Rep. Craig Applauds Controlling Board Approval of Millions in Rural Healthcare Funding
State Representative Meredith Craig (R-Smithville) announced that the Ohio Controlling Board approved over $200 million in federal grant funding through the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Fund.
This federal funding, approved on Monday, benefits rural hospitals and providers, allocates additional funding for new and expanded rural maternity units, and provides financial assistance to rural independent hospitals.
Funding secured through the federal fund will support the following initiatives:
- $92M - Ohio Rural Health Innovation Hubs/Clinically Integrated Networks
- $21.2M - Ohio Rural School-Based Health Centers
- $25M - OhioSEE Rural Expansion
- $1M - Rural Hospital Training and Technical Assistance Center
- $12.5M - Rural Health Workforce Pipeline and Development Projects
- $16.7M - Healthier Ohio Initiatives
- $12M - Rural Ohio Emergency Care/EMS transformation
- $3.5M - Electronic Medical Records Access for Pharmacies
- $7M - Rural Maternal and Child Health
- $9M - Rural Health Equipment and Supplies
- $2.1M - Rural Health Program Implementation
Members of the House Rural Hospital Caucus, led by Representatives Kellie Deeter and Meredith Craig, reinforced that rural independent hospitals are vital to the communities they serve – providing emergency care, employment opportunities, and overall community well-being. This funding will help address rising operational costs, shrinking reimbursements, and other fiscal challenges that have placed unprecedented strain on rural healthcare infrastructure.
“I’m proud to support Ohio’s utilization of these dollars and to help secure a direct investment for Wooster Community Hospital, which plays a vital role in serving families across our county and region,” said Representative Craig. “As these funds are distributed, we must prioritize independent rural hospitals that are on the front lines of care in our communities. But this can’t be a one-time conversation. Protecting rural healthcare long-term will take ongoing dialogue, smart policy decisions, and a strong commitment to the patients who rely on it every day.”
The Rural Health Transformation Fund was created as a portion of the One Big Beautiful Bill that President Trump signed on July 4th, 2025.