(KAIR)--More than half a million dollars in federal funding to improve patient access to healthcare services has been awarded to AllWays Community Health Center in Atchison

Kansas Second District Congressman Derek Schmidt announced the $544,502 grant Wednesday, saying the money will be used to reduce missed patient appointments and strengthen coordination of referrals for medical care.

The funding comes through the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, which Schmidt says was established last year to help sustain healthcare services in rural communities.

According to Schmidt, the latest award brings total funding through the program for hospitals and clinics operating in Kansas's Second Congressional District to more than $17.3 million.

Schmidt says additional funding is expected as the program continues.