HHS Awards Nearly $25 Million to Strengthen Small Rural Hospitals and Preserve Access to Care

BIRMINGHAM, AL — September 10, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), today announced awards to 132 hospitals totaling nearly $25 million through the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program to help eligible small rural hospitals maintain their medical workforce, sustain essential healthcare services, and strengthen access to care for the communities they serve across 13 states.

“Every American should be able to reach a doctor or hospital when they need one, no matter where they live,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are putting these resources directly into rural hospitals so they can keep doctors and nurses on the job, protect lifesaving services, and deliver care close to home. President Trump and I are strengthening rural healthcare and giving communities across America the tools they need to become healthier, stronger, and more self-reliant.”

Rural hospitals are often the primary source of healthcare in their communities and face unique financial challenges. The Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program provides direct financial assistance to help address these challenges and reduce the risk of avoidable hospital closures.

“Under the leadership of President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., this Administration is committed to ensuring that rural Americans can obtain high-quality healthcare close to home,” said HRSA Administrator Tom Engels. “Rural hospitals are lifelines for their communities, supporting local families, healthcare workers, and economies. Through the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program, we are taking direct action to help hospitals continue delivering the care rural communities depend on.”

“Having played an active role in advancing this program in my position as Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, I am excited to join Administrator Engels in announcing these awards and seeing these resources reach the rural hospitals who need them most,” said Congressman Robert Aderholt. “President Trump and his Administration have made strengthening rural healthcare a priority, and I’m proud to have worked with them to advance this important effort. Rural hospitals are essential to the health and well-being of our communities, and I look forward to seeing this investment help ensure Alabamians, and rural citizens across the country, can continue to receive quality healthcare close to home.”

Awarded hospitals may use this funding to retain physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers, allowing hospitals to preserve essential services, including emergency, inpatient, and other critical healthcare services. This support helps ensure rural communities can continue to access affordable care when and where they need it.

A complete list of award recipients and more information about the program is available at Rural Hospital Provider Support Program FY 2026 Grant Awards.

Learn more about HRSA’s rural health programs.