BONNERS FERRY — The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho is among more than 100 grants announced by the state as part of Rural Health Transformation Program funding.

The grants, totaling roughly $186 million, were announced by Idaho Gov. Brad Little Wednesday as part of the first year of grant funding through the program, which aims to strengthen and modernize health care in rural communities.

The Tribe will receive $469,592.27 through the grant. Also receiving grant funding in Idaho's five northern counties are the Coeur d'Alene Tribe of Idaho, $2,316,125.15; and Bonner General Health, $5,802,164.90.

The first year of the awards was distributed in alignment with Idaho’s plan, which focused on benefits to Idaho citizens through hospital networks, shared infrastructure, regional programs, and mobile services.

“For many Idaho families – especially in rural areas – affordable, accessible health care is a real concern," Little said in a press release. "This investment recognizes those challenges and puts resources where they’re needed most. It helps strengthen local health care and ensures Idahoans can get the affordable care they need, no matter where they live."

The funds are part of close to $1 billion over five years awarded to Idaho by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to improve rural health care. The funds come from H.R. 1, The Working Families Tax Cuts Act.

Little said that nearly all of Idaho’s counties are considered rural, and many communities face challenges related to access, workforce shortages, financial sustainability, and distance from care. The funding is intended to address those challenges through system-wide improvements and long-term investments.

Idaho’s application was submitted by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare in consultation with the Idaho Rural Health Task Force, which included legislative leaders, tribal representatives and executive branch officials. Public comment was sought through a statewide survey that garnered 500 responses representing every county. In addition, the Legislature’s Rural Health Transformation Committee worked alongside the executive branch to determine distribution of funds.

“The Trump Administration’s Rural Health Transformation Program is based on one simple idea: your access to quality health care shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “Funding new approaches to strengthen local healthcare capacity and expand access to care is an important step toward achieving that vision for rural Idaho and I look forward to seeing RHTP dollars support equally transformative innovations for rural communities nationwide.”

Task force members said the funding gives Idaho's communities a chance to strengthen local hospitals, recruit and keep health care professionals, and invest in practical solutions.

"I'm proud of the work that brought us to this point, and I'm excited to see these investments improve care for Idaho families across our state,” said Sen. Julie VanOrden, co-chair of the Idaho Rural Health Task Force.

Rep. Jordan Redman, co-chair of the Idaho Rural Health Task Force, agreed, noting the program presents a unique opportunity to embrace technology and innovative care models to deliver care in our rural communities.

"Together, we are building lasting solutions that improve access and strengthen health care for Idaho families for years to come," Redman said.

The program's funds give Idaho a chance to pursue solutions developed in the state's communities, Idaho Department of Health & Welfare officials said.

"By listening to providers, patients, and local leaders, the state can make targeted investments that support sustainable, high-quality care closer to home,” DHW Director Juliet Charron said.