(INDIANAPOLIS) - Eight Indiana regions are seeking a combined $120 million through a state grant program designed to improve healthcare access in rural communities.
The funding is available through the Grow Rural Opportunities for Well-being, or GROW, grant program.
Applications were submitted July 1 by regional partnerships that include rural healthcare providers, emergency medical service organizations, community groups, local foundations and other organizations.
The proposals are part of the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, which is providing Indiana with nearly $207 million during the first year of a five-year initiative.
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration and Indiana Department of Health are administering the program.
GROW grants represent about 60% of Indiana's Rural Health Transformation Program funding.
The proposals focus on improving maternal and infant health, expanding access to medical care, increasing access to nutritious food, reducing chronic disease and strengthening the rural healthcare workforce.
Proposed projects include expanded prenatal care, home-based maternal health visits, mobile health services, telehealth appointments and remote monitoring for pregnancy-related conditions.
Other proposals would create food-as-medicine programs, specialty telehealth networks and coordinated care systems connecting hospitals, health departments, EMS agencies, schools, behavioral health providers and social service organizations.
Some communities are also proposing to use rural libraries, community centers and extension offices as telehealth access points.
The applications are under review. Grant awards are expected to be announced by September 1.