Essentia Health, state leaders highlight federal funding opportunities for rural care

Rural Health Roundtable Discussion

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Starting in 2026, Essentia rural health clinics may start to receive a portion of a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program for the next five years.

The program is part of the Big Beautiful Bill Act, and states with rural constituencies were able to apply for a grant.

Essentia Health leaders, along with several rural health care leaders and directors, met on Thursday to discuss what needs to be prioritized.

The funding will support a service area that is 84% rural and spans across three states.

“Workforce is probably the top priority. Right now, we know that rural residency and pipelines are the strongest predictors of rural retention. So we want to make sure that we have programs that help us train physicians in rural communities, so they stay in those rural communities and provide care for years to come,” said Andrew Askew, Vice President of Public Policy at Essentia Health.

Essentia officials hope to have a decision made by the end of the year and will start to distribute the funds once finalized by early 2026.

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