State Designated Rural Health Centers Support Grant
Forecasted
State Designated Rural Health Centers Support Grant funds rural health centers' primary care, behavioral health, and operations to improve access for uninsured and underinsured North Carolina residents.
Funder: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 (Level 1) or $250,500 (Level 2) for one year
Summary: Supports primary care, behavioral health, and sustainable operations for rural uninsured and underinsured North Carolina residents.
Key Information: Level 2 applicants must currently bill Medicaid and have at least 10% Medicaid patient volume.
Description
The North Carolina Office of Rural Health (ORH), within NCDHHS, administers this program with support from the North Carolina General Assembly. It funds rural health centers serving residents who face geographic, economic, or other barriers to primary care. Support includes primary care encounters, behavioral and mental health counseling, and operational infrastructure that improves access and organizational sustainability.
The program emphasizes quality improvement through annual practice assessments, action plans, and collaboration with NC AHEC Practice Support Coaches. Priorities include addressing care gaps, improving clinical and administrative workflows, optimizing health information technology, and integrating behavioral health and community health workers. It also favors community and patient feedback, connections to specialty and dental care, social-needs screening, and local partnerships.
