USDA to Invest $501M in Rural Healthcare Projects

USDA, through its Community Facilities direct loan program, will invest $501 million in 60 projects to help improve healthcare infrastructure and services in rural communities across the nation. These investments will expand access to health care for approximately two million people in 34 states.

“Creating strong and healthy communities is foundational to increasing prosperity in rural America,” said Anne Hazlett, assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development. “Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA is committed to partnering with rural leaders to improve quality of life and economic development through modern and accessible health care.”

In April 2017, President Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory, and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. Earlier this year, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure was a key recommendation of the task force.

One of the largest investments is a $30 million loan to the Concordia Parish Hospital Service District # 1 in Louisiana. The funds will be used to build an 87,000-square-foot hospital (pictured above), which will benefit the area’s 20,822 residents.

Recently, USDA finalized a partnership with the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) to identify issues causing financial strain on rural hospitals. The two organizations will work together to identify management and financial indicators that impact rural hospital operations. This technical assistance will help rural hospitals continue to operate, and provide critical health care services to serve rural communities.

For questions, comments or concerns, please contact Jennifer Duell Popovec