Public Health Grand Rounds Highlights Rural Health Transformation in Oklahoma

The Hudson College of Public Health recently hosted a compelling session of its Public Health Grand Rounds series, bringing together public health professionals, students, and community members to explore one of the state’s most pressing priorities: strengthening rural health care.

The event featured Keith Reed, Commissioner of Health at the Oklahoma State Department of Health, and Brandie Combs, Chief of Staff, who discussed Oklahoma’s Rural Health Transformation. Their presentation highlighted the ambitious Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program—a five-year federal investment designed to improve access, quality, and outcomes in rural communities. Oklahoma received approximately $223.5 million in the first year alone, signaling a major opportunity to reshape care delivery across the state.

At its core, the RHT Program is focused on ensuring that Oklahomans can access the care they need close to home. The plan was built through extensive statewide engagement, including more than 400 responses to a public Request for Information, regional listening sessions, Tribal consultations, and interviews with rural providers, educators, and community leaders. A cross-agency State Steering Committee further guided the program’s strategic direction and alignment.

Commissioner Reed emphasized why this investment is particularly meaningful for Oklahoma. The program aims to expand access to essential services (such as behavioral health care and high-risk pregnancy support) while improving care coordination and emergency response. It also prioritizes strengthening the health care workforce and supporting rural hospitals and clinics, helping ensure they remain viable pillars of their communities.

For individuals and families, these efforts are expected to translate into more seamless and efficient care. Connected health records will allow patients’ information to follow them across providers, reducing the need to repeat medical histories and minimizing duplicate tests. At the same time, a shift toward value-based care and shared services is expected to help clinics operate more efficiently, supporting affordability and long-term sustainability.

A key theme throughout the presentation was durability. Oklahoma has designed the RHT Program with sustainability in mind, incorporating strategies such as billable services, ongoing public and private funding, and targeted one-time investments that lead to lasting improvements. The goal is to ensure that the benefits of this federal investment continue well beyond the initial funding period.

The initiative is organized around six core areas: Innovating the Care Model, Moving Upstream, Facilitating Regional Collaboration, Shifting to Value, Growing Next-Generation Rural Talent, and Building Health Data Utility. Funding will prioritize communities with populations of 55,000 or fewer, with an emphasis on ensuring that rural residents directly benefit from these efforts.

Looking ahead, Chief of Staff Combs encouraged attendees to stay engaged. Funding opportunities and implementation updates will be shared as details are finalized, and community input will remain central to the program’s success. Upcoming public meetings and listening sessions will provide opportunities for Oklahomans to learn more, ask questions, and help shape how these initiatives are implemented in their own communities. For additional information, visit Oklahoma.gov/health/RHTP.

We extend our sincere thanks to Commissioner Reed and Chief of Staff Combs for sharing their time and expertise with the community and for their leadership in advancing rural health across Oklahoma. The Public Health Grand Rounds series continues to serve as a valuable platform for connecting the Hudson College of Public Health and the broader community with timely public health issues and innovative solutions, reinforcing the College’s commitment to improving health outcomes across Oklahoma and beyond.