UI seeks state funding to improve health care access in rural Iowa
The University of Iowa is seeking state funding to expand its health care presence to rural parts of the state that are challenged in finding providers and other experts to treat and care for a rapidly aging population.
The five-year, $50 million Rural Health Care Partnership was part of the university’s broader state funding request approved by the Board of Regents at its September meeting.
The university is seeking $10 million a year to build a health care workforce pipeline to:
- Expand access to screening (medical testing) and training across the state.
- Expand telehealth in rural communities.
- Develop incentives for recruiting and retaining health care workers throughout Iowa.
“Our goal is to improve health care outcomes for Iowans, especially rural Iowans who may be struggling to find specialized care due to a lack of providers and facilities,” says UI President Barbara Wilson. “With additional state funding, the University of Iowa can leverage its expertise to help address these challenges.”
The Rural Health Care Partnership would focus on the critical areas of mental health, maternal health and primary care, and substance use.
