Rural Healthcare Services Programs

The various programs included in this assistance listing are: Rural Health Network Development supports integrated health care networks that address health care needs of targeted rural community. Rural Health Network Development Planning assists in

The Rural Health Care Services Outreach Program aims to support organizations to promote rural health care service outreach by improving and expanding the delivery of health care services to include new and enhanced services in rural areas. The program also aims to strengthen local resources and capacity in rural communities. The Rural Health Network Development supports integrated health care networks that address health care needs of targeted rural community. The goals of the program support these networks who collaborate to achieve efficiencies; expand access to, coordinate, and improve the quality of basic health care services and associated health outcomes; and strengthen the rural health care system as a whole. The Rural Health Network Development Planning Program assists in the development of an integrated rural health care network, specifically for entities without a history of formal collaborative efforts. The program uses the concept of developing networks as a strategy for linking rural health care network participants together to achieve greater collective capacity to overcome local challenges, expand access and improve the quality of care in the rural communities these organizations serve. The Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program aims to provide support to rural primary care providers for the planning and implementation of quality improvement activities. The ultimate goal of the program is to improve the quality and delivery of rural health care services through promoting the development of evidence-based approaches to the quality and delivery of coordinated care in the primary care setting. Additional objectives include improved health outcomes for patients; enhanced chronic disease management; and better engagement of patients and their caregivers. The Rural Health Network Advancement Program provides startup funding to support existing Rural Health Networks expand and evolve their work to meet the growing needs of their rural member hospitals and clinics. A key part of the program is to enhance network operations and financial viability in a structure that allows networks to maintain local autonomy and responsiveness to community needs. The Rural Community Health Support Program aims to develop, deliver, and coordinate nationally available technical assistance (TA) that supports community-based organizations and rural health stakeholders serving rural populations. Goals are to improve and expand healthcare access for rural communities with a focus on 1) supporting a full range of healthcare delivery in rural communities, 2) improving chronic disease management, nutrition, and preventive services, 3) helping organizations to work better and provide higher quality care and 4) addressing emergent public health needs and priorities. The Rural Health Care Coordination Program supports creative community-based health solutions in rural communities to expand access to and coordination of care with the expectation that awardees will then be able to sustain the program after the federal funding ends. Goals include 1) expand access to and quality of health care services through care coordination strategies in rural areas; 2) utilize an innovative evidence-based, promising practice, and value-based care model(s) to improve patient health outcomes and the planning and delivery of patient-centered health care services; 3) increase collaboration among multi-sector and multidisciplinary network partnerships and 4) develop and implement deliberate and sustainable strategies of care coordination.

For applicant eligibility information related to the programs in this assistance listing, refer to the applicable Notice of Funding Opportunity on grants.gov.

Populations in rural areas will receive expanded services in rural communities where they did not previously exist.

All funds awarded are to be expended solely for carrying out the approved projects.

Awards are made annually and funds are available to awardees on an as needed basis throughout the budget period.

An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Criteria are based on the need of the project, innovation, realistic and measurable goals and objectives, clearly defined roles of each network member, strength of applicant's management plan, community involvement, level of local commitment, costs, and program evaluation plan. Specific criteria will be included in the guidance for each program.

All qualified applications will be forwarded to an objective review committee. Based on the advice of the objective review committee, the HRSA program official with delegated authority is responsible for final selection and funding decisions. Notification is made in writing by a Notice of Award.

From 6-9 months.

The following language is applicable to the programs listed below: After initial awards, projects may be renewed non-competitively contingent upon approval of their application, availability of appropriated funds and awardee satisfactory performance. • Rural Health Care Coordination Program awards may be made for up to 4-year project periods (This is a one-time only funding opportunity; funding period ends FY2026 (August, 2027). • Rural Health Care Services Outreach and Rural Health Network Development awards (up to 4-year project period). • Rural Health Network Development Planning Awards (one year). • The Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program awards (up to 4 years). • The Rural Maternity Obstetric Management Strategies Program awards (up to 4 years). • Rural Health Network Advancement Program awards (up to 4 years). Rural Community Health Support Program award (up to 3 years).