Cloud County Health Center Receives USDA Grant Award for Purchase of MRI Machine

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting State Director for Rural Development Kansas Dan Fischer announced Wednesday, April 13th the awarding of $2.55 million in Emergency Rural Health Care Grants, benefitting 10 communities in rural Kansas.

The grants the USDA is awarding will help rural hospitals and health care providers implement telehealth and nutrition assistance programs, increase staffing to administer COVID-19 vaccines and testing, build or renovate facilities and purchase medical supplies.

Cloud County Health Center in Concordia will receive a $369,600 grant to use toward the purchase of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine.  An on-site MRI service will provide faster diagnosis and treatment, improving the quality of care.

Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March 2021 to deliver immediate economic relief to people impacted by the pandemic.

In August 2021, USDA made up to $500 million in Emergency Rural Health Care Grants available through the American Rescue Plan to help rural health care facilities, tribes and communities expand access to health care services and nutrition assistance.

The assistance is helping provide immediate relief to support rural hospitals, health care clinics and local communities.  USDA is administering the funds through Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program.