ATHENS, Ohio (AVC News) — Ohio University has been awarded $10 million through the State of Ohio’s Rural Health Transformation Program to help expand the rural health care workforce and improve access to medical services in underserved communities across the state.
The funding will allow Ohio University to serve as the lead partner in Health Workforce Ohio, a statewide initiative aimed at recruiting, training and retaining health care professionals in rural communities.
The effort will be co-led by The Health Collaborative and the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers, with support from more than 85 organizations representing health care, education and workforce development.
“Access to quality health care should not depend on where you live,” Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez said. “This landmark investment positions Ohio to become a national leader in rural health workforce innovation.”
Health Workforce Ohio will focus on expanding career exploration opportunities for students, increasing apprenticeships and work-based learning, strengthening telehealth and digital health training, reducing barriers to entering health care careers and helping current health care workers advance their skills.
The initiative will place particular emphasis on growing the workforce in nursing, behavioral health, allied health and community-based care.
According to the Ohio Department of Health, rural Ohio communities experience higher rates of chronic disease, reduced access to specialty care and poorer overall health outcomes than urban areas. State officials say the Rural Health Transformation Program is designed to address those disparities through long-term investments in workforce development, preventive care and innovative health care delivery.
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The Rural Health Transformation Program was created in 2025 and is funded through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. State officials said the program could continue for up to five years.
Organizations interested in participating in Health Workforce Ohio can learn more at healthworkforceohio.org.
Last Updated on July 13, 2026 by AVC News
