The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) has awarded approximately $39.4 million in Smart Growth and Service Line Modernization funding under Missouri’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). These investments represent a significant step forward in expanding access to essential healthcare services in rural communities and will support improvements in maternal health, behavioral health, diagnostic services, outpatient care, and chronic disease management.
The program focuses on renovating, reconfiguring, equipping, and repurposing existing healthcare facilities to better align services with the needs of rural communities. Selected projects include expanded maternal health facilities, behavioral health treatment capacity, diagnostic equipment upgrades, and outpatient care improvements that support the delivery of essential healthcare services closer to home.
Following a competitive review process, Missouri is awarding full or partial funding to 26 rural providers. Missouri is awarding the maximum funding permitted under federal program guidelines to support critical healthcare improvements across rural communities.
"Missouri's Rural Health Transform continues to demonstrate what is possible when state leaders, providers, and local communities work together toward a shared goal," said Jess Bax, DSS Director. "These awards will help rural providers expand access to essential healthcare services, modernize aging infrastructure, and better meet the unique needs of the communities they serve. We are proud to support projects that will strengthen healthcare access and improve outcomes for Missourians across rural areas of our state."
A full list of awardees for the Smart Growth and Service Line Modernization is below.
| Contingent Awardee | City and County | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Delta Medical Center (approved by CMS) | Sikeston (Scott) | $3,265,760.63 |
| Heartland Regional Medical Center (approved by CMS) | St. Joseph (Buchanan) | $5,000,000.00 |
| Arthur Center | Mexico (Audrain) | $542,165.50 |
| Big Springs Medical Association | Ellington (Reynolds) | $247,387.00 |
| Cameron Regional Medical Center | Cameron (Clinton) | $922,262.25 |
| Centerstone of Missouri | Kirksville (Adair) | $1,830,777.00 |
| Compass Health | Clinton (Henry) | $526,500.00 |
| Four Rivers Community Health Center | Rolla (Phelps) | $800,000.00 |
| Gibson Center for Behavioral Change | Cape Girardeau (Cape Girardeau) | $98,965.14 |
| Hannibal Regional Healthcare System | Hannibal (Marion) | $1,086,247.96 |
| Hermann Area District Hospital | Hermann (Gasconade) | $3,637,412.00 |
| Katy Trail Community Health | Sedalia (Pettis) | $847,225.64 |
| Lake Regional Health Center | Osage Beach (Camden) | $2,510,342.00 |
| Mark Twain Behavioral Health | Hannibal (Marion) | $271,104.75 |
| Mercy Hospital Perry | Perryville (Perry) | $2,028,750.00 |
| Nevada Regional Medical Center | Nevada (Vernon) | $2,431,783.13 |
| Ozark Center | Joplin (Jasper) | $1,466,432.37 |
| Ozarks Community Hospital | Webb City (Jasper) | $787,430.36 |
| Ozarks Medical Center | West Plains (Howell) | $3,582,525.00 |
| Ozarks Resource Group | Hermitage (Hickory) | $120,662.99 |
| Phelps County Regional Medical Center | Rolla (Phelps) | $1,585,002.75 |
| Scotland County Hospital | Memphis (Scotland) | $611,782.76 |
| Texas County Memorial Hospital | Houston (Texas) | $989,445.32 |
| Washington County Memorial Hospital | Potosi (Washington) | $1,027,413.00 |
| Western Missouri Medical Center | Warrensburg (Johnson) | $3,183,443.00 |
| Total | $39,400,820.55 |