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USDA Announces Funding for Healthcare Facilities

Name
Robin Pulkkinen
City
Hilo
Release Date

USDA Rural Development State Director for Hawaii and Western Pacific Chris Kanazawa today announced that USDA is accepting applications for low-interest loans to improve healthcare facilities in rural areas.

"Ensuring our rural residents have access to quality health care is a top priority for USDA," said Kanazawa. "This funding will help a variety of health clinics, hospitals and other similar facilities throughout rural Hawaii and the Western Pacific make a variety of needed improvements."

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.

Locally, USDA Rural Development provided funding for the Maui Memorial Medical Center, Molokai Community Health Center, and Bay Clinic among others.

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 healthcare technologies such as telemedicine, to further expand access to health care services throughout rural America.

For more information, contact Tim O’Connell at (808) 933-8313 or tim.oconnell@hi.usda.gov.

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.

USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.