Delta Rural Integrated Health Network Program

The Delta Rural Integrated Health Network Program is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy and its Hospital State Division. The program is designed to address persistent healthcare delivery challenges in the Delta region by fostering collaboration among rural healthcare providers. It builds on prior federal initiatives aimed at strengthening rural health systems and responds to identified gaps in coordination, efficiency, and access to care across underserved communities. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the planning and development of integrated healthcare networks that connect rural hospitals, clinics, behavioral health providers, and other healthcare entities. These networks are intended to improve healthcare access, enhance quality of care, and increase operational efficiency by enabling participating organizations to share resources and coordinate services. The program emphasizes building both new networks and strengthening existing ones, with a focus on clinical, administrative, and operational integration. Ultimately, the initiative aims to create more resilient healthcare systems capable of addressing chronic disease burdens, workforce shortages, and other structural challenges in rural communities. Funding under this program is limited to planning activities rather than direct service delivery. Allowable uses include developing governance structures, conducting needs assessments, establishing partnerships, improving care coordination systems, and engaging in strategic planning. Funds may also be used for legal, financial, and administrative support necessary to formalize network operations. However, grant funds cannot be used for construction, acquisition of real property, or direct provision of clinical services. There is no cost-sharing requirement, although voluntary cost sharing is permitted but not considered in the evaluation process. Eligible applicants include a wide range of domestic public and private entities such as state and local governments, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, higher education institutions, tribal organizations, and small businesses. Applicants must represent a network of at least three healthcare organizations, with at least 66 percent located in HRSA-designated rural areas within the Delta Regional Authority region. This region spans counties and parishes across eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Applicants must demonstrate experience or capacity to serve rural populations and provide documentation of collaboration among network participants. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes multiple components such as a project narrative, budget narrative, work plan, staffing plan, organizational documentation, and letters of commitment from all participating entities. Applicants must select one of two funding tracks: creating a new network or strengthening an existing one. Evaluation criteria include demonstrated need, quality of the proposed approach, performance evaluation methods, anticipated impact, organizational capacity, and budget justification. A merit review panel scores applications based on these criteria, and final funding decisions also consider risk assessments and alignment with agency priorities. Key dates for this opportunity include an application deadline of July 17, 2026, with awards expected around September 2026 and a project start date of September 30, 2026. The period of performance spans two years, divided into two 12-month budget periods. Awardees must comply with federal regulations, reporting requirements, and HRSA priorities, including evidence-based practices and program integrity standards. Quarterly progress reports and annual performance reports are required throughout the grant period. For additional support, applicants may contact designated program and grants management staff within HRSA. Technical assistance resources, webinars, and application guidance materials are available through Grants.gov and HRSA’s official channels. This program represents a strategic federal investment in strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure through collaboration, planning, and system-level innovation.

Align proposal clearly with selected funding track; demonstrate strong rural network collaboration; provide detailed work plan with measurable milestones; ensure all required attachments and documentation are complete; emphasize planning activities not service delivery