Fairbanks city officials are pursuing federal rural health funding that Alaska will receive through the newly-created federal Rural Health Transformation Program. A resolution from Mayor Mindy O’Neall would authorize city staff to apply for funding to expand the city’s mobile integrated healthcare team. Alaska was notified in December that it will receive just over $272 million per year for five years under the new program, part of a $50 billion program created as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law in July. Alaska received the largest per-capita award in the nation.
The state must award all funding by October, and it must be spent by October 2027, or the federal government will claw back unspent funds and the state risks receiving less funding in future years. The submission window for letters of interest closes March 11, with a review period to follow overseen by the Alaska Community Foundation.
Fairbanks sees the program as a potential solution for expanding its community paramedic program, which launched in 2025. The program, led by paramedic Melody Smith, focuses on preventative medical care, transportation of patients to non-critical services, and helping connect people to programs. However, the program’s capacity is limited, with one paramedic unable to serve all who need the service. During the 2026 budget process, city officials and service providers advocated for funding a second paramedic position.
Under the program, funding cannot be used for new construction, only renovations, and cannot cover services paid directly by Medicaid or telecommunications and internet installation. City services coordinator Brenda McFarlane noted there is large emphasis on access to healthcare, including mobile healthcare like transportation, and the program encourages innovation such as artificial intelligence and wearable devices. She said guidelines are split into six categories on how to utilize the funding, which could include faster access to primary care providers and lodging.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/fairbanks-eyes-federal-rural-healthcare-funding/article_5e6e12b7-b527-496e-b34e-71c0c75275b2.html