Health Resources and Services Administration

Description

The purpose of the Rural Health Network Development Grant Program is to expand access to, coordinate and improve the quality of essential health care services, and enhance the delivery of health care in rural areas. These grants support rural providers who work in formal networks, alliances, coalitions or partnerships to integrate administrative, clinical, technological, and financial functions. Funds provided through this program are not used for direct delivery of services. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the rural health care delivery system by 1) improving the viability of the individual providers in the network, and/or 2) improving the delivery of care to people served by the network. Networks must consist of at least three separately owned entities, and each must sign a memorandum of agreement or similar document. Upon completion of the grant program, a network should have completed a thorough strategic planning process, business planning process, be able to clearly articulate the benefits of the network to its network partners/members and to the community it serves, and have a sound strategy in place for sustaining its operations. Some anticipated outcomes of supporting the development of rural health networks include: Achieving economies of scale and cost efficiencies of certain administrative functions Increasing the financial viability of the network; enhancing workforce recruitment and retention Sharing staff and expertise across network members; enhancing the continuum of care Providing services to the underinsured and uninsured; improving access to capital and technologies Ensuring continuous quality improvement of the care provided by network members Enhancing the ability of network members to respond positively to rapid and fundamental changes in the health care environment The Network Development Grant Program was started in 1997 with 34 grantees and $6.1 million. To-date, the program has awarded almost $89 million to support 210 Network Development grants. The Network Development program supports HRSA goals of improving access and quality of health care, improving health outcomes, and improving public health and health care systems. The Program also supports HHS goals to improve the safety, quality, affordability and accessibility of health care; and to promote the economic and social well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

Who can apply

• Others

Contact

CallCenter@HRSA.GOV<br/>CallCenter@HRSA.GOV<br/>
CallCenter@HRSA.GOV