MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) -- The Rural Health Transformation Program puts $50 billion on the table for states to use toward rural healthcare. Gov. Kay Ivey said planning is well underway for how Alabama can capitalize on that offer.

Hospital doors like those in Pickens County are closing, forcing some Alabamians to travel long distances when they need medical care.

"Our rural hospitals are critical for the survival of our rural patients and our urban patients," said Ryan Kelly, executive director of the Alabama Rural Health Association. "Our urban hospitals do not want our rural hospitals to die off, to fail."

Kelly said the new program can help fight that failure. It allows states to apply for and use grant money. That could go towards things like rebuilding facilities, telehealth progra

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