the rural EMS workforce through recruitment, retention, and operational improvements, such as career advancement, billing enhancements, and mental health support for EMS staff. Only states already awarded under HRSA-24-002 may apply; up to 8 cooperative agreements will be issued. This opportunity is a competing supplemental funding for states already funded under HRSA-24-002, aimed at supporting and strengthening rural Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workforce. Funds can be used for recruitment, retention, operational improvements, and financial strategies to address workforce shortages and inconsistent billing practices in rural EMS agencies. The program seeks to create replicable recruitment and retention strategies and improve billing for EMS transports.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants are state recipients funded under HRSA-24-002, Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program cooperative agreement. Only states eligible for cooperative agreements awarded under HRSA-24-002 may apply.
State Health Department
Requirements Checklist
Submit application through Grants.gov using SF-424 workspace application package for HRSA-24-006.
Project Abstract: Include project title, applicant info, brief project description, measurable outcomes, and list at least 5 participating rural EMS agencies (with letters of support).
Project Narrative: Must address need, organizational information, approach, work plan, resolution of challenges, and evaluation capacity.
Work Plan: Attachment 1 with complete activity overview, anticipated dates, outputs, participating agencies, and outcome measures.
Staffing Plan and Job Descriptions: Attachment 2.
Letters of Support: Attachment 4 from at least five rural EMS agencies agreeing to participate for 5 years.
Organizational Chart: Attachment 7.
Budget and Budget Narrative, including 5th year as Attachment 6 and indirect cost rate agreement as Attachment 5 (if applicable).
Register and maintain SAM.gov and Grants.gov status, including UEI.
Participate in HRSA-coordinated information-sharing and national evaluation activities.
Application page limit: 20 pages.
Submit application via Grants.gov before deadline.
Establish or expand rural EMS workforce programs with recruitment, retention, or operational strategies.
Provide letters of support/intent from at least five rural EMS agencies willing to participate for the full 5-year period.
Project abstract, project narrative, work plan, staffing plan, job descriptions, letters of support, biographical sketches, and budget (including indirect cost rate agreement if applicable).
Participate in HRSA-designated technical assistance and program evaluation activities.
Include multi-year budget (5th year budget attachment).
Eligibility and completeness must be demonstrated; applications exceeding page limits or missing requirements may be deemed non-responsive.
Tahleah Chappel, Public Health Analyst, Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, 301-443-0197, TChappel@HRSA.gov; Bria Haley, Grants Management Specialist, bhaley@hrsa.gov
Tahleah Chappel, Public Health Analyst, Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, TChappel@HRSA.gov, 301-443-0197. For business/grants management issues: Bria Haley, bhaley@hrsa.gov.