Auburn awarded more than $15 million through the Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program

Gov. Kay Ivey announced Monday that Auburn University has been awarded $15.3 million through the Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program to advance solutions that improve health care access, workforce development and technology infrastructure across rural Alabama.

The funding will support three initiatives:

• $6.3 million to establish a shared digital health and cybersecurity network that improves access to care, information sharing and technology support for rural health care providers in 12 counties.

• $5 million to establish a multidisciplinary Rural Workforce Academy focused on strengthening the pipeline of health care professionals serving 12 rural Alabama counties.

• $4 million to develop a network of local health care access sites connected to a central virtual clinic, expanding preventive and primary care services in rural communities.

“This investment reflects the power of collaboration in tackling some of the most pressing health care challenges facing rural Alabama,” Auburn President Christopher B. Roberts said. “It positions Auburn to deepen our leadership in rural health solutions while creating opportunities to improve access to care, strengthen local communities and enhance quality of life across the state.”

The multifaceted proposal was developed and submitted through the Auburn Health Transformation Collaborative under the leadership of Harrison College of Pharmacy Dean Leigh Ann Ross. The effort brought together faculty and administrators from across the university, including College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Calvin Johnson, College of Sciences and Mathematics Dean Edward Thomas, College of Nursing Dean Gregg Newschwander, College of Human Sciences Dean Susan Hubbard, College of Liberal Arts Dean Jason Hicks, College of Education Dean Jeffrey Fairbrother and Samuel Ginn College of Engineering Dean Mario Eden.

The statewide ARHTP plan was developed by representatives from the Governor’s Office, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Alabama Department of Finance, Alabama Medicaid Agency and Alabama State Health Planning and Development Agency. Ivey awarded 138 grants totaling more than $144 million to health care providers and institutions across the state.

“Alabama is serious about creating systematic changes through the ARHTP to ensure every citizen has access to quality care,” Ivey said in the grant announcement. “This program is enabling institutions covering every part of the state to improve healthcare for Alabamians through projects that are both innovative and sustainable. From the federal policymakers and state administrators to our professional healthcare leaders, I commend all the thoughtful work dedicated to ensuring the success of this program.”