Friday, April 4, 2025
4/4/2025
Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant Program - The SERVE Health Network (Strengthening Essential Resources for Vital and Equitable Health Network) planning project aims to address critical health disparities in North Georgia's rural counties of Fannin, Gilmer, Gordon, and Polk. These regions, emblematic of numerous rural areas, grapple with multifaceted challenges in healthcare accessibility and quality owing to geographical isolation, socio-economic factors, and a dearth of healthcare professionals and facilities. Over the course of a one-year planning grant, led by project director, Dr. Allen Tindol of Mercer University School of Medicine, SERVE Healthcare Network (SERVE) aims to assess the feasibility and strategize the implementation of a groundbreaking initiative. The focal point of this endeavor is to establish a comprehensive rural health network that harnesses the capabilities of Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) as telehealth originating sites. By doing so, the project endeavors to usher in a transformative era of remote access to healthcare and mental health services for the underserved populations in substance use recovery who reside in these counties. With a one-year planning grant, SERVE will aim to accomplish three main focus areas that align with the aims of this funding opportunity: 1. Evaluate healthcare access in the target communities by conducting a comprehensive county-by-county needs assessment. Identify critical healthcare access needs, expand collaboration with community members and healthcare entities, and formulate a strategic plan to address access challenges within the SERVE Healthcare Network, ultimately fostering a more responsive and effective healthcare infrastructure (aligns with Aim #1: Achieve Efficiencies) 2. Develop an implementation plan to expand access to, coordinate, and improve the quality of basic health care and mental health services in Fannin, Gilmer, Gordon, and Polk counties. (Aligns with Aim #2: Expand access to, coordinate, and improve the quality of basic health care services) 3. Create a plan to enhance the resilience and effectiveness of the rural health care system in Polk, Gordon, Fannin, and Gilmer counties through strategies, including the planning of a telehealth network, innovative community health worker training programs, and community-engaged initiatives. (Aligns with Aim #3: Strengthen the rural health care system) The project's core mission is to significantly improve access to healthcare and mental health services through a sustainable network designed to meet the community's specific needs. This network is expected to provide not only enhanced care quality but also employment opportunities, thereby strengthening the overall health infrastructure. By evaluating technical, logistical, and engagement strategies during the planning phase, SERVE will ensure that the network is well-suited to move into an implementation phase and create a program that serves the communities in a meaningful and valuable capacity. The ultimate goal is to reduce healthcare inequities by employing telehealth and workforce development innovations, creating a more accessible and resilient healthcare environment in these traditionally underserved areas. Legislative Aims: Aim #1: Achieve Efficiencies Aim #2: Expand access to, coordinate, and improve the quality of basic health care services) Aim #3: Strengthen the rural health care system Focus Area: Mercer University School of Medicine’s focus area is to improve access to health care for rural and medically underserved people residing in Fannin, Gilmer, Gordon, and Polk Counties. Proposed Service Regions: Fannin County, GA (FIPS 13-111) Gilmer County, GA (FIPS 13-123) Gordon County, GA (FIPS 13-129) Polk County, GA (FIPS 13-233) All HRSA-designated as rural (entire county) Funding Preference: Medically Underserved Areas Healthcare Professional Shortage Areas
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).