Application deadline: Sept. 14

The scope of projects that are eligible for $85,000 federal grants to aid rural community health has recently been expanded.

The 2010 Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant Program now will consider projects including:

• collaboration between providers such as critical-access hospitals and federally qualified health centers;
• strategic health planning at the community level;
• assessments of the economic impact of health care in a rural community;
• community needs assessments;
• local health work force planning; and
• hiring consultants to conduct health information technology readiness assessments.

The deadline to apply is Sept. 14. The one-year grants are administered by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Office of Rural Health Policy.

The expanded scope recognizes that many rural communities need money to conduct general planning and bring together key partners, an HRSA notice said. The agency plans on funding 20-25 new awards in 2010. Awards will be announced in February for a March 1, 2010 project start date.

A conference call for prospective grantees will take place Aug. 18. Contact Colleen Landkamer, (651) 602-7800, to register.

HRSA also recommends that prospective applicants consult with the Minnesota Department of Health's Office of Rural Health and Primary Care at (651) 282-3838. An application may be downloaded here.