Tennessee has received nearly $207 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program from the Federal Government, but the first grants aren’t going toward hospitals, ambulances, or medical clinics.

Instead, the Tennessee Department of Health announced the initial recipients are organizations and cities for 53 projects focused on building walking trails, sidewalks, community gardens, fitness programs, social gathering spaces, and inclusive playgrounds across 44 counties.

Whereas, many, if not most, states are using the funds for actual Healthcare needs.

Arkansas, $10 million to replace ambulances and add telehealth communications, connectivity and patient-monitoring equipment, data sharing, training, and a Patient Navigation Hub.
$6.3 million to upgrade rural hospitals and clinics with specialty telehealth, AI-enabled SMART rooms, telemetry and imaging equipment, digital integration, and emergency teleconsultation capability.

Georgia, Expanding training and education for nurses, emergency medical technicians and paramedics
Expanding access and strengthening telehealth access points, maternal and behavioral healthcare, newborn screening, transportation and other services to improve access to care.

Even in bright red Florida, The funding will support more than 80 awards serving communities across 31 rural counties, home to nearly 1.2 million Floridians. Awardees include hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), rural health clinics, and other health care providers and community organizations working to meet the unique needs of rural Floridians