As published in the July 18th Federal Register, the Department of Veterans Affairs proposes to establish a pilot program known as the “Rural Veterans Coordination Pilot” (RVCP). The program would provide grants to eligible community-based organizations, local, and state government entities to assist veterans and their families as they transition from military service to civilian life in rural or underserved communities.
The proposed pilot program is a result of the “Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010”. The legislation calls for:
- Coordination of community, local, state, and Federal providers of healthcare and benefits for veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life
- Availability of high quality medical and mental health services as veterans transition
- Assistance to veterans and families to inform them about the availability of benefits and connect them with appropriate care and benefit programs
The grants would go to rural areas, areas with populations that have a high proportion of minority group representation, areas that have individuals who have limited access to healthcare, and areas that are not close to an active duty military installation.
The VA proposes to award five RVCP grants for a maximum period of two years. Grantees would not be required to provide matching funds to receive a grant. When the VA is ready to announce the availability of the grants, the VA will publish a Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) where detailed information will be provided at www.grants.gov.
For more information, contact Karen Malebranche, VHA, Office of Interagency Health Affairs at (202) 461-6001.
