Gov. Tate Reeves announced Wednesday the launch of pilot programs designed to improve health care in rural Mississippi. The initiatives aim to combat obesity, eliminate obstetric care deserts, and expand mental health services.
Funding comes from nearly $206 million awarded to Mississippi through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. The Mississippi State Department of Health will oversee projects focused on reducing obesity, monitoring chronic conditions remotely, and deploying mobile clinics to underserved areas. The Department of Mental Health plans to introduce telehealth services for veterans and first responders, expand crisis diversion centers, and increase training for behavioral health staff.
Reeves emphasized the coordinated nature of the efforts, saying, “It’s one, coordinated project.” He led the state’s application for the federal funds last fall and is overseeing their distribution. The program is part of a broader national initiative to support rural health care and offset financial challenges faced by rural hospitals due to recent federal spending cuts.
Mississippi’s plan also includes creating a statewide health information exchange, expanding telehealth, and upgrading health infrastructure. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved the program’s budget in April, with the state required to obligate the funds by October and spend them by September 2027.
Reeves noted that the state received 726 applications from 236 organizations for the initial grant opportunities, requesting more than $676 million—far exceeding the $81.7 million available. The first round of applications is currently being evaluated by independent reviewers, with decisions based on a scoring rubric aimed at maximizing impact for rural residents.
Applications for additional workforce development and psychiatric emergency services grants are due by Aug. 17. The state will review these applications through its Department of Mental Health and Accelerate Mississippi. Additionally, requests for proposals have been issued to assess emergency medical services capacity and develop a health information exchange.
Most projects will require grant recipients to pay upfront and seek reimbursement, though Reeves assured the process will be streamlined. “The reimbursement’s going to happen as soon as humanly possible,” he said.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
