Project Grant T9155499

El Rio Santa Cruz Neighborhood Health Center (doing business as El Rio Health Center) received a $214,232 Project Grant award dated March 1, 2026, from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Bureau of Health Professionals, under the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) Payment Program (CFDA 93.530). The grant supports the establishment and operation of the El Rio Health Family Medicine Residency Program, a new primary care residency training initiative in Tucson, Arizona. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with ACGME sponsoring institution accreditation obtained July 1, 2022, El Rio Health serves as both the accredited sponsor and the primary training location, with additional clinical rotation sites secured through letters of agreement.

The program delivers comprehensive graduate medical education in family medicine, with estimated resident training commencing July 2025 and initial ACGME program accreditation received February 9, 2024. The residency curriculum integrates clinical training, research, advocacy, and community engagement to prepare family medicine clinicians committed to addressing primary care needs in underserved communities. El Rio Health's patient population reflects the organization's mission to provide culturally competent, accessible care regardless of ability to pay, with particular emphasis on serving non-English speaking and vulnerable populations in Pima County. The award period extends through June 30, 2029, with funding allocated based on annual assessment of resident FTE (full-time equivalent) slots.