Rural Development Introducing Rural Health Program Index

As part of Thursday’s National Rural Health Day celebrations, Rural Development is introducing a new tool the USDA says will enhance health care in rural Washington.

“The health and well-being of Washington’s rural communities are crucial to the state’s success,” said Helen Price Johnson, USDA Rural Development State Director for Washington. “This index is a vital resource to empower rural health care providers to better serve their communities.”

Price Johnson noted the USDA Rural Health Program Index is designed to help community leaders quickly identify Department of Ag programs that address specific health care needs, ensuring that rural communities have access to the resources they need to thrive.  She added several projects across the Evergreen state have already benefited from USDA Rural Development support:   

• Chelan County Public Hospital District received $21.1 million to construct a new 80,000-square-foot critical access hospital, offering emergency services, surgical care, pediatrics, mental health programs, and a trauma helipad, benefiting 75,500 residents.
• Prosser Public Hospital District was awarded $74.8 million to build a new 75,000-square-foot, 25-bed hospital, including an Education Center and Medical Office Building. The new hospital is set to open in early 2025.
• Klickitat County’s Public Hospital District #1 used a $673,100 Emergency Rural Health Care Grant to renovate its food preparation area, supporting one of Washington’s 40 Critical Access Hospitals. 

For more information about the Rural Health Index Program, visit the Rural Development's Website.

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