State Department of Health Seeks Public Input on Rural Health Program at UW

The Wyoming Department of Health will hold a public meeting at the University of Wyoming Thursday, Oct. 2, to gather input in developing a proposal for the federal government's new Rural Health Transformation Program.

The session is set for 6 p.m. in the Wyoming Union.

To ensure Wyoming's proposal reflects the needs of Wyoming's rural communities, the Department of Health is conducting a series of public meetings to gather input on rural health care challenges, strengths and opportunities.

On July 4, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law. Part of that law creates the Rural Health Transformation Program. This new program offers Wyoming a significant opportunity to strengthen rural health care through sustainable, innovative and transformative solutions. If Wyoming's application is approved, the state is eligible to receive between $500 million and $750 million over the next five years, pending federal approval.

Funding under this program is intended to support priorities such as:

-- Chronic disease prevention and behavioral health.

-- Sustaining access to care in rural communities.

-- Innovative approaches to care delivery and payment models.

-- Workforce development and training.

-- Technological and consumer health solutions.

"Wyoming's rural communities understand better than anyone how the state can best support them. Local voices will guide us in identifying where investments make the most difference and how the state can play a constructive role in making the most of this unique opportunity," says Stefan Johansson, director of the Department of Health.

For more information and updates, visit https://health.wyo.gov/admin/rural-health-transformation-program/.