Rural Health Network Development Program

The Rural Health Network Development Program is administered by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), specifically through the Office for Primary Care and Health Systems Management and the Center for Health Care Policy and Resource Development. This initiative operates under the direction of the Charles D. Cook Office of Rural Health. The program aims to strengthen the delivery of healthcare services in rural communities across New York State by fostering collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, networks, and other stakeholders. By doing so, it seeks to improve access to care, enhance the quality of services, and ultimately promote the health and well-being of residents in underserved rural areas. The program supports the development and expansion of rural health networks that focus on coordination and integration of health services. Eligible applicants are expected to demonstrate their capacity to build or enhance organizational relationships, share resources, and collaboratively address the health needs of their target populations. While the specific funding amounts and allowable costs are not outlined in the extracted text, the program is designed to encourage systemic changes that lead to long-term improvements in healthcare infrastructure and service delivery. Applications that propose innovative models and sustainable strategies for healthcare access and delivery are likely to be prioritized. To be considered for funding, applications must be submitted electronically through the New York State Statewide Financial System (SFS). The official Event ID for this funding opportunity is EVT0000004, and it is designated under RFA #20495. The SFS platform includes a detailed Vendor User Guide and training resources to assist applicants in navigating the application process. Prospective applicants must register, locate the grant opportunity through the Bid Event Search function, and ensure that their applications comply with all submission protocols, including formatting standards and file size limitations. Only individuals with the appropriate roles within the SFS system (e.g., Bid Response Submitter) can complete and submit applications. A critical requirement for not-for-profit applicants is maintaining prequalification status within the Grants Gateway system. Prequalification must be current as of the application deadline. This entails having up-to-date documentation such as IRS filings, financial statements, and other mandatory records. If prequalification lapses due to expired documents, the applicant becomes ineligible for funding until the status is reinstated. Applicants are strongly encouraged to finalize and submit their applications at least 48 hours before the stated deadline to mitigate any technical issues that may arise during the submission process. The timeline for this funding opportunity is as follows: the Request for Applications was released on October 1, 2024. Questions from applicants were due by October 15, 2024, with answers expected to be posted around October 25, 2024. Final applications are due on December 3, 2024, by 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Karen Madden, Director of the Center for Health Care Policy and Resource Development, is listed as the main contact for this RFA. She can be reached by phone at (518) 402-0102 or via email at [email protected]. The program is recurring in nature, with updated RFAs released on a cyclical basis. As the current application period has passed, the next anticipated cycle would likely follow a similar timeline in 2025, assuming annual recurrence. Applicants should consult the NYSDOH’s Grants and Funding Opportunities page, as well as the SFS Public Portal, for announcements regarding future cycles. Technical assistance and live webinars are also available to support applicants throughout the application window. These resources ensure applicants are well-informed about the application mechanics, requirements, and expectations tied to the Rural Health Network Development Program.