Friday, September 16, 2011

This week, The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced the availability of $700 million in grants to improve the physical infrastructure of health centers in medically underserved communities. Part of the Affordable Care Act, the funding is intended to provide underserved communities with access to quality healthcare services by improving and modernizing health center buildings and medical equipment. The funding is divided into two grants, both of which will support capital development projects in health centers that previously received FY 2011 Health Center Program funding.

Capital Development – Building Capacity Grant: With a total of $600 million available, this grant will provide funding for either the alteration/renovation of current facilities OR the construction of new health centers. Medical equipment with a useful life of one year or greater can be purchased with this grant. For a complete list of eligible projects, please click here. Approximately 125-150 grants are available with awards expected to range from $500,000 to $5,000,000.


Capital Development – Immediate Facility Improvements Program: With a total of $100 million available, this grant will provide funding for the renovation of smaller infrastructure projects, such as improving patient accessibility by providing sidewalks or ramps. For a complete list of eligible projects, please click here. Approximately 250-300 grants are available with awards capped at $500,000.

Eligible applicants for both grants MUST have received FY 2011 Health Center Program funding. Applicants that received FY 2010 or 2011 funding from the Facility Investment Program or Capital Development Program are NOT eligible. Both grant applications are due October 12, 2011.

Resources:
The Opportunities for Communities in the Affordable Care Act (CSSP) provides a summary of the existing and upcoming funding provisions from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that can have an impact on local community change efforts.

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