People, no matter where they live, should have access to high-quality health care services and healthy food options to put on the table.
In New Jersey, we work hard to empower rural people and organizations with the information needed to take full advantage of the USDA Rural Development programs that are specifically designed to support healthy rural communities. In doing so, we help create and sustain economic prosperity in rural America.
As we celebrate National Rural Health Day this year, we are reminded that a strong community is rooted in its people. The longstanding theme, the “Power of Rural,” reminds us that rural communities are fueling an innovative rural health infrastructure.
The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to serving rural America, like the small towns and remote areas right here in New Jersey. We’ve seen firsthand the unique challenges these populations have in accessing the health care resources they need and deserve.
At USDA Rural Development, we are committed to making sure that everyone in rural America has access to high-quality and reliable health care services like urgent care, primary care, dental care and more. That’s why we're proud to champion the Emergency Rural Health Care Grants created by President Biden’s historic legislative package, the American Rescue Plan Act.
Through these grants, we helped rural health care organizations across the state purchase supplies, deliver food assistance, renovate health care facilities, and provide people with reliable medical testing and treatment.
In March 2023, USDA RD Deputy Under Secretary Farah Ahmad visited New Jersey to highlight $99.4 million in Community Facilities investments, where she announced a $1 million grant to Deborah Heart and Lung Center. The grant was the then-largest to any New Jersey recipient and was made available through an Emergency Rural Health Care Grant, which supported critical expansion to equip patient rooms to meet the critical care standards necessary for an area serving over 800,000 patients.
We closed out the fiscal year by funding Northwest New Jersey Community Action Inc. in Warren County, NJ, with a $1,050,000 grant for the purchase of a warehouse property and renovations that helped the nonprofit establish a permanent distribution hub to serve more than 27,000 New Jersey residents. About 25 miles south in Hunterdon County, the Flemington Area Food Pantry Annex received a $121,600 RD grant to purchase and install a walk-in freezer, a pallet mover, and generator that serves a community of low-income senior citizens.
These are just a few of the ways we strive to serve our state’s rural residents. Throughout November, we’ll continue to recognize and celebrate National Rural Health Day by sharing success stories and the resources we have available to champion communities working tirelessly to support rural health across the country.
USDA Rural Development is a partner who invests in keeping rural people healthy. Join us this National Rural Health Day, Thursday, Nov. 16 as we celebrate the power of rural. You can learn more about our programs by visiting our website or by calling (856) 787-7700.