09/17/2025
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Date: Wednesday, Sep 17, 2025
McCurtain Memorial Hospital Applauds CMS’s Rural Health Transformation Funding Opportunity; Calls for Bold, Long-Term Commitment to Protect Rural Hospitals
Idabel, Oklahoma – McCurtain Memorial Hospital (MMH) welcomes the recent announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). This unprecedented $50 billion program is designed to strengthen access, quality, and financial sustainability in rural health care across the United States.
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Oklahoma’s Application Deadline and Federal Review
The State of Oklahoma is now tasked with preparing and submitting its application to CMS by early November 2025. CMS has committed to approving or denying state applications no later than December 3, 2025. This timeline underscores the urgency for collaboration between state leaders, rural hospitals, and community stakeholders to ensure Oklahoma secures its share of this transformative funding.
If approved, Oklahoma stands to receive a significant portion of the $50 billion program, which will be distributed among states that submit robust, comprehensive plans to support rural health. These funds are intended to address technology upgrades, workforce recruitment, service expansion, care model innovation, and infrastructure critical to sustaining rural hospitals.
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Promise and Limitations of the Rural Health Transformation Program
McCurtain Memorial Hospital acknowledges that this program represents a historic step forward for rural communities. However, the hospital emphasizes that the RHTP is only the foundation of a broader, long-term effort. Rural health care faces systemic challenges – from workforce shortages and financial instability to evolving community health needs.
“While we welcome and support this funding, we must also be honest: it is not a permanent fix,” said Brian Whitfield, CEO of McCurtain Memorial Hospital. “The Rural Health Transformation Program will give Oklahoma hospitals breathing room and resources to innovate, but to protect rural health for future generations, we must remain committed to ongoing structural reforms and community investments.”
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McCurtain Memorial’s Financial Turnaround and Commitment to Stability
Nearly four years ago, McCurtain Memorial faced immense financial strain, operating under the constant threat of closure. Today, the hospital’s financial footing is significantly stronger thanks to disciplined fiscal management, expanded service lines, and aggressive pursuit of sustainability initiatives.
This progress offers reassurance to our community and employees that MMH is not only surviving but positioned to grow. The hospital’s administration continues to pursue opportunities to strengthen its balance sheet, reduce waste, and ensure long-term solvency.
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The Role of the OBBBA in Creating This Funding Stream
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made the Rural Health Transformation Program possible by establishing a five-year, $50 billion federal investment specifically earmarked for rural health care. The legislation requires states to use the funds in targeted ways, including:
• Enhancing prevention and chronic disease management
• Expanding access to behavioral health and substance use services
• Supporting workforce recruitment and retention
• Investing in telehealth, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity
• Encouraging new care models and partnerships among providers
• Upgrading or preserving essential service lines in rural hospitals
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Recruitment, Growth, and Economic Development
McCurtain Memorial is already working aggressively to align with these goals. Over the past several years, the hospital has:
• Recruited new physicians and establish new partnerships to bring expanded specialties and services to our community
• Invested in workforce development, ensuring training and retention of nurses, technicians, and support staff
• Expanded service lines to meet local health care needs more effectively, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for care
• Contributed to the local economy by creating stable, well-paying jobs that multiply economic impact throughout McCurtain County
“Our hospital has worked tirelessly to rebuild from a point of near collapse,” said Whitfield. “We are proud of how far we’ve come – but we also know how far we still must go. This funding opportunity will be a catalyst for growth, but the true measure of success will be our ability to sustain progress and keep care close to home for decades to come.”
