HRSA's Dwindling Rural Health Commitments with Carole Johnson, Toniann Richard, and Alexa McKinley Abel

In this episode, "HRSA's Dwindling Rural Health Commitments," we kick off with a conversation between Michelle and Alexa McKinley Abel, Director of Government Affairs at the National Rural Health Association. They delve into recent developments from the House Appropriations Committee related to the FY2026 Labor-HHS appropriations bill, which proposes significant investments and increases in rural health funding. The two also dissect a new provision in the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program, which, if passed, offers financial support to at-risk hospitals. They wrap up with a discussion that underscores the need for increased funding and the impact of community stories in underlining the importance of these programs.

Next, Michelle welcomes Carole Johnson, former Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, and current Senior Fellow at the Century Foundation. Michelle speaks with Carole about the current state of rural health, focusing on the challenges posed by workforce reductions, funding cuts, and the need for community engagement. They discuss the impact of these issues on healthcare services in rural areas and the importance of advocacy in securing the necessary resources in the long term. Carole emphasizes the need for immediate action to address funding gaps and significant cuts to HRSA's workforce, responsible for administering rural health programs, some of which have been eliminated or paused.

In the second half of this in-depth episode, Michelle speaks with Toniann Richard, CEO of HCC Network, about the critical issues facing rural health organizations, particularly in relation to Medicaid and the Rural Health Transformation Fund. They discuss the challenges of navigating policy changes, the importance of grassroots advocacy at the state level, and the need for community engagement in health initiatives. The conversation also addresses vaccine hesitancy in rural Missouri and the role of public health in these areas in building confidence and capacity, highlighting the importance of providing reliable information and support to communities.

This episode was made possible by our partner, The National Association of Rural Health Clinics and they invite you to rendezvous with them in Reno!!!

Starting October 20th, the two-and-a-half-day NARHC Fall Institute offers a unique in-person agenda, along with three pre-conference webinars the week before. It's a rare opportunity to deeply engage with the pressing issues facing Rural Health Clinics today. Plus, with unmatched networking and a throwback 90s Bash, you'll leave energized and reconnected. Registration closes the evening of October 19th, so don't wait! Head to narhc.org to register.