If the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is successful in its request for $1 billion for the Rural Health Transformation Program, hospitals like Door County Medical Center could see major benefits. The agency announced its application last week, aiming to strengthen the state’s health care workforce, drive technology and innovation, and transform care through partnerships.

"Ensuring Wisconsinites have access to affordable health care is a top priority for me and my administration, and this work is more important than ever," said Gov. Tony Evers. "We look forward to investing this funding to help expand access to quality, affordable health care—especially in our rural areas—while strengthening our workforce and supporting our local and state economies. Here in Wisconsin, we must keep working to lower the cost of health care, bolster our health care workforce, and support health care access across our state, and we look forward to continuing this important work."

Door County Medical Center has taken steps to stay ahead in a marketplace where other rural hospitals have significantly cut back services or closed altogether. Within the last two years, Door County Medical Center has partnered with Door County Emergency Services on ambulance coverage and announced plans to transition to Epic Systems’ electronic health record system early next year to streamline patient care.

Door County Medical Center President and CEO Brian Stephens hopes the influx of federal funding will allow them—and other rural hospitals—to continuously invest in the communities they serve.

According to DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson, one-third of Wisconsinites live in rural areas that often lack access to care due to limited provider availability, outdated technologies, and disconnected systems, which can result in fragmented care. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is expected to announce awardee decisions by December 31, 2025.