Trump Administration Announces $3.15 Million to Expand Pharmacy Connectivity Throughout Rural Ohio Communities

Rural health Share Trump Administration Announces $3.15 Million to Expand Pharmacy Connectivity Throughout Rural Ohio Communities This federal investment will improve interoperability and management of patient healthcare coordination The Trump Administration announced today that a $3.15 million investment is being delivered to strengthen pharmacy connectivity and improve care across rural communities in Ohio through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The investments will connect independent and retail pharmacies, federally qualified health centers, and outpatient hospital pharmacies across Ohio’s 73 rural counties to improve rural healthcare providers’ integrated access to critical prescription drug information. The funding will support efforts to improve integrated access for rural healthcare providers to help address low rates of prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) integration within electronic health records and pharmacy dispensing systems. This program will help Ohio prescribers and pharmacists avoid potentially life-threatening drug interactions and combat the occurrence of individuals fraudulently obtaining controlled substances from multiple healthcare providers. These investments build on the Administration’s $10 million in funding previously announced focused on workforce development to recruit, train, and retain healthcare workers across Ohio. “President Trump understands that every American deserves high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are putting resources directly into rural communities to strengthen the health workforce, modernize infrastructure, expand access, and bring care closer to home. We are giving states the flexibility to build solutions around the people they serve, while demanding accountability for results. That is how we strengthen rural health, improve the lives of patients and families, and Make America Healthy Again.” “President Trump made a historic commitment to rural America, and these investments are turning that commitment into better care for patients in communities across Ohio,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “This is what rural health transformation should look like: federal investment that is putting patients first, driving lasting improvements and expanding healthcare for the hardworking Americans who call these communities home.” Today’s investment was made possible through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act—passed by Republicans in Congress and unanimously opposed by Democrats—delivering a historic $50 billion investment to help states transform the way healthcare is delivered in America. “We are very appreciative that the Trump Administration has prioritized the great need to improve healthcare in rural Ohio,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “This award will further that goal and make a real difference in the lives of many Ohioans.” “Despite historic obstruction by DC Democrats, President Trump made a historic pledge to rural America. These investments are converting that pledge into improved care for Ohioans. The Rural Health Transformation Fund prioritizes patients and broadens access to healthcare for the hardworking Americans who call these places home. Ohioans should remember that including every single Democrat Member of Congress voted against the creation of this transformational effort and worked to repeal it. Republicans always will stand with rural Ohio," said Sen. Bernie Moreno. “Every Ohioan—regardless of their zip code—should have access to quality care. These investments will strengthen rural health care in our state, expand access to pharmacy services and help improve care for Ohio families. I supported the Working Families Tax Cuts Act because it delivered $50 billion to rural patients, and it’s great to see Ohioans beginning to see those benefits,” said Sen. Jon Husted. “A patient’s zip code should never determine whether they can access the critical health care they need,” said Rep. David Taylor. “For rural Buckeye families, this historic investment will strengthen our health care system, ensure access to quality care, and better serve the Ohioans who depend on it the most. Thank you to President Trump for your commitment to improving care for thousands of Buckeye families in our Appalachian communities!” “President Trump is making historic investments into rural healthcare that will expand access to care and improve health outcomes across Ohio. He's putting Real America first, just like he promised,” said Rep. Jim Jordan. "Access to quality health care should not depend on where you live. Yet in rural communities across Ohio, pharmacy closures have made it increasingly difficult for families to fill prescriptions and receive the care they need close to home. That is why I am encouraged by the Administration’s work through the Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen pharmacy services and moder