Rural health network development planning grant program - the ottawa county rural health network development planning program (OCRHN-DPP) will establish an integrated healthcare network in ottawa…

The Cherokee County Health Services Council received a $100,000 Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (CFDA 93.912) effective July 1, 2025, with completion targeted for June 30, 2026. The grant funds establishment of the Ottawa County Rural Health Network (OCRHN-DPP), an integrated healthcare delivery system serving rural, low-income populations and individuals with substance use disorder in Ottawa County, Oklahoma. Key deliverables include conducting a comprehensive countywide needs assessment to identify service gaps, developing a sustainability plan to secure long-term funding and resources, and finalizing a strategic plan to strengthen access to healthcare, behavioral health, and social services. The network brings together five principal partners—the Community Health Center of Northeast Oklahoma, Modoc Behavioral Health, Grand Mental Health, Wyandotte Nation's Bearskin Health and Wellness Center, and local social service organizations—to improve care coordination and system efficiency.

This one-year planning initiative aligns with the Health Resources and Services Administration's goal of achieving operational efficiencies in rural healthcare systems. The award qualifies for two HRSA funding preferences: the service area designation as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) and classification as a Medically Underserved Community/Population (MUC/MUP). Upon successful completion, the integrated network is expected to improve care coordination, expand service access, and establish a sustainable rural healthcare infrastructure serving Ottawa County's vulnerable populations.

Rural health network development planning grant program - the ottawa county rural health network development planning program (OCRHN-DPP) will establish an integrated healthcare network in ottawa county, oklahoma, aligning with hrsa's legislative aim 1: achieving efficiencies. The initiative focuses on rural, low-income populations and individuals affected by substance use disorder. By june 30, 2026, the project will establish the ottawa county rural health network, bringing together medical, mental health, and social service providers to improve collaboration and efficiency. A countywide needs assessment will be conducted to identify service gaps and enhance coordination among providers. Additionally, a sustainability plan will be developed to secure long-term funding and resource development. Finally, a strategic plan will be finalized to strengthen access to healthcare, behavioral health, and social services across ottawa county. Key partners include the community health center of northeast oklahoma, modoc behavioral health, grand mental health, wyandotte nation's bearskin health and wellness center, and local social service organizations. This network will improve care coordination, expand access, and create a sustainable rural healthcare system in ottawa county. The ottawa county rural health network development planning program qualifies for the following hrsa funding preferences: qualification 1: health professional shortage area (HPSA) you qualify for this funding preference if you or your service area is in an officially award designated health professional shortage area (HPSA) and qualification 2: medically underserved community/populations (MUC/MUP).