The funding will help the university strengthen the rural healthcare workforce and expand access to healthcare in rural communities.
Ball State University has received funding from the Indiana Rural Health Transformation Program as part of the state of Indiana’s Growing Rural Opportunities for Well-being (GROW) Regional Grants initiative. The funding will allow the university to strengthen the rural healthcare workforce and expand access to healthcare for individuals who live in the state’s rural communities.
According to an article on Ball State University’s website, Dr. Anand R. Marri, who serves as the university’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, was quoted as saying of the grant funding, “This grant reflects the important role a public university can play in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals while responding to the needs of the communities we serve. Through these partnerships, our students will gain valuable educational and clinical experiences while contributing to efforts that strengthen access to care and the healthcare workforce throughout our region.”
The grant runs from September 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027, and is in the amount of $358,170. This funding will allow the university’s College of Health to hire a regional coordinator who will be responsible for organizing and coordinating the 24 organizations that will be participating in the Region 4 coalition. These 24 organizations include hospitals and healthcare providers, county health departments, emergency medical services, mental health and social service organizations, and education and youth support services.
The award Ball State University has received is part of a larger award to Region 4, which totals a $15.2 million GROW investment. Region 4 will work together to address the healthcare needs of rural communities, such as access to care, workforce development, maternal and behavioral health, and emergency medical and clinical readiness.
Dr. Scott Rutledge, who serves as the dean of Ball State’s College of Health, said, “The healthcare needs of rural communities are best addressed by people and organizations that understand those communities. This investment gives Ball State an opportunity to work alongside our regional partners to strengthen the healthcare workforce, expand access to services, and create valuable clinical and field experiences for our students. Those efforts can make an immediate difference while also helping build a stronger healthcare workforce for the future.”
Ball State University’s participation in this initiative aligns with its Destination 2040: Our Flight Path strategic plan, which tasks the university’s faculty, staff, and students with collaborating with the community to improve population health and well-being in East Central Indiana.
For more information about Ball State University, visit the school’s website.