Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) announced today that $400,000 was included in the 2005 Omnibus Appropriations Bill to help fund the Rural and Community Health Institute at the Texas A&M Health Science Center.    

 

The Rural and Community Health Institute (RCHI) within the Texas A&M Health Science Center is dedicated to improving access to health care and reducing disparities in health status and outcomes between rural and urban communities in Texas.

 

“Today, access to health care –especially for residents in rural communities—is a top concern across the nation.  Funding the Rural and Community Health Institute will help doctors, nurses, and hospitals better understand and address the critical health issues rural communities face.  The lesson’s learned here in Texas can help save lives around the country,” said Brady. 

 

The funding provided in the appropriations bill passed today will enable the RCHI to expand its activities and provide support to health care providers in rural communities in order to improve patient safety and quality of care.  RCHI faculty and staff provide their expertise to small hospitals to help ensure that patients in these areas receive care on par with their urban neighbors and enables rural hospitals to comply with significant state and federal quality regulations. 

 

Dr. Nancy Dickey, President and Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs for Texas A & M University responded to the news, “Our thanks to Rep. Kevin Brady and other members of the Texas Delegation for their leadership in achieving the funding for RCHI through the 2005 Omnibus Appropriations Bill.  The commitment of physicians serving rural Texas in partnership with the academic tools RCHI brings will enhance care across the state and serve as a model for the nation.”

 

Additionally, the Institute is building programs which will also provide retraining of physicians who need exposure to new technologies or need to rehabilitate, refresh or remediate certain skills; will help communities recruit and retain rural physicians; and will provide date to policymakers on how to improve access and quality in rural areas.