JACKSBORO, Texas (KAUZ) - State Representative David Spiller has announced that 17 hospitals and clinics in House District 68 have been awarded more than $49 million in Rural Texas Strong grants.

The grants support efforts to recruit doctors, upgrade equipment and expand care close to home.

The awards from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) reach 10 of the district's 12 counties, from Gainesville to Brownwood, and include more than $16. 4 million in first-year funding."Rural hospitals are the backbone of our communities, providing lifesaving care, supporting local jobs, and ensuring families have access to quality healthcare close to home. This more than $49 million investment is a tremendous win for House District 68 and will help our hospitals recruit and retain healthcare professionals, modernize equipment, and continue serving our communities for years to come. I am proud to see these much-needed resources directed to rural Texas, and I will continue fighting to ensure our rural communities have the healthcare they need and deserve,"State Representative David Spiller (R-Jacksboro)The House District 68 total award was distributed to the following recipients:Brown CountyHendrick Medical Center Brownwood: $2. 72 millionRHC Insurance Texas: $200,000Comanche CountyComanche County Medical Center: $6. 83 millionCross Timbers Health Clinics: $600,000Cooke CountyGainesville Community Hospital: $5. 11 millionMuenster Hospital District: $4. 23 millionAbsolute Urgent Care: $180,000Eastland CountyEastland Memorial Hospital District: $4. 23 millionDFW Kidney Care Clinic: $622,000Jack CountyJack County Hospital District: $6. 22 millionLampasas CountyAdventHealth Rollins Brook: $1. 52 millionAdventHealth Family Medicine clinics: $1. 22 millionMontague CountyNocona General Hospital: $3. 5 millionShackelford CountyShackelford County Community Resource Center: $604,000Throckmorton CountyThrockmorton County Memorial Hospital: $2. 51 millionYoung CountyGraham Regional Medical Center: $5. 42 millionOlney-Hamilton Hospital: $3. 5 million