Letlow secures $4 Million for rural healthcare expansion in NELA

RICHLAND PARISH, La. (KTVE/KARD) — Congresswoman Julia Letlow has announced $4 million in Community Project Funding to strengthen rural healthcare services in Northeast Louisiana.

The funding, included in the FY 2026 Agriculture and Rural Development Appropriations bill, will support the upcoming Delhi Hospital Outpatient Therapy and Diabetes Education Center Expansion Project. The measure received final passage in Congress Tuesday night and was signed into law by President Trump.

The investment will fund the construction of an outpatient therapy and community health center in Richland Parish, aimed at closing gaps in care for underserved rural communities.

"Our rural communities in Northeast Louisiana face numerous gaps in healthcare services, and this funding is a result of our work to close these gaps and deliver better care,” said Congresswoman Julia Letlow. “This investment is a key step toward not only improving care, but also providing more education and support for chronic conditions like diabetes.”

"Jinger Greer, Interim CEO of Delhi Hospital, called the project a game-changer for local healthcare: For too long, rural communities across Northeast Louisiana have faced barriers to essential healthcare. With the expansion of our Outpatient Therapy Center and Diabetes Education Program, we’re creating a place where care, education, and support come together under one roof,” Greer said. “This project is more than a building, it’s a promise to empower our community and invest in a healthier future for every resident we serve.”

The expansion is expected to improve access to therapy services and diabetes education, providing critical resources for residents across Richland Parish and surrounding areas.