Fiscal year 2025 expanded hours. - funding opportunity number: hrsa-25-084 applicant name: rural health group, INC

Descriptive title of applicant's project: FY 2025 expanded hours to increase health center operating hours to meet identified patient and community needs in northeastern north carolina (edgecombe, granville, halifax, northampton, vance and warren counties). Project abstract: rural health group, INC. (RHG) a non-profit community health center, has been providing accessible, affordable, high-quality, patient-focused primary health care to residents across six counties in northeastern north carolina since 1976. Rural health group prioritizes services to low-income residents in the service area. Residents in these high-need communities face multiple barriers to health care, including lack of convenient access points for care, lack of health insurance, limited or no transportation, among others. Increased access to primary care services in the region is of paramount importance. As a primary point of access in its service are for any health care need, rural health group is well-positioned to address barriers to care and expand operating hours to ease patients' ability to access essential health center services. Rural health group is requesting funding to support expanded hours for six sites: rural health group at enfield (1 HR.), rural health group at halifax medical specialists (3 HRS.), rural health group at jackson (medical) (7 HRS. 30 min.), rural health group at rich square (2 HRS. 30 min.), rural health group at roanoke rapids (family practice) (3 HRS.), and rural health group at whitakers (4 HRS.). Rural health group is requesting funding to support twenty-one expanded hours per week at six sites. The expanded hours will include early morning and late evening. Access to healthcare, specifically primary care services is a growing concern in rural northeastern north carolina communities. Data from the service area reveal systemic, widespread health dispariti ES, and emphasize the need for comprehensive primary and preventive health services that are accessible to those with low incomes and the uninsured. Patient barriers such as working hours, inability to miss work for lost wages or threat of losing their job altogether, and lack of available childcare contribute to difficulties in accessing care during normal business hours. This can result in costly outcomes such as delaying needed care or seeking non-urgent care in the local emergency department. Rural health group anticipates the proposed expanded hours will increase access and alleviate barriers to high-quality primary care by increasing the number of hours to provide services to patients. New operating hours will meet identified needs in the community, include reducing unnecessary visits to emergency departments, and supporting patients' ability to receive essential center services. Expanded hours funding will foster a more accessible and patient-centered service delivery system, while reducing disparities within the community.