Montgomery News

Congressman Brett Guthrie and Congressman Morgan Griffith have announced a legislative hearing focused on maintaining and improving the public health workforce, rural health, and over-the-counter medicines. The hearing is scheduled for July 16, 2025, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C.

"These vital public health programs play a critical role in improving health care for Americans," said Guthrie and Griffith. They emphasized the importance of programs like the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program to ensure patient access to safe products. The Health Subcommittee aims to strengthen the healthcare workforce and support rural communities.

Thomas Morris from HRSA's Federal Office of Rural Health Policy testified about addressing rural health disparities. He highlighted HRSA’s efforts to improve access for 62.8 million rural Americans through targeted programs and telehealth innovation.

Morris outlined key challenges such as higher mortality rates from chronic diseases in rural areas due to workforce shortages and geographic isolation. He discussed HRSA’s initiatives like the Rural Health Care Services Outreach Program, which served 522,000 individuals in 2023, and the Rural Health Network Development Program that sustains projects post-funding.

Telehealth was another focus, with programs like the Telehealth Network Grant Program delivering specialty care to isolated communities. Morris called on Congress to reauthorize rural health programs and invest in telehealth infrastructure to bridge gaps in mental health and chronic care services.

HRSA’s programs are deemed essential for addressing rural health disparities. Continued funding and innovation are seen as crucial for building resilient healthcare systems in underserved areas.

The hearing will be open to the public and press, with a livestream available online. For further information or press inquiries, contacts are provided within the announcement.

Information from this article can be found here.