Rural Emergency Medical Services Training

The Rural Emergency Medical Services Training program is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This federal funding opportunity is authorized under the Public Health Service Act and is designed to strengthen the emergency medical services workforce in rural communities. SAMHSA, as a national leader in behavioral health, focuses this initiative on addressing substance use disorders and mental health crises through improved training and capacity building among frontline EMS personnel. The primary purpose of this program is to recruit and train emergency medical services personnel to deliver high-quality, trauma-informed care in rural areas. The program emphasizes improving responses to behavioral health emergencies, including opioid overdoses, by equipping EMS workers with skills such as administering overdose reversal medications and initiating buprenorphine treatment in the field. It also supports improved coordination between EMS providers and behavioral health systems to ensure continuity of care and better long-term outcomes for patients. Funding under this opportunity supports training and technical assistance activities. Award recipients may use funds to recruit new EMS personnel, provide certification-aligned training programs, and enhance workforce capacity through partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations. Allowable uses also include purchasing training equipment, supporting credentialing costs, and implementing innovative educational approaches such as simulation tools. However, funds are restricted from being used for food, certain policy-related activities, and non-aligned initiatives, and indirect costs are capped at eight percent. Eligible applicants are limited to emergency medical services agencies operated by local or tribal governments or nonprofit EMS organizations with tax-exempt status. These agencies must demonstrate the ability to provide or improve emergency services in rural areas. The program defines rural areas based on federal classifications and state designations. Applicants must also demonstrate organizational capacity, including qualified key personnel such as a project director who will oversee compliance and reporting requirements throughout the project period. The application process requires submission through federal systems including SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. Applicants must complete a comprehensive application package that includes a project abstract, narrative, budget narrative, and multiple attachments such as a timeline, letters of commitment, and documentation of nonprofit status where applicable. The project narrative must address evaluation criteria including need, implementation strategy, organizational capacity, and data collection plans. Applications are subject to both initial eligibility screening and a detailed merit review process. Applications are due by July 16, 2026, with awards expected by September 1, 2026, and project start dates anticipated for September 30, 2026. The project period may extend up to two years, with continued funding contingent on performance and compliance. Recipients must meet ongoing reporting requirements, including quarterly data submissions and periodic progress reports, and participate in SAMHSA-led training and technical assistance activities. SAMHSA evaluates applications based on alignment with program goals, strength of implementation plans, and adherence to federal priorities. Final funding decisions consider peer review results, agency priorities, and availability of funds. This program is part of a broader federal effort to strengthen rural healthcare systems and improve outcomes related to substance use and mental health emergencies through workforce development and system coordination.

Ensure strict alignment with required activities and SAMHSA strategic priorities; clearly demonstrate workforce impact and measurable outcomes; adhere to formatting and page limits; include detailed implementation and data collection plans