Today at the UND Center for Rural Health Conference, USDA Rural Development State Director Jasper Schneider announced the release of the agency’s Rural Health Report. The report summarizes USDA’s efforts to help build healthy rural communities and highlights funding opportunities. Since 2009, USDA has invested more than $178 million in health care projects throughout North Dakota.
“The state’s population growth has added pressure on the need to build-out our medical facilities and emergency services,” said Schneider. “By providing access to capital and partnering with the private sector, USDA is supporting efforts to offer high-quality care across the North Dakota.”
Over a span of five years, USDA has financed 42 health and medical projects as well as financing telemedicine technology. The Rural Health Report spotlights investments made in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, emergency services and wellness centers.
With over 40 flexible programs, Rural Development projects are financed through direct loans, loan guarantees and grants. USDA Rural Development has 42 employees in six offices across North Dakota and manages a loan portfolio of over $4 billion. The Rural Health Report may be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/nd under the spotlights section.