The Rural Texas Strong Program – Initiative 1 (Part 2): Make Rural Texans Healthy Again

Summary

The Rural Texas Strong Program – Initiative 1 (Part 2): Make Rural Texans Healthy Again provides grant funding to eligible rural Texas hospitals to enhance or create community-based prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs. Funded activities must implement at least one of eight authorized project methods—such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular or chronic respiratory disease management, wellness centers, after-hours clinics, and transportation support—to improve rural health outcomes. The goal is to improve prevention, management, and wellness in rural communities and to build long-term sustainability for rural health systems. No matching funds are required. Project details, eligibility, and requirements are set forth in Section II of RFA HHS0017223: https://hhsgrant.my.site.com/sfc/servlet.shepherd/version/download/068cr00000nzTk2AAE

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are rural Texas hospitals as defined in Section II (Scope of Grant) of RFA HHS0017223. Rural hospitals must serve rural residents and may use funding to develop or expand qualifying prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs addressing chronic diseases as outlined in the RFA. For detailed eligibility criteria, see Section 3.1 of the RFA and Texas Government Code Section 548.0351(6-b).

Requirements Checklist

• Applicants must submit all required documentation and forms as outlined in Section VIII (Application Organization and Submission Requirements) and Section XIII (Submission Checklist) of RFA HHS0017223. Projects must implement at least one allowable implementation method described in Section 2.3.1, targeting chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, or chronic respiratory disease. Applications must be submitted electronically via the HHS Grants Management System (GMS) External Portal by the posted deadline. Grantees must comply with relevant state and federal regulations, participate in required meetings and technical assistance, and complete all grant-funded activities by September 30, 2031.