This notice announces the opportunity to apply for funding under the State Offices of Rural Health (SORH) Program.

Federally funded since 1991, the purpose of the SORH Program is to assist states in strengthening rural health care delivery systems by maintaining a focal point for rural health

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in each state.

The program provides funding for an institutional framework that links small rural communities with state and federal resources to develop long-term solutions to rural health programs.

This competing continuation provides instructions for applying for a new five-year period.

Authorizing legislation provides that each SORH must conduct the following activities:
1) Maintain within the state a clearinghouse for collection and disseminating information on:
(a) rural health care issues; (b) research findings relating to rural health care; and (c) innovative approaches to the delivery of health care in rural areas; 2) Coordinate the activities carried out in the state that relate to rural health care, including providing coordination for the purpose of avoiding redundancy in such activities; and 3) Identify federal and state programs regarding rural health and provide technical assistance to public and non-profit private entities regarding participation in such programs.

The legislation also allows that each SORH may conduct activities pertaining to recruiting and retaining health professionals to serve in rural areas of the state and provide contracts to public and non-profit private entities to carry out SORH activities.