USDA Rural Development Celebrates National Rural Health Day in Wyoming
Written by Caleb Nelson on November 18, 2022
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Wyoming State Director Glenn Pauley is celebrating National Rural Health Day with recent investments awarded in Wyoming.
(courtesy)
“Rural Development takes pride in funding projects that will help build up rural communities,” Pauley says. “When improved access to rural health care is a focus, we help everyone in the community and surrounding areas. Our communities will stay healthy and safe with the resources offered by healthcare providers.”
The West Park Hospital District in Cody recently received a $264,000 Emergency Rural Health Care (ERHC) grant to provide crucial equipment needed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic which includes ventilators, ultrasound machines, IV pumps, and more. These upgrades will also help the underserved area fight future infectious disease outbreaks.
Within the past year, $2.4 million in ERHC grants were obligated across the state of Wyoming. In addition, Rural Development provided funding for two new hospitals in Pinedale and Riverton through the Community Facilities loan program.
The ERHC grant investments will be used for projects such as those to help rural hospitals and healthcare providers implement telehealth and nutrition assistance programs, increase staffing to administer COVID-19 vaccines and testing, build or renovate facilities, and purchase medical supplies.
Background: Emergency Rural Health Care Grants
Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March 2021 to deliver immediate economic relief to people impacted by the pandemic. Within months after the Act’s passage, USDA responded quickly by making this funding available to ensure the long-term availability of rural health care services.
In August 2021, USDA made the Emergency Rural Health Care Grants available through the American Rescue Plan Act to help rural healthcare facilities, tribes, and communities expand access to healthcare services and nutrition assistance.
The assistance is helping provide immediate relief to support rural hospitals, health care clinics, and local communities. USDA is administering the funds through Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program.
