Federal funds distributed to Ohio rural hospitals

Federal funds distributed to Ohio rural hospitals

Firelands Regional Medical Center hosted a press conference to announce federal funding from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Rural Health Transformation Program. As recipients of a portion of the funds, members of the Ohio High Value Network, which comprises 30 rural Ohio hospitals, include Firelands Health.

"This award recognizes what independent rural hospitals can accomplish when we work together," said Jeremy Normington-Slay, vice chair, Ohio High Value Network, and president & CEO, Firelands Health. "Through the Ohio High Value Network, nearly 3 million rural Ohioans will benefit from coordinated care that is stronger than any one of us could deliver alone. We are grateful to CMS and the State of Ohio for their partnership and their confidence in our approach."

Normington-Slay introduced Mehmet Oz, M.D., administrator of CMS, who made the announcement at Firelands Regional Medical Center. They were joined by Bruce T. Vanderhoff, M.D., director of the Ohio Department of Health and U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-OH.

A statement from Gov. Mike DeWine's office read, "These investments will transform healthcare in rural Ohio. We are grateful to Dr. Oz, CMS, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for this important program and partnering with us to ensure that all Ohioans, regardless of where they live, have access to the care they need."