$750,000 awarded to support program development.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), has granted $11.2 million in developmental healthcare support. In rural and tribal communities, 15 new physician residency programs in 14 states have been made possible through funds from the Rural Residency Planning and Development (RRPD) Program. As of mid 2026, hundreds of healthcare workers have been placed in residency positions across the U.S. through the program’s support.
“Where you live should not determine whether you can find a doctor,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are bringing physician training directly into rural and tribal communities, where doctors are needed most. By training physicians in these communities, we can build a stronger local workforce, expand access to care, and ensure rural families can get the care they need close to home.”
The department highlighted, “Each award recipient will receive up to $750,000 over three years to support the planning and development activities needed to establish a new rural residency program. These activities include securing accreditation, developing curricula, recruiting and developing faculty, and recruiting residents. Recipients will also develop long-term financing plans using sources such as Medicare, Medicaid, and other public or private funding.“
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Kennedy as he oversees investments to support healthcare in rural and tribal communities.
- For HHS officials to be discerning as they evaluate the programs receiving federal funding.
- For the recipients of the grant awards to succeed in developing and strengthening rural and tribal healthcare.
Sources: Department of Health and Human Services
