significant $76 million investment in New York is proof that we are delivering on that promise.”
The initiative runs under the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, which provides states with resources to improve rural medical systems.
The distribution includes roughly $22.7 million for planning awards, $53.5 million for implementation and an additional $1 million assigned to expand school-based health centers.
New York selected 47 of its 62 counties as rural under federal standards, allowing them to qualify for program support.
Within the 23rd Congressional District, seven counties will benefit directly:
AlleganyCattaraugusChautauquaChemungSchuylerSteubenTioga
The state initiative focuses on building partnerships among regional hospitals, health centers and community providers to improve care coordination with access to essential social services.
“By strengthening partnerships among rural hospitals, health centers, and community providers, we are breaking down barriers to care, improving coordination and building a stronger rural health care system that improves health outcomes, expands access and delivers the kind of care that Americans in rural communities deserve just as much as those in urban and suburban settings,” Langworthy said. “Delivering on this commitment will continue to be one of my top priorities for the residents of Western New York and the Southern Tier.”
For more information, visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website.
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