RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia has submitted an application seeking $1 billion in federal funding to transform health care in rural parts of the Commonwealth.

According to a Nov. 7 press release from the Office of the Governor, Virginia's rural communities "face some of the most significant health disparities" in the U.S., such as: • Nearly 55% of rural localities have a shortage of health professionals. • About 63% of counties lack an OB/GYN and 22% of rural residents travel over 40 minutes to reach a labor and delivery unit. • Chronic conditions — such as diabetes, obesity and hyperextension — exceed national averages. • About 17% of rural adults and 9% of youth aged 12 to 17 years old are affected by substance use disorders.

The "VA Rural Vitality" proposal is seeking funding

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