The Wabash General Hospital Board of Directors has approved moving forward with a proposal tied to a new federal Rural Health Transformation Grant program.
President and CEO Karissa Turner outlined the opportunity, explaining the funding is part of the federal rural health initiative included in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." She said Illinois is expected to receive approximately $193 million over five years, with funding divided among several rural healthcare programs.
Turner said Wabash General has already submitted an application for the first-year planning grant, which is expected to provide about $290,000 to each eligible critical access hospital. She noted the planning grant is required before hospitals can apply for larger implementation grants in years two through five.
The board unanimously approved up to $170,000 to hire Innovative Funding Partners to assist with grant administration, reporting, a new community health needs assessment, and development of the hospital's Rural Health Transformation Plan. The expense will only be incurred if Wabash General receives the planning grant and will be paid using grant funds.
Turner said hospital officials believe expanding existing service lines, rather than creating entirely new programs, offers the best long-term strategy once the temporary grant funding expires. She noted services such as the hospital's federally qualified health center and behavioral health programs could be strengthened through the grant while providing a sustainable model beyond the five-year funding period.