Missouri Health Leaders Commend State’s Top 10 Award To Transform Rural Care
$216M Initial Award For Collaborative Plan To Boost Access, Outcomes to Health Care for Rural Missourians
Leaders of three of Missouri’s health care associations congratulate Gov. Mike Kehoe and his administration on securing a $216 million initial award — one of the nation’s top 10 — for rural Missourians through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) and commend the collaborative approach that made this achievement possible.
Joe Pierle, CEO of the Missouri Primary Care Association; Brent McGinty, CEO/President of the Missouri Behavioral Health Council; and Jon Doolittle, President and CEO of the Missouri Hospital Association, made the following joint statement about Missouri's award:
“This award reflects a shared commitment to improving health care access and outcomes for rural Missourians. From the start, the state engaged primary care providers, behavioral health organizations and hospitals, among others, as key partners in shaping a plan that works for the communities we jointly serve. That collaboration is Missouri’s strength — and it’s why our state's ToRCH CARE proposal stood out nationally.”
The leaders said this funding will help stabilize rural hospitals, expand primary and behavioral health services, and build a workforce pipeline to meet local needs. It also invests in technology and data tools that connect care across settings — ensuring patients experience seamless, coordinated services.
In addition to Gov. Kehoe, they also commended the state's Department of Social Services, including Director Jess Bax, for Missouri's uniquely collaborative approach. Missouri’s Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) CARE model brings together a wide variety of stakeholders, including clinics, behavioral health providers, federally qualified health centers, EMS, hospitals, physicians, other providers, public health and social-service organizations through regional networks and community hubs. This structure fosters shared accountability and innovation, making care more accessible and sustainable.
The state is expected to finalize its cooperative agreement with CMS and launch implementation of the ToRCH CARE model features in early 2026.