The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy is pleased to announce approximately $6.3 million in grant awards to 32 rural communities across 19 states for the Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement (Rural Quality) Program. Each award recipient will receive up to $200,000 per year for a three-year project period to improve to patient health outcomes through implementation of activities designed to address improvements to the quality and delivery of rural health care services in primary care settings. Organizations participating in the Rural Quality Program are required to utilize an evidence-based or promising practice quality improvement model, perform tests of change focused on improvement, and use health information technology (HIT) to collect and report data. The Incoming cohort of Rural Quality grantees include projects that focus on substance use disorders and chronic disease conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and propose goals to integrate metal/behavioral health and primary care, enhance chronic disease management, improve transitions of care, reduce preventable hospital and emergency department utilization and better engage patients and their caregivers. Several projects also align with national quality improvement initiatives such as value-based care and the accreditation and application of the patient centered medical home model. Historically, grantees have demonstrated success in leveraging finances by using FORHP grants to sustain their efforts; they have been able to combine federal funds with local and foundation dollars to support the continuation and development of health care services in rural areas. Organizations have innovatively expanded their programs to serve different populations and regions while ensuring alignment with the current health care landscape.
As FORHP continues to focus on showcasing program outcomes, the identification and dissemination of rural evidence-based models maintains as a priority. The Rural Community Health Gateway, located on The Rural Health Information Hub (RHIhub) consists of a number of resources, including successful program models and evidence-based toolkits. If you have any questions about the program, please contact Katherine Lloyd: Klloyd@hrsa.gov or 301-443-2933. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to rural health!