Gov. Josh Shapiro’s major announcement for rural health care last week cannot be ignored.

Last week, Shapiro noted that Pennsylvania has been awarded $193 million in federal funding for the first year of its approved five-year Rural Health Transformation Plan, to foster innovation and improve access to essential health services in rural communities that will be most impacted by federal spending cuts to Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program.

This funding is renewable over five years, and states will have the opportunity to secure additional redistributed funding based on program performance and spending.

“Pennsylvania is home to some of our nation’s finest hospitals and health care providers — but despite that legacy of excellence in health care, residents in our rural communities often have access to fewer doctors, have to travel farther to access care, and have more limited health care options,” Shapiro said. “I believe that all Pennsylvanians deserve access to quality health care no matter where they live and my Administration has spent nearly two years developing a robust and meaningful Rural Health Transformation Plan. With nearly $200 million from the federal government, we are moving forward with our plan to improve rural health care, attract and retain a skilled workforce, promote long-term, sustainable access, support the growth of innovative care, and foster technological innovation.”

Rural hospitals throughout the nation are facing troubling times. Many are being run at deficits and some are being forced to close.

While Pennsylvania has its share of metropolitan regions, it is those in the smaller populated counties that are facing great risks when it comes to health care.

Even our proud Warren General Hospital understands the troubling landscape facing providers.

With the approved funding, the Shapiro Administration will work with established regional economic development entities to convene Regional Care Collaboratives, which will guide Rural Health Transformation Plan projects and funding for their regions. As these entities come together, the Shapiro Administration will use initial funding to establish Rapid Response Access Stabilization grants to support work already happening in local communities.

This funding is more than just a bandage. It is likely a lifeline.