Nevada Announces First Round of Grants Under New Rural Health Transformation Program

Today, the Nevada Health Authority announced $36 million in Rural Health Transformation funding awards in support of rural health care. This investment will expand access to essential services, stabilize health care operations in underserved communities, and strengthen the long-term viability of rural health systems.

"Access to quality health care shouldn't depend on where you live," said Governor Joe Lombardo. "This $36 million investment delivers real resources to rural communities across Nevada - strengthening hospitals, expanding emergency response capabilities, improving access to specialty care, and supporting the providers who serve as the backbone of rural health care. We're making strategic investments that will improve outcomes, strengthen local health systems, and ensure rural families have access to the care they need close to home."

This first round of grants supports one of four initiatives approved as part of Nevada's Rural Health Transformation Program-the Rural Health Flex Fund. This flex fund is designed to cover the cost of one-time critical, unmet infrastructure needs and technology gaps in rural and frontier areas of the state.

"The extraordinary volume of applications we received underscores just how great the need is in our rural communities," said Dr. Malinda Southard, Deputy Director, Nevada Health Authority. "The demand speaks for itself-rural health systems are eager for the support needed to continue delivering high quality care."

The newly funded projects address chronic, unmet rural needs in medical technology, life-saving emergency and rescue equipment, facility maintenance equipment, medical transportation, ambulances, telehealth capabilities, diagnostic services, mobile care, preventative and primary care, dialysis services, and more.

This funding is a crucial step in strengthening quality health care access for Nevada's rural and frontier communities. The Nevada Health Authority is committed to working with our state and federal partners to continue expanding services, supporting local providers, and ensuring residents in Nevada's most remote areas can rely on consistent, high-quality care that is close to home.

These grants are made possible through a new five-year federal funding initiative that was passed as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025. This new initiative provides a total $50 billion over five years for improving rural health care across the United States. Nevada was awarded $180 million for the first year of this program.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Review all RHT Funded Projects here: RHT Funded Projects - BP1

Email the team: [email protected]

Check out the Rural Health Transformation Program