CMS awarded the state $157 million as part of a national program aimed at bolstering rural health care across all 50 states. The initial award represents the first batch of funding the state hopes to receive over the next five years. The full award amount for the state remains unclear at this time, but the state will receive at least $500 million from the federal program. Delaware officials said they plan to use those funds to invest heavily into health infrastructure in Kent and Sussex counties, including building the state’s first medical school and two new homeless service shelters in the lower counties. State leaders also hope to fund 13 additional programs, including additional preventative care, financial assistance for medical students that commit to working in Delaware for five years after graduation and robust nutritional education.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.