Governor Mike DeWine Allocates Over $55 Million to Expand Healthcare Access for Children
Children in rural Ohio will have greater access to eye examinations, dental treatment and primary healthcare following the announcement of more than $55 million in federal funding by Governor Mike DeWine.
The governor announced the investment on 2 November 2026, explaining that the funds would strengthen three major healthcare programmes aimed at addressing barriers faced by children and families in underserved communities.
More than $18 million will support the statewide expansion of OhioSEE, a school-based vision programme that provides comprehensive eye examinations and prescription glasses to children. Initially introduced in 15 counties, the programme now operates in 252 public school districts and will expand to all 88 Ohio counties.
Another $17 million will fund OhioDENTAL, a new initiative designed to bring dental services directly into schools through mobile clinics and temporary treatment facilities.
The investment responds to concerns about limited access to preventive dental care among Ohio children, particularly in rural communities where treatment costs and shortages of dental professionals remain significant barriers.
Ohio Department of Health Director Dr Bruce Vanderhoff warned that untreated tooth decay could affect children’s eating, sleeping and daily activities.
Meanwhile, more than $20 million will finance 17 new school-based health centres across 15 counties while supporting 49 existing centres.
These facilities will provide primary healthcare within school environments, reducing travel difficulties for families and helping children receive medical attention without missing valuable classroom time.
The funding forms part of Ohio’s Rural Health Transformation Programme, supported by the federal government.
