CASPER, Wyo., Nov. 17, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Wyoming State Director Glenn Pauley is celebrating National Rural Health Day with recent investments awarded in Wyoming.
“Rural Development takes pride in funding projects that will help build up rural communities,” Pauley said. “When improved access to rural health care is a focus, we help everyone in the community and surrounding areas. Our communities will stay healthy and safe with the resources offered by healthcare providers.”
The West Park Hospital District in Cody recently received a $264,000 Emergency Rural Health Care grant (ERHC) to provide crucial equipment needed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic which includes ventilators, ultrasound machines, IV pumps and more. These upgrades will also help the underserved area fight future infectious disease outbreaks.
Within the past year, $2.4 million in ERHC grants were obligated across the state of Wyoming. In addition, Rural Development provided funding for two new hospitals in Pinedale and Riverton through the Community Facilities loan program.
The ERHC grant investments will be used for projects such as those 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.
Background: Emergency Rural Health Care Grants
Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March 2021 to deliver immediate economic relief to people impacted by the pandemic. Within months after the Act’s passage, USDA responded quickly by making this funding available to ensure the long-term availability of rural health care services.
In August 2021, USDA made the Emergency Rural Health Care Grants available through the American Rescue Plan Act to help rural health care facilities, tribes and communities expand access to health care services and nutrition assistance.
The assistance is helping provide immediate relief to support rural hospitals, health care clinics and local communities. USDA is administering the funds through Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, 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. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery subscriber page.
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