HRSA recognizes FCH as champions of rural health

Today, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) acknowledged seven rural organizations from across the nation as champions in providing high-quality access to health care in rural communities.

“Rural organizations are well positioned to deliver effective and innovative care to their communities, impacting some of the most vulnerable populations,” said HRSA Administrator George Sigounas, MS, Ph.D. “These organizations are an essential part of the health care system because they understand their local communities, are able to fill significant health care gaps and ultimately improve the quality of life for those living in rural America.”

The seven awardees were specifically recognized for their work in developing and implementing innovative strategies; adopting evidence-based/promising practice models; leading sustainable advancements in increasing access to health care; and improving health care quality within rural communities. The champions also exhibited success in disseminating their lessons learned beyond local audiences and exhibiting leadership through mentoring, coaching and partnerships.

Funding for these rural community-based programs is authorized by Section 330A(e) of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act (42 U.S.C. 254c(e), Public Law 115-31, as amended to “promote rural health care services outreach by expanding the delivery of health care services to include new and enhanced services in rural areas.”  Recognition was given to organizations providing a range of services, including health care access, health professional trainings, care coordination and health promotion.

For more information, contact the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy at www.hrsa.gov/rural-health; FORHP Community-Based Division, https://www.hrsa.gov/rural-health/community/index.html.