Rural Health Network Development Program

The Rural Health Network Development program supports integrated health care networks that address health care needs of targeted rural communities. Applicants may choose between two funding tracts. The Network Advancement Tract supports networks comprised of independent rural hospitals and clinics in integrated network collaboration. It bridges support to offset small scale structural barriers that make it difficult for rural providers to compete in an increasingly consolidated health care system landscape and is designed to help bring economic efficiencies to small independent rural entities by expanding and enhancing their ability to strengthen operations, preserve existing services, and build new lines of care through integrated network collaboration that preserves local autonomy. The Network Development Tract supports nascent/early-stage integrated rural health care networks with funding to plan, develop, and carry out targeted operational or clinical service expansion activities. Both tracts aim to expand access to care, improve coordination and quality, strengthen health outcomes, increase efficiency, and support a stronger rural health care system.

Eligible applicants include domestic public or private, non-profit or for-profit entities including:Domestic faith-based and community-based organizationsTribes and tribal organizationsFederally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)Community Health CentersRural Health Clinics (RHCs)Hospitals,Rural Emergency Hospitals (REH) The applicant organization may be located in a rural or urban area, but must have demonstrated experience serving, or capacity to serve, populations in rural areas.

Criteria are based on the need of the project, innovation, realistic and measurable goals and objectives, clearly defined roles of each network member, strength of applicant's management plan, community involvement, level of local commitment, costs, and program evaluation plan. Specific criteria will be included in the guidance for each program.