On Jan. 18, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the availability of $13 million in funding to increase behavioral healthcare access in rural communities. The funding will be made through HHS’s Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). HRSA’s Federal Office of Rural Health Policy will review grant applications and make awards through the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) – Behavioral Health Care Support (BHCS).
According to HRSA’s grant description, “RCORP-BHCS will advance RCORP’s overall goal by improving access to and quality of substance use disorder and other behavioral health care services in rural communities.” HRSA anticipates that improving rural behavioral healthcare service delivery may include increasing access to and utilization of prevention, treatment and recovery services to improve the care for those affected by behavioral health conditions, which may include substance use and mental health disorders. The Notice of Funding Opportunity includes detailed information about the award opportunity, including examples of allowable activities at Appendix A.
All domestic public and private, nonprofit and for-profit entities are eligible to apply. This includes, but is not limited to: Critical Access Hospitals, Rural Health Clinics, faith-based and community-based organizations, federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations, state governments, and private institutions of higher education. All service delivery sites must occur in HPSA-designated rural areas.
HRSA expects to award approximately 26 grants, with an award ceiling of $500,000 per grant per year. The period of performance is September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2026 (4 years). Funding beyond the first year is subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Eligible applicants should submit their applications by April 19, 2022 to be considered for the opportunity. HRSA will release the Notice of Award (NOA) on or around the start date of September 1, 2022.
To apply for the grant opportunity, click here to visit Grants.gov and look for the “apply” button in the upper right-hand corner.
Hannah Cross is a partner in the Washington DC office of Nelson Mullins.