The HHS' Health Resources and Services Administration awarded more than $16 million to improve access to healthcare in rural communities. The funds will be awarded as part of four grant programs.
The programs are:
• Telehealth Network Grant Program — 21 awards totaling $6.3 million
• Rural Health Research Centers — 7 awards totaling $4.9 million
• Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement — 21 awards totaling $4.1 million
• Flex Rural Veterans Health Access Program — 3 awards totaling $900,000
The awards will support 60 rural communities across 32 states. The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy within the HRSA will administer the awards.
"Rural and frontier communities face unique geographic barriers to obtaining comprehensive and convenient health care services," said Jim Macrae, acting administrator of HRSA in a statement. "These grants are designed to help individuals and communities access the high-quality care they need to live healthier lives."