Louisiana will use more than $1 billion in federal money over the next five years to improve health care in rural areas through the Rural Tech Catalyst Fund. Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Evelyn Griffin says rural healthcare providers are doing great work with limited resources, but this initiative will provide them with tools and partnerships that can result in better care for the state’s 1.1 million rural residents.
“We are particularly interested in solutions that improve access, strengthen chronic disease management, support maternal and behavioral health, and help providers deliver care more efficiently,” Griffin said.
Governor Jeff Landry says one of the major focuses of the Rural Tech Catalyst Fund is expanding workforce capacity.
“How many times have I spoken to citizens in rural Louisiana, who have had to see their child get into the medical field, only to leave their community. Why? Because there’s not an opportunity there. This gives people an opportunity to stay there,” Landry said.
Landry says the program will also support startup growth and private investment and strengthen health care technology infrastructure. LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein says they are calling on entrepreneurs, investors, universities and technology companies to get involved.
“We encourage any company that is under $50 million in investment today, under 10 years old in operations and based in the U.S. to apply. We invite you to come to Louisiana and help us modernize and transform rural health care,” Greenstein said.
Greenstein says more than 100 companies have already expressed interest in the program. The companies that apply will be evaluated by both LDH and the state’s economic development agency.
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