USDA Rural Development State Director for Louisiana today announced that USDA is accepting applications for low-interest loans to improve health care in rural areas.
"Ensuring our rural residents have access to quality health care is a top priority for Rural Development," said Hawkins. "This funding will help a variety of health clinics, hospitals, and other similar facilities, throughout rural Louisiana make a variety of needed improvements for health care facilities, including mental health facilities."
The funding is available through USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities Program. Loan funds can be used to construct, expand, or improve health care facilities, as well as purchase equipment. Public bodies, non-profit organizations, and federally recognized tribes with health care facilities in rural areas and towns up to 20,000 in population are eligible to apply.
USDA has set a goal of investing up to $50 million to increase access to mental health care in rural areas over the next three years. USDA is also investing in innovative health care technologies such as telemedicine, to further expand access to health care services throughout rural Louisiana.
For information on this and other USDA Rural Development programs in Louisiana, contact your nearest Rural Development office as listed on our website http://rd.usda.gov/la.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.