Gov. Mark Gordon’s administration continues to seek public input on how the state might capitalize on the federal government’s new Rural Health Transformation Program.

The Wyoming Department of Health held meetings in Powell and several other rural communities last month and used the feedback to launch an online survey on Wednesday. It’s available online at tinyurl.com/2us3u48y.

The department is also hosting an additional virtual meeting today (Thursday) from 3-4 p.m. It can be accessed by visiting meet.google.com/uae-uedb-dmk or calling 1-575-414-0419 and entering the PIN 133 425 386#.

Gordon said the survey and meetings are meant to ensure Wyomingites have the chance “to weigh-in on strengthening health care and wellness in our rural communities.”

The Department of Health says it wants to prioritize citizen concerns as it seeks as much as $500 million to $800 million worth of federal funds over the coming years. (The influx of funds stand to be at least partially offset by cuts to Medicaid spending.)

The department says the results of the weeklong survey will inform Wyoming’s application and determine which directions the state should pursue in transforming rural health.

While every community meeting was different, the Department of Health says several common health care concerns emerged, including:

• Staffing and workforce challenges;

• Hospitals and long-term care facilities;

• The importance of primary care and the physician-patient relationship;

• Behavioral health gaps;

• Addressing ‘maternity deserts’ and lack of obstetric care; and,

• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) sustainability.

All of those concerns came up at the Sept. 18 town hall at Powell City Hall.

“The people’s voices in the public forums were heard — and are an immense asset in building a strong RHTP [Rural Health Transformation Program] proposal that represents our state,” Gordon said.

The online survey will close on Oct. 15, and the state’s application to the federal government is due by Nov. 5.

For more information, visit health.wyo.gov/admin/rural-health-transformation-program.