Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Administrator Mary K. Wakefield, PhD, RN, announced more than $22 million to support health care in rural areas, including funds that will provide resources and expertise for telehealth solutions, improve emergency medical services, and help communities build networks of care.
Through grant programs administered by the Office of Rural Health Policy, located within HRSA, the awards went out to more than 100 rural communities in 42 states.
“Rural communities have some of the greatest needs for expanding access to health care,” Wakefield said. “These investments represent our commitment at the federal level to support partners on the ground, who are working to strengthen health care delivery in every area of the country.”
More than $1 million was allocated toward two programs that will improve emergency medical services. The Rural Access to Emergency Devices Program and the Public Access to Defibrillation Demonstration Project support access to automated external defibrillators in rural communities and public training in their use.
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The Health Resources and Services Administration is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. HRSA is the primary Federal agency responsible for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable. For more information about HRSA and its programs, visit www.hrsa.gov.
SOURCE: Health Resources and Services Administration