MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Rural health took center stage in Montgomery this past week as state leaders and community stakeholders gathered for a workshop to discuss how Alabama can utilize its $203 million award through the Rural Health Transformation Program.
Among the topics discussed were maternal and fetal health, emergency medical services, and mental health initiatives. The funding will not be used to reopen rural hospitals that have closed. Instead, officials said the money will be directed toward strengthening and expanding existing resources to build a sustainable foundation that can continue beyond the life of the grant.
Several attendees highlighted programs already operating in their communities that they hope can be expanded statewide. State Rep. Edward Oliver (R-Dadeville), who represents District 81, pointed to a treat-in-place program in the Lake Martin area designed to reduce ambulance transport needs for low-acuity calls. The program utilizes a pickup truck staffed by a paramedic who can treat patients on-site, helping avoid taking ambulances out of service for non-emergency rural calls.
Similar workshops have been held in other parts of the state and are expected to continue as Alabama develops plans for the funding.
