CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Governor Patrick Morrisey has officially submitted West Virginia’s application for the Rural Health Transformation Fund, a sweeping proposal aimed at revitalizing rural healthcare and improving quality of life across the Mountain State. If approved, the state could receive over $100 million annually for five years, totaling more than $500 million in federal support.
“This marks an exciting new chapter in our mission to strengthen the health and well-being of every West Virginian,” Morrisey said during a press conference at the State Capitol. “This plan will make healthcare more affordable, more accessible, and more effective — while helping more West Virginians return to work and strengthening our economy”.
A Vision Rooted in Innovation and Access
The application outlines seven strategic initiatives designed to modernize care delivery, expand access, and support economic growth:
- Connected Care Grid: Infrastructure upgrades to support virtual and in-person care, telehealth expansion, and EMS treatment-in-place programs.
- Rural Health Link: A unified transportation platform integrating public transit, non-emergency medical transport, and community ride programs.
- Mountain State Care Force: Workforce development through rural residencies, scholarships, apprenticeships, and coordinated recruitment efforts.
- Smart Care Catalyst: Grants and partnerships to modernize rural clinics, reduce administrative burdens, and promote value-based care.
- Health to Prosperity Pipeline: Programs linking healthcare to employment, including recovery-to-work and on-site wellness initiatives.
- Personal Health Accelerator: Micro-grants and partnerships to scale food-as-medicine, physical activity, and caregiver support programs.
- HealthTech Appalachia: A statewide accelerator to fund and scale breakthrough health technologies tailored to rural needs.
Building on Existing Reforms
The proposal builds on Morrisey’s earlier four-pillar health initiative, which includes:
- Healthier school meals through HB 2354, banning harmful food dyes.
- SNAP reforms that link nutrition to education and employment.
- A USDA waiver removing soda as an entitlement under SNAP.
Community-Driven Development
The application was shaped through extensive public engagement, including roundtables and a statewide tele-townhall with over 17,000 participants. The West Virginia Department of Health will lead implementation in collaboration with community and industry partners.
“This is about creating a healthier, stronger West Virginia,” Morrisey emphasized. “We’re building permanent infrastructure that rewards results, not volume, and ensures every West Virginian has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life”.
For more details on the Rural Health Transformation Fund and West Virginia’s application, visit the Governor’s official site.
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