The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust's Rural Healthcare Program has donated over $300 million to seven states to improve rural healthcare since the program was established in 2010, according to the StarTribune.
The program supports innovative technology such as e-pharmacy and telemedicine services and initiatives for underserved populations in rural areas.
Here are three things to know about the program:
1. The seven states — South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Iowa, Minnesota and Wyoming — were chosen by the charitable trust because they had received the smallest amount in healthcare philanthropy.
2. The charitable trust has provided $89 million in funding to South Dakota — the most of any state — followed by North Dakota with $54.4 million and Nebraska with $54 million. Montana, Iowa and Minnesota received $47.2 million, $24.3 milion and $24.2 million, respectively.
3. The variance in funding per state changes based on rural population and the state's need.