The Health Resources and Services Administration has opened applications for nearly $140 million in new grant funding aimed at expanding healthcare access and strengthening rural health systems.
The funding, announced June 29, will support rural hospitals, telehealth, physician workforce development, substance use treatment and regional healthcare networks through multiple competitive grant programs.
Four things to know:
1. The largest investment targets substance use treatment. HRSA is making $64 million available through its Rural Communities Opioid Response Program, including $60 million for the RCORP-Impact program and $4 million for RCORP-Planning to expand prevention, treatment and recovery services in rural communities.
2. More funding will support the rural physician workforce. HRSA is offering $11.25 million through its Rural Residency Planning and Development Program to help establish new accredited residency programs. The agency said physicians who complete residency training in rural communities are more likely to practice there, helping address workforce shortages.
3. The agency is investing in rural hospital collaboration and telehealth. More than $7 million will support rural healthcare networks, including a new pilot program designed to help independent rural hospitals and clinics coordinate care and improve long-term financial sustainability. HRSA is also making nearly $10 million available for telehealth initiatives, including technology-enabled collaborative learning and telehealth nutrition services.
4. The funding builds on broader rural health priorities. HRSA said the funding opportunities aim to strengthen rural healthcare systems, expand access to care, improve outcomes and support the rural workforce. The agency announced the funding at Madison County Memorial Hospital, a critical access hospital in Winterset, Iowa.
“These funding opportunities support state and local organizations that understand their communities’ unique needs and are best positioned to deliver solutions,” HRSA Administrator Tom Engels said in a news release. “By strengthening rural healthcare systems, expanding access to quality care, investing in telehealth innovation and supporting the rural health workforce, HRSA is helping ensure that people living in rural America have the opportunity to lead healthier lives.”
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