Rural Health and Economic Development Analysis

Background
This notice announces the opportunity to apply for funding under the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Rural Health and Economic Development Analysis Program (RHEDAP). The purpose of this program is to quantify and describe the economic impacts of local health care sectors on rural economies to provide information which will assist policy makers and other rural stakeholders to improve health care in rural areas. The program is authorized by 42 U.S.C. § 912(b)(5) (Section 711(b)(5) of the Social Security Act). HRSA’s Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) is statutorily required to advise the Secretary on the effects of current policies and proposed statutory, regulatory, administrative and budgetary changes in Medicare and Medicaid programs on the financial viability of small rural hospitals, the ability of rural areas to attract and retain physicians and other health professions, and access to and the quality of health care in rural areas.

Grant Details
The research and analysis funded by RHEDAP will focus on quantifying the relationship between health care and economic factors in rural communities, particularly the economic impact of rural health care services, to provide information to improve health care in rural areas.

Topic areas for this program may include sustainability of services and minimum population requirements as it relates to health care and the economic vitality of rural communities. HRSA will work closely with the award recipient on areas of concern such as the impact of hospital and other health care facility closures on local economies, the impact of bypass of local rural health care services, the impact of new health care services and facilities, the economic impact of health care professionals working in rural communities, and other emerging issues at the intersection of rural health care improvement and rural economic analysis.

The award recipient’s work will help rural stakeholders and policy makers to better understand economic spillover effects of rural health care in order to improve health care in rural areas. The award recipient will disseminate their findings on the economic impact of health services in rural communities and the implications of those findings for improving health care in rural areas to rural stakeholders.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include domestic public or private, non-profit and for-profit entities. Domestic faith-based and community-based organizations, tribes, and tribal organizations are eligible to apply. Eligible entities may include public and private institutions for higher education, public or private health research organizations, foundations, etc.

Period of Performance
The period of performance is from September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2025 (3 years). Funding beyond the first year is dependent on the availability of appropriated funds for the Rural Health and Economic Development Analysis Program in subsequent fiscal years, satisfactory recipient performance, and a decision that continued funding is in the best interest of the Federal Government.

Grant Value
The estimated total annual available funding for FY 2022 is $225,000. The estimated number and type of award is 1 cooperative agreement with an estimated annual award amount up to $225,000 per year.