Ball State University has received funding through the Indiana Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen the rural healthcare workforce and expand access to health services in East Central Indiana.
The $358,170 award, covering Sept. 1, 2026-July 31, 2027, will support work led by Ball State’s College of Health as part of the state’s Growing Rural Opportunities for Well-being (GROW) Regional Grants initiative.
Ball State’s work will include efforts to address regional healthcare workforce shortages through strategic workforce pathways and to strengthen community access to services addressing chronic disease. The College of Health will also hire a regional coordinator to help organize and support the work of 24 organizations participating in the Region 4 coalition.
Additional funding will support services provided by Ball State’s Healthy Lifestyle Center, including primary care in Blackford County, as well as travel for Ball State students and faculty participating in field education and clinical rotations in rural communities.
Across Region 4, Ball State is working alongside a broad coalition of partners spanning hospitals and healthcare providers, county health departments, emergency medical services, mental health and social service organizations, and education and youth support.
“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,” said Dr. Anand R. Marri, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Ball State. “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 initiative closely aligns with Ball State’s strategic commitment to community engagement and impact. The University’s Destination 2040: Our Flight Path strategic plan calls for Ball State faculty, staff, and students to collaborate with community partners to improve population health and well-being in East Central Indiana. The work also supports the University’s mission to provide educational experiences that prepare graduates for fulfilling careers while enhancing the social and economic vitality of Indiana communities.
“The healthcare needs of rural communities are best addressed by people and organizations that understand those communities,” said Dr. Scott Rutledge, dean of Ball State’s College of Health. “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’s award is part of a broader $15.2 million GROW investment in Region 4. The regional initiative brings together local partners to address rural healthcare needs through efforts focused on access to care, workforce development, maternal and behavioral health, and emergency medical and clinical readiness.
Indiana’s Rural Health Transformation Program is part of the federal Rural Health Transformation Program administered by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Indiana received nearly $207 million for the first year of the five-year program, with about $120 million, or 60% of that funding, designated for GROW regional grants.
For more information about the Indiana Rural Health Transformation Program, visit growruralhealth.in.gov.
This Rural Health Transformation Program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $206,927,896.80 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.