Oklahoma Highlights First-Year Progress in Rural Health Transformation Program

OKLAHOMA CITY — Governor Kevin Stitt, Commissioner of Health Keith Reed, and SWOSU Rural Health Center Director Dr. Kalie Kerth held a media briefing on September 29, outlining Oklahoma’s progress under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) and the momentum building in rural communities as a result of the program’s first‑year efforts.

The briefing noted Oklahoma’s fifth‑largest award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the state’s continued progress to stay on track with CMS spending deadlines to ensure all funding milestones are met to ensure funding remains awarded.  

Governor Stitt emphasized that the program reflects Oklahoma’s rural values and the importance of investing in those communities for future generations, while praising partners like SWOSU for their innovation and commitment to serving Oklahomans. 

“Rural Oklahoma is the heart of our state, and we want families to have the confidence that quality health care is available close to home,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “This investment will strengthen our rural health-care workforce and give more Oklahomans the opportunity to live, work, raise a family, and pursue the American Dream right here at home.”

Commissioner Reed detailed the progress made in the program’s first year, including early implementation milestones, shared expectations for year two, and challenged partners and stakeholders to continue leaning into the RHTP conversation, building upon the foundation of year one.

“RHTP is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to set up rural healthcare for a stronger future in Oklahoma,” said Commissioner of Health Keith Reed. “The innovative work happening across the state is laying the groundwork for lasting change, and it is a reflection of what we can accomplish when communities, stakeholders and partners work together. We look forward to continuing this shared effort to improve rural health outcomes and care.”

SWOSU Rural Health Center Director Kalie Kerth shared how the university is leveraging awarded funding to develop solutions tailored to rural needs, including workforce development and new approaches to care delivery.

SWOSU was awarded nearly $200,000 in RHTP Microgrant funding to support Washita and Roger Mills counties with a mobile resource unit and health and wellness equipment for screenings, chronic disease prevention, telehealth and other services. 

“This investment allows SWOSU to do what we do best—prepare students for careers that Oklahoma needs while expanding access to quality health care in rural communities,” said SWOSU President Joel Kendall. “By strengthening our health care programs and working alongside partners like Weatherford Regional Hospital, we are creating opportunities for our students while helping ensure that people in western Oklahoma can receive more of the care they need closer to home.”

The University also received approximately $4 million through the Rural Regional Reorientation Program to partner with Weatherford Regional Hospital to expand access to advanced clinical technology, including robotic-assisted surgery, with the potential to support about 360 procedures annually and reduce patient travel by an estimated 46,800 miles each year.  

The funding also supports training for more than 900 students annually across pharmacy, nursing and allied health programs. 

“For rural Oklahoma, improving access today is important, but we also have to build for the future,” said Dr. Kalie Kerth, Director of the SWOSU Rural Health Center. “Strengthening our rural health systems, growing our workforce and creating sustainable solutions will help ensure these communities have access to high-quality care for generations to come.”

Oklahoma RHTP’s budget year one will end on October 30, and year two will begin on October 31. More information will be shared related to year two funding once it has been awarded by the CMS in October. 

For more information about the Rural Health Transformation Program, including engagement and funding opportunities, visit Oklahoma.gov/health/RHTP. 

Download high-resolution photos from the briefing here.

This press release is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $223,476,948.62 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health. 

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