Rural hospitals in Winnemucca and Lovelock to receive state health funding

Humboldt General Hospital and Pershing General Hospital are among the recipients of the first round of funding awarded through Nevada's new Rural Health Transformation Program, part of a statewide effort to strengthen health care services in rural and frontier communities.

The Nevada Health Authority announced $36 million in Rural Health Transformation funding awards this week. According to the agency, Humboldt General Hospital will receive funding for facility equipment, while Pershing General Hospital will receive funding for facility equipment and transportation needs.

State officials said the investment is intended to expand access to essential services, stabilize health care operations in underserved communities and strengthen the long-term viability of rural health systems.

"Access to quality health care shouldn't depend on where you live," Gov. Joe Lombardo said. "This $36 million investment delivers real resources to rural communities across Nevada, strengthening hospitals, expanding emergency response capabilities, improving access to specialty care and supporting the providers who serve as the backbone of rural health care. We're making strategic investments that will improve outcomes, strengthen local health systems and ensure rural families have access to the care they need close to home."

The funding represents the first round of grants awarded through the Rural Health Flex Fund, one of four initiatives approved under Nevada's Rural Health Transformation Program. The fund is designed to address one-time critical infrastructure needs and technology gaps in rural and frontier communities.

"The extraordinary volume of applications we received underscores just how great the need is in our rural communities," said Dr. Malinda Southard, deputy director of the Nevada Health Authority. "The demand speaks for itself. Rural health systems are eager for the support needed to continue delivering high-quality care."

According to the Nevada Health Authority, funded projects across the state address a range of needs, including medical technology, emergency and rescue equipment, facility maintenance equipment, medical transportation, ambulances, telehealth capabilities, diagnostic services, mobile care, preventive and primary care services, dialysis programs and other health care improvements.

State officials described the grants as an important step toward improving access to quality health care in Nevada's rural and frontier regions. The Nevada Health Authority said it plans to continue working with state and federal partners to expand services, support local providers and improve access to care in remote communities.

The funding was made possible through a new five-year federal initiative approved as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025. The program provides $50 billion nationwide over five years to improve rural health care. Nevada received $180 million during the program's first year.