The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is accepting applications for both the Rural Network Allied Health Training Program and Rural Outreach Benefits Counseling Program, each with an anticipated 10 awardees.

The Rural Network Allied Health Training Program will support the recruitment, clinical training, and retention of allied health professionals in these disciplines of focus: dental hygienists, diagnostic imaging technologists, medical/clinical laboratory technicians, paramedics, pharmacy technicians, behavioral health technicians, and physical and occupational therapy assistants. This program will further support integrated rural health networks that can partner with local community colleges and other accredited educational institutions (such as vocational and technical colleges) to develop formal clinical training programs. These formal training programs will target enrolled rural allied health professional students, to include displaced workers and veterans, in completing a rural, community-based clinical training rotation and obtaining eventual employment with a rural health care provider.  Eligible applicants that meet ownership and rural geographic requirements may apply for up to $200,000 per year for a three-year project period (September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2018). Applications are due March 31, 2015.

HRSA’s Rural Outreach Benefits Counseling Program is intended to expand outreach, education and enrollment efforts to eligible uninsured individuals and families, and newly insured individuals and families in rural communities. For the purposes of this grant program, benefits counseling (outreach, education and enrollment efforts) will be limited to only public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid and/or Children’s Health Insurance Program), qualified health plans offered through Health Insurance Marketplace and/or private health insurance plans. Another important program element is the requirement of consortiums to deliver these benefits counseling services. Consortiums bring together rural providers, agencies and community organizations to address health care problems that are not easily solved by a single entity. Applicants meeting eligibility requirements may apply for up to $75,000 per year for three years (project period is August 1, 2015 through July 31, 2018). Applications are due March 30, 2015.