The Biden administration announced late last week a $74 million effort to improve health care facilities in rural communities.  The Rural Development grants will help 143 rural health care organizations expand critical services for three million people in 37 states, Guam and Puerto Rico.

 

The investments include $32 million for 67 rural health care organizations to help more than one million people living in socially vulnerable communities.  The Biden administration made the funds available in the Emergency Rural Health Care Grants Programs through its historic legislative package, the American Rescue Plan Act.

 

The investments will help rural hospitals and health care providers implement telehealth and nutrition assistance programs, increase staffing to administer COVID-19 vaccines and testing, build or renovate facilities, and purchase medical supplies. They also will help regional partnerships, public bodies, nonprofits and Tribes solve regional rural health care problems and build a stronger, more sustainable rural health care system in response to the pandemic.

 

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