Gov. Reynolds announces plan to invest in rural Iowa’s healthcare capabilities

Gov. Kim Reynolds has announced an initiative to bring better healthcare to rural areas in Iowa like Jackson County.

The federal program, if Iowa is approved for the initiative, would see one billion dollars in federal funding over a five year period to develop and advance rural healthcare. The project would see investments into better access to cancer screening and treatment, more healthcare professionals, and more options for telehealth.

One of the major reasons for this push is to allow for rural citizens to receive treatment within their own communities. Iowa officials have commented that oftentimes rural communities must commute outside of their areas to receive care and treatment for even primary care providers.

While Iowa still must be approved, officials remain hopeful that they will be able to invest in the health of Iowa’s rural counties.

Information comes from the official press release made by the governor’s office.