Investment continues in healthcare for rural areas

Grants more than $550,000 to increase access and enhance quality care in rural Wisconsin, were announced by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). The grants support education and training, to assist rural hospitals and clinics in filling “high need, high demand” positions.

“Ensuring Wisconsinites in every community – from Columbus to Cumberland – have access to quality, affordable healthcare, is not only critical for our continued fight against this pandemic (COVID-19), but our future as a healthy and thriving state,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “As we work to build that future, I’m glad to see these funds going out to areas of our state with some of the greatest need for investment.”

Hospitals and clinics receiving Advanced Practice Clinician (APC) Grants, of nearly $250,000, are Marshfield Clinic Health System in northern, central and western Wisconsin. The ACP Grants help rural healthcare providers increase the number of physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses, by supporting the development of clinical training sites.

The Marshfield Clinic locations also received Allied Health Professionals (AHP) Education and Training Grants, of more than $325,000 over two years, which will support education and training opportunities for professionals, including medical assistants, mental health professionals and nursing assistants.

“Access to quality healthcare is critical for Wisconsin residents, and requires qualified health professionals,” said DHS secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “We are pleased this funding will support the training of health professionals in rural and underserved areas of our state.”

Both grant programs were first authorized in the 2017-19 biennial budget, through legislation aimed at improving rural healthcare. Up to $500,000 in new funding is authorized for each program, per year. This is the fourth year the APC and AHP grants have been awarded.