The Rural Emergency Health Care Program is designed to help expand access to COVID-19 testing and vaccines, rural health care services, and food assistance through food banks and food distribution facilities.

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

Track One: Recovery Grants provide immediate relief to address economic conditions resulting from the COVID-19 emergency

Track Two: Impact Grants advance ideas and solutions to solve regional rural health care problems to support the long-term sustainability of rural health

Eligible applicants include public agencies, nonprofit community organizations, and federally recognized tribes. Facilities and projects supported through this grant must be located in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less, and must serve primarily rural areas.