USDA Highlights Funding Support for Healthcare in Lee County

(Fort Madison, Iowa, October 27, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen R. Smith today toured Meller Family Health Center in Fort Madison to highlight USDA support for rural healthcare. He was joined by U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), USDA Rural Development Iowa State Director Mike Sexton, and county leaders.

"We know that health professionals are on a special mission to care for people, just as USDA's mission includes caring for the quality of life in rural America," said Under SecretarySmith. "By providing support for healthcare facilities, the Trump Administration is looking out for the needs of Iowans and helping rural America prosper."

The center houses the Lee County Health Department and the Lee County EMS operations.

Lee Countyreceived a USDA Rural Development grant for$2.159 million from the agency's Community Facilities Grants program. This funding helped build the Meller Family Health Center. Lee County also received a Community Facilities grant for $974,000 for facility construction costs and a $25,000 Community Facilities grant for a rapid response vehicle to facilitate Emergency Medical Services operations.

"It is an inspiration to see the community come together to support this project for essential public services, and USDA programs helped make it happen," said Sexton. "President Trump and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins are leading the way to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in our rural areas."

To learn more about this program, call (515) 284-4663 or visit www.rd.usda.gov/ia . If you would like updates from USDA Rural Development, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page and follow us on X at @RD_Iowa .

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