Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program

Background
The Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program is administered by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy under the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The program aims to provide comprehensive, multi-year technical assistance (TA) to rural healthcare organizations in the Delta region, which includes parts of eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.

The goal is to strengthen healthcare delivery in these rural areas by improving financial and operational performance as well as the quality of care provided. The Delta region has a significant population living in rural counties with high poverty rates and complex health issues, necessitating targeted support for local healthcare organizations.

Grant Details
The program provides technical assistance aimed at enhancing various aspects of rural healthcare organizations. Key tasks include:
- Financial and operational improvements such as developing new service lines, increasing inpatient and outpatient services, implementing revenue cycle best practices, and optimizing emergency department operations.
- Quality improvement initiatives including reducing readmissions, improving transitions of care, implementing performance measurement systems, and utilizing data analytics.
- Expansion of telehealth services and enhancement of cybersecurity measures.
- Workforce development through recruitment initiatives and training for clinicians.
- Enhancements to emergency medical services through innovative practices.
- Care coordination improvements to enhance community visibility and reduce avoidable bypasses.

Additionally, successful applicants will work with individual healthcare organizations to provide objective analysis on financial status, market share, quality indicators, and gaps in services.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include domestic public or private entities such as public or private institutions of higher education (non-profits with or without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations (including small businesses), state and local governments (including independent school districts), Native American tribal governments and organizations. Applicants must target rural healthcare organizations located in the Delta region. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Period of Performance
The period of performance is set for five years from September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2030.

Grant Value
The total expected funding available for FY 2025 is $10 million with a funding range per award up to $10 million per year.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed in rural counties and parishes within the Delta region across eight states.