Lucas County Health Center (LCHC) is pleased to announce it has received $2,205,266 in total grant funding through the Best and Brightest grant programs, supporting major investments in medical technology and workforce expansion that will directly benefit patients and families across the region.
The funding is part of Iowa’s participation in the Rural Health Transformation Program, a nationally recognized initiative made possible through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Iowa is the first state in the nation to receive federal funding through this program, which is administered locally through the Iowa Healthy Hometowns Project and designed to strengthen rural healthcare systems and improve access to care.
Through the Best and Brightest – Medical Equipment Procurement and Installation Grant, LCHC was awarded $1,965,266 to purchase and install a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. This advanced diagnostic technology will enhance clinical capabilities, reduce the need for patients to travel outside the area for imaging services, and support earlier, more accurate diagnoses.
In addition, LCHC received $240,000 through the Best and Brightest – Healthcare Workforce Recruitment Grant. These funds will support the recruitment and retention of an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) and a Registered Nurse (RN), expanding capacity within the medical clinic and allowing for increased service hours to better meet patient needs.
“For many rural patients, access is just as important as quality,” said Jay Christensen, CEO of Lucas County Health Center. “These grants allow us to bring critical services closer to home, reduce travel burdens, and expand clinic availability for the families who rely on LCHC every day.”
LCHC leadership and staff are currently planning for the MRI installation and will begin recruitment efforts for the ARNP and RN positions in the coming months. Together, these initiatives reinforce LCHC’s commitment to expanding access to care and supporting the evolving healthcare needs of Lucas County and the surrounding communities.