USDA is making up to $500 million available in grants to help rural healthcare facilities, tribes, and communities expand access to COVID-19 vaccines, healthcare services, and provide nutrition assistance.
Applicants can apply for two types of assistance. One type of assistance is going to be provided for about $350 million for Track One: Recovery Grants. These grants are available to help the public, nonprofit organizations, and tribes provide immediate COVID-19 relief to support rural hospitals, healthcare clinics and local communities.
These funds may be used to:
- Increase COVID-19 vaccine distribution
- Increase telehealth capabilities including underlying healthcare information systems
- Purchase medical supplies
- Replace revenue lost during the pandemic
- Build and rehabilitate temporary or permanent structures for healthcare services
- Support staffing needs for testing or vaccine administration
- Support facility and operations expenses associated with food banks and food distribution facilities
The other type of assistance will be provided through Track Two: Impact Grants with grant awards ranging from $5 to $10 million to:
- Help regional partnerships, public bodies, nonprofits and tribes solve regional rural healthcare problems
- Build a more sustainable rural healthcare system in response to the pandemic
A Webinar is scheduled for August 25, 2021 at 2pm EDT to learn more on who can apply, how the funding can be used, and where to submit the application. For additional details, go to https://www.rd.usda.gov/erhc or email communityfacilities@usda.gov.