Friday, October 11, 2024
10/11/2024
The Office of Rural Health (ORH) has served as North Carolina’s Primary Care Office for over 20 years. ORH is strongly positioned to meet the federal clinical priorities of the State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) and has been a SLRP grant recipient since 2014. In addition, ORH serves as the technical assistance provider for National Health Service Corps. ORH has a well-established Placement Services Team to address primary care, dental, mental and behavioral health workforce needs in health professional shortage areas to support equitable access to health in rural and underserved communities. ORH requests to continue to administer SLRP focused on behavioral and mental health providers for 4 years ($3,500,000-No State Match). Goal: Increase access to high quality behavioral and mental health services in North Carolina, including integrated care, through placements of providers in rural and underserved communities. Objectives: 1). ORH will develop and publicize guidelines to ensure at least 15 different provider types and 16-18 different site types (including state correctional facilities) are eligible to apply for SLRP. By the end of the 1st quarter (Sept-Dec) of Budget Periods 1 and 3, ORH will develop guidelines to include all eligible provider and site types to establish a recruitment plan. This will be publicized through communication blasts, postings on website, presentations, and other efforts. 2). ORH will ensure the efficacy of integrated sites by requiring 95% to use (or demonstrate use of) the evidence-based Integrated Care Clinic Self-Assessment Questionnaire. ORH will partner with the Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation’s Center for Excellence For Integrated Care to obtain updated information about integrated care. In addition, ORH will provide technical assistance to at least 8 SLRP providers and sites which include reviewing the integrated self-assessment questionnaires by the end of the 4th quarter (Jun- Aug) of Budget Periods 1 and 3,and provide continued monitoring throughout all quarters. 3). ORH will partner/collaborate with at least five community organizations. By the end of the 4th quarter (Jun-Aug) of Budget Periods 1-4, ORH will collaborate with five community organizations at least two times per year to engage SLRP providers via various methods (i.e., calls, meetings, presentations). 4). ORH will award between 15-20 SLRP awardees during each two-year SLRP cycle. By the end of the 2nd quarter (Dec-Mar) of Budget Periods 1 and 3, ORH will review SLRP applications and award at least 15 qualifying providers SLRP awards. 5). ORH will engage with half of the current SLRP awardees at least once per year while under contract to ensure retention and fulfillment of contractual obligations. By the end of the 4th quarter (June-Aug) of Budget Periods 1-4, ORH will develop a current list of SLRP awardees and develop a plan for increased communication and engagement efforts (i.e., check-in) with the awardees at least once per year. This is important for retention. 6). ORH will provide detailed contracts to ensure awardees understand contractual obligations, federal and state penalties by utilizing a contractual software system and following clear contractual processes. By the end of the 4th quarter (Jun-Mar) of Budget Periods 1-4, ORH will ensure providers have detailed contracts outlining contractual obligations, federal, and state penalties in addition to following clear contractual development processes throughout all quarters. Federal Priorities Addressed: 1). To end the crisis of opioid addiction, improve access to mental health, including integrated primary care services, and transform the workforce-by targeting the need; 2). Transform the healthcare system through value-based care delivery and quality improvement initiatives; 3). To end the crisis of opioid addiction, improve access to mental health, and transform the workforce-by targeting the n eed.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
