HRSA’s Office of Rural Health Policy (ORHP) is now accepting applications for FY 2013 “Flex Rural Veterans Health Access Program” (RVHAP). ORHP is providing funding for $960,000 to help coordinate activities so that rural veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom will have access to services needed for mental healthcare via the use of networks, electronic communication, and telehealth networks.
RVHAP goals are to:
- Utilize telehealth and health IT including EHRs to help improve care coordination for veterans who are seen by both the VA and private providers
- Expand existing networks via partnerships and coalitions with other healthcare entities such as CAHs, FQHCs, rural health clinics, home health agencies, community mental health clinics, and other providers of mental health services such as pharmacists, local governments, and private practice physicians
- Consult with state hospital associations, rural hospitals, providers of mental health services, and other stakeholders to provide services
Grant funds are to be used to strengthen coordination in rural healthcare networks with the VA and may also be used to help upgrade existing equipment and software in rural facilities.
Eligible applicants can only be current Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program grantees in states with certified CAHs. The estimated award amount will be up to $329,000 per year. The response to HRSA’s funding announcement released April 3, 2013 is due May 17, 2013.
For more information on (HRSA-13-246), go to www.grants.gov or contact Larry Bryant, at LBryant@hrsa.gov or call (301)443-1330.