BOISE, Idaho, Jan. 9, 2023 – USDA Rural Development Rural Housing Administrator Joaquin Altoro today announced that the Department is providing $1 million in grant to the Community Council of Idaho for their Rigby Community Clinic.
“As the son of a farm worker, I am deeply grateful for USDA Rural Development’s strengthened partnership with the Community Council of Idaho that has resulted in bringing much needed support for this new health clinic that will save lives and contribute to rural prosperity in under resourced areas of the Gem State,” said USDA Rural Development Idaho State Director Rudy Soto.
The Community Council of Idaho’s (CCI) new clinic in Rigby will be positioned to better serve the growing population of the region, including migrant and seasonal agricultural workers. This population has been among those affected severely during the COVID 19 pandemic. The construction of the new clinic will continue to provide COVID care and help the region prepare for future community health needs. The new facility will help limit health risks, provide vaccinations, examinations and other services related to community health needs. The clinic will be operated as a Federally Qualified Health Clinic providing services in preventative health, dental, mental health, substance abuse and provide transportation services for adequate patient care.
The Community Council of Idaho is a rural-centered, multi-service nonprofit organization that has impacted Idaho communities since 1971. They are the largest nonprofit serving Latinos in Idaho. Their purpose is to improve the social and economic status of local communities through workforce preparation, education, cultural awareness, civil rights advocacy, and well-being services.
This project is funded through USDA Rural Development’s Emergency Rural Health Care Grant Program. The Biden-Harris Administration is making this Emergency Rural Health Care Grants Program funding available through its historic legislative package, the American Rescue Plan Act. The 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.
Investments such as this are used for projects to help rural hospitals and health care providers implement telehealth and nutrition assistance programs, increase staffing to administer COVID-19 vaccines and testing, build or renovate facilities, and purchase medical supplies. They also help regional partnerships, public bodies, nonprofits and Tribes solve regional rural health care problems, which will help build a stronger, more sustainable rural health care system in response to the pandemic.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/id.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean-energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.