HRSA Announces Availability of Funds for Public Health Workforce in Rural and Tribal Communities

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Federal Office of Rural Health Policy is announcing the availability of nearly $48 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for local organizations to expand public health capacity in rural and tribal communities through health care job development, training, and placement. Awardees can use funding to address workforce needs related to the long-term effects of COVID-19 as well as health information technology (IT) needs and other key workforce issues.

The Rural Public Health Workforce Training Network Program is intended to increase the number of well-trained health care professionals and connect them with future employers, including hospitals and clinics participating in the program. Awardees will establish community health networks comprised of education, health care, and workforce development industries. HRSA anticipates more than 30 award recipients will be able to develop formal training and/or certification programs to increase capacity across the following tracks:

• Community health support
• Health IT and/or telehealth technical support
• Community paramedicine
• Case management staff and/or respiratory therapists

Applicants can begin the application process online with materials due by Friday, March 18.

Additional information is available here.