Department of Agriculture announces Emergency Rural Health Care grants

Posted on: 8/27/21

Public, nonprofit and tribal organizations can apply until Oct. 12 for a portion of $500 million in American Rescue Plan Act grants. The Emergency Rural Health Care program is designed to help broaden access to COVID-19 testing and vaccines, rural health care services, and food assistance through food banks and food distribution facilities.  

Rural health care is challenged by immediate financial needs stemming from COVID-19 related expenses. Long-term access to – and availability of – rural health care services have been further hampered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to these challenges, this program offers two tracks of funding to eligible applicants.

Track 1 grants will provide $25,000 to $1 million to support immediate health care needs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic; help prepare for a future pandemic event; or increase access to health care services and improve community health outcomes. Track 2, Impact Grants, will provide $5-$10 million to advance ideas and solutions to solve regional rural health care problems to support the long-term sustainability of rural health.  

Eligible applicants include public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes. Facilities and projects supported through this grant must be located in rural areas with populations of 20,000 or fewer and must primarily serve rural areas. (Mitzi McCullock)