Governor DeWine announces $64 million to transform children's health services across Appalachia 

4/1/2024

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted recently announced dozens of transformational projects that will significantly improve access to health care across many of Ohio's Appalachian communities.

As part of the new Appalachian Children's Health Initiative, more than $64 million in funding will be awarded to the Appalachian Children Coalition to support the creation or expansion of community- and school-based health clinics, the launch of health care-focused workforce development programs, and more.

The funding will be divided among 28 projects that are expected to impact 61,000 students and 375,000 residents across 20 Appalachian counties. Partners include 34 school districts, a career-technical school, an educational service center, and 16 health care partners. Expanded services will include comprehensive primary care, dental, vision, and mental health services for children, families, and communities.

The project will also establish workforce training partnerships between schools and their associated health clinics to prepare the next generation of Appalachian health care professionals.

Funding for the Appalachian Children's Health Initiative is being awarded through the larger Appalachian Community Grant Program, which is investing $500 million into Ohio's 32-county Appalachian region. This unprecedented investment was spearheaded by the DeWine-Husted Administration with support from the Ohio General Assembly. More than $350 million in remaining funding will be awarded in coming weeks to further revitalize the region and create an abundance of new opportunities for future generations.

Approximately $80 million in Appalachian Community Grant Program funding was previously encumbered to several shovel-ready projects in March 2023 and for planning grants to cover costs associated with project planning and design. The program is administered by the Governor's Office of Appalachia within the Ohio Department of Development.