HRSA Reaffirms Commitment to Rural America During the National Rural Health Association Policy Institute

Mar 2, 2026

HRSA Administrator Tom Engels and Associate Administrator for the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy Tom Morris, delivered remarks at the National Rural Health Association Policy Institute on February 10th, reinforcing HRSA's commitment to strengthening rural health care nationwide.

Speaking to rural health care leaders, providers and advocates, Administrator Engels highlighted the essential role rural hospitals play in delivering high-quality, affordable care to underserved communities. He emphasized HRSA's investments in building a strong rural health workforce, advancing telehealth, supporting innovative care delivery models and advancing Make America Healthy Again priorities to improve health outcomes in rural areas.

Building on these themes, Tom Morris outlined FORHP's work to align Administration priorities across its programs, with a focus on expanding access to care and supporting rural hospital sustainability. He also noted HRSA's collaboration with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to implement the Rural Health Transformation Program, highlighting how federal partnerships play a critical role in FORHP's work beyond HRSA.

Together, Administrator Engels' and Associate Administrator Morris' remarks underscored HRSA's ongoing partnership with rural communities to address workforce shortages, strengthen hospital sustainability, and improve access to care.

Source: HRSA eNews