New York State recently awarded $13.8 million to help community healthcare planning and development projects across the state. The awards are funded through two New York State Department of Health (DOH) programs that include the HEAL NY and the Rural Health Network Development Program.
HEAL NY funding of $7.1 million was awarded to nonprofit and municipal organizations around the state to undertake regional planning activities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their community’s healthcare systems. The two year grants will carry out detailed assessments of healthcare resources in their communities and provide forums to discuss local healthcare needs and programs among key stakeholders. Principle issues concern availability, affordability, quality of care, barriers to appropriate care, community health needs, and the strengths and weaknesses in healthcare delivery.
Eighteen awards were made. Awards over $300,000 include the Center for Health Workforce Studies ($362,141), Community Health Care Association of New York State ($398,380), Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency ($988,517), North Shore-LIJ Health System ($550,000), P2 Collaborative of Western New York Inc. ($999,820), The Research Foundation of the State University of New York ($926,530), and the Rockland County Department of Health ($1,000,000).
The Rural Health Network Development Program funding for $6.7 million was awarded to improve access to care, to better coordinate services, to increase the efficiency of service delivery, and to introduce needed community services through the formation and operation of rural health networks.
Thirty five awards were made. Awards over $230,000 include Bassett Healthcare Research Institute ($232,401), Chautauqua County Health Network Inc. ($233, 180), Chenango Health Network ($231,199), Columbia County Community Healthcare Consortium Inc., ($233,961), Hamilton-Bassett-Crouse Health Network ($232,011), Hudson River Healthcare Inc. ($233,961), Institute for Family Health ($233,961), Southern Tier Health Care System Inc., ($233,961), Thompson Health ($233, 961), and Yates County Public Health ($233,961).
In another initiative, the New York State Health Foundation (NYSHealth) will award grants as part of their 2009 Special Projects Fund. The funds are to be used to expand health insurance coverage, improve the management and prevention of diabetes, and to encourage the integration of substance use and mental health services.
Eligible applicants from nonprofits or for-profit organizations with a significant presence in New York State can submit proposals. Organizations can apply for a grant at any time through June 4, 2009. Grant applications are considered on a rolling basis with three deadlines.
NYSHealth particularly wants to see projects that will help low income and elderly consumers navigate the healthcare system, improve access in areas that have acute shortages, improve the quality of care, support and strengthen safety net providers, scale up programs to reach more people, and provide culturally appropriate programs for underserved populations.
In facing the challenging economic environment of 2009, NYSHealth is also interested in proposals on how to help health organizations cope with the economic crisis, and seeks suggestions on how to implement viable options for saving or consolidating organizations threatened by the economic crisis.
For more information on HEAL NY grants, go to the Department of Health’s web site at www.nyhealth.gov. For information on the NYSHealth 2009 Special Projects Fund, go to www.NYSHealth.org or call 1-212-664-7656.
