HRSA awards rural health grants

The Health Resources and Services Administration yesterday awarded $16 million in fiscal year 2016 rural health grants to build sustainable telehealth programs and networks in medically underserved areas; improve care for populations with high rates of chronic conditions; and research to improve access to health care and population health. The grants, administered by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, will support 60 rural communities in 32 states, the agency said. In addition, eight states in the Delta region will receive $10 million in FY 2016 grants to reduce chronic diseases that disproportionately affect the region, HRSA said. The funds will support collaborative efforts among health care providers to use an evidence-based model to address diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, stroke and behavioral health.