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Miller-Meeks Delivers $15.9M for Cancer Screenings through the Rural Health Transformation Program

September 25, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01) celebrated Iowa rural communities receiving $15.9 million in new funding she helped deliver to expand cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, helping more Iowans access high-quality care closer to home. 

The $15.9 million will go towards radon mitigation, expanding telehealth availability and increasing access to cancer detection and screenings. Iowa has the second-highest cancer rate in the nation, making expanded access to prevention and early detection especially important. 

“Too many Iowans, especially those living in rural communities, have to travel long distances to get the care they need,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “This funding will help bring cancer screenings, prevention, and treatment closer to home, making it easier for Iowans to access high-quality care and detect cancer earlier. As a physician, I know how important early detection is, and I will continue working to make sure Iowa has the resources it needs to fight cancer.”

For rural Iowans, telehealth and expanded screening services can help overcome geographical barriers and reduce the need to travel long distances for care. The goal is to make high-quality cancer care more accessible while allowing patients to receive more care in their own communities.

The funding comes through Iowa’s Healthy Hometowns proposal, supported by the Rural Health Transformation Program, through which Iowa was awarded $209 million. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. has been a strong advocate for bringing these resources to Iowa and expanding access to care in rural communities.

Miller-Meeks also raised the need for additional rural health resources directly with Dr. Mehmet Oz during his visit to Iowa. Iowa’s timely and proactive implementation of its Rural Health Transformation Program could position the state to receive additional funding if other states do not utilize theirs.

To read the full article in the Quad City Times, Click HERE. 

Issues:Health