A federal-state initiative will spread $50 billion over the next five years on rural health transformation.
Federal funding is part of the rural health transformation program (RHTP).
Michigan will have $173 million of the funding.
RHTP aims to keep hospitals open and to change how care is delivered.
Communities without a hospital seek care elsewhere, adding strain on urban areas.
According to the CDC people living in rural areas are more likely to die prematurely from heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic lower respiratory disease and unintentional injuries.
A national Institute of Health study found in rural communities adults are affected by obesity 11% more and heart disease is twice as common.
Don Hunt, corporate affairs general director, LLYC, joined Local 4 Live to tell us more about rural healthcare.
You can watch the full interview in the video at the beginning of this article.