The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the launch of an initiative to expand access to COVID-19-related supplies in rural areas.
According to an April 13 news release, the Emergency Rural Health Care Grant will provide $43 million to increase access to COVID-19-related supplies for 2.2 million people residing in rural areas.
“Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, USDA mobilized our staff and resources to respond in record time to improve the long-term viability of rural health care providers and services across this nation,” USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said in the release. “USDA used an all-hands-on-deck approach to create the Emergency Rural Health Care Grants program to address a variety of immediate health care needs and services in rural communities. The American Rescue Plan Act and this program are examples of the government’s ability to respond quickly to ensure every person and family has access to high-quality health care no matter their zip code.”
Funding for the program is provided through the American Rescue Plan, according to the news release. In total, this program will use up to $475 million.
So far, 93 rural health care organizations and community groups across 22 states received funding through Emergency Rural Health Care Grants, the release reported. Additional awards will be announced in the upcoming months.
