Last week, U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, and Rep. Michael Guest, R-Mississippi, introduced bipartisan legislation to permanently authorize the Office of Rural Health within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which would ensure the office remains in place through future presidential administrations, a news release from Gluesenkamp Perez stated.
The Office of Rural Health would coordinate rural health efforts across CDC programs and accelerate innovation tailored to rural public health needs, Gluesenkamp Perez said.
Statutory authorization of the CDC Office of Rural Health would improve opportunities for Congress to provide regular funding and support for better coordination of rural health programs, the congresswoman stated. Congress provided $5 million in 2024 appropriations to support the office, the release states.
The legislation would direct the head of the CDC to name a Director of the Office of Rural Health who, among other things, would:
• Serve as the primary point of contact in the CDC on matters pertaining to rural health.
• Work with all CDC personnel and offices to develop, refine and coordinate policies, best practices, and innovative programs to improve care and services for rural populations.
• Identify disparities in the availability of health care and public health interventions for rural populations.
• Award and administer grants, cooperative agreements and contracts related to improving health and health care in rural areas.
“As the CDC works on public health initiatives and innovations, it’s critical that rural families have a seat at the table,” Gluesenkamp Perez said. “I’m introducing this bipartisan legislation to ensure our federal resources are effectively addressing rural disparities in health.”
The lawmakers previously introduced the legislation in the 118th Congress.
Sens. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Jeff Merkley introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.
