Illinois Rural Health Initiative—ROOTS: Rural Outreach, Opportunity, Training, and Success

The Illinois Rural Health Initiative—ROOTS: Rural Outreach, Opportunity, Training, and Success is a grant program that aims to expand and enhance healthcare support worker training programs at rural community colleges. The program focuses on maternal care and substance abuse, and funding will support the expansion of high-need healthcare programs, increased instructional and clinical capacity, enhanced student supports, workforce and secondary partnerships, and innovative delivery models that address rural barriers. The grant program utilizes federal CMS RHT Program funds, with a total amount of funding expected to be awarded up to $29 million in year 1 and up to a total of $149 million across years 1-5. • Eligible applicants include government organizations and education organizations, specifically community colleges that meet the "rural" classification defined by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). • The program aims to benefit healthcare workers in targeted careers and the rural communities that these workers serve. • A complete application package, including an application narrative and a complete and accurate budget document, is required for eligibility. • Additional information and resources are available on the ICCB's Healthcare page.