Resources for New Hampshire Rural Health Infrastructure Projects
CDFA will advance the Rural Community Health Infrastructure Programs in partnership with the Governor’s Office of New Opportunities & Rural Transformational Health (GO-NORTH). The programs will provide resources to nonprofits and municipalities to support minor renovation and infrastructure improvements to health and community facilities across New Hampshire. This investment of up to $40 million a year in federal Rural Health Transformation Program funds, administered by the Governor’s Office of New Opportunities & Rural Transformational Health (GO-NORTH), was approved by the Governor and Executive Council on March 16 and will deploy significant resources into our communities.
“These resources represent a powerful opportunity to deepen our impact in communities across New Hampshire by making strategic investments in the critical infrastructure that supports rural health, overall community wellbeing and long-term economic vitality,” said Katy Easterly Martey, Executive Director of CDFA. “We look forward to partnering with the Governor’s Office of New Opportunities & Rural Transformational Health and other key stakeholders to advance a program that will deliver lasting benefits statewide.”
The initial Rural Community Health Infrastructure Program will award funds to renovate rural health facilities. Eligible facilities are anticipated to include rural health clinics, community mental health centers, federally qualified health centers and county-run assisted living facilities. The program will also provide technical assistance to prospective applicants and awardees to help facilitate successful implementation, from grant application through project completion.
The Rural Community Health Infrastructure Program aligns with CDFA’s mission as the organization annually invests state and federal resources to support meaningful community economic development projects across New Hampshire. A few examples of CDFA’s investments in community health infrastructure include:
Tamworth Community Nurse Association: The Tamworth Community Nurse Association (TCNA) provides free skilled nursing and health support to Tamworth residents, serving as a healthcare provider and community hub for the 3,000 residents it serves each year. TCNA recently leveraged resources to complete a new 2,600-square-foot facility, tripling its space and expanding services. The modern, ADA-compliant building includes exam rooms, a lab, a conference space for public programs, and improved access for seniors.
Sullivan County Oral Health Collaborative: The Collaborative has a mission to enhance oral health through education and access to care for all individuals and families. The organization also operates the Sullivan County Dental Initiative; funds were used to support the building rehab and expansion. The improvements allowed the clinic to add treatment space, expand services and launch a new innovative dental lab program, as well as contribute to the restoration of a historic building in downtown Claremont.
Coos County Family Health Services: Coos County Family Health Services in Berlin is a Federally Qualified Health Center and the sole provider of primary health care services in the Berlin-Gorham region. The organization used funds to expand the amount of clinical space available to provide primary care services, improve the health and well-being of area residents and enhance the financial sustainability of the organization.
CDFA will develop additional programs to support other community infrastructure including investments in childcare. Those interested in learning more about the Rural Community Health Infrastructure Program, and other CDFA resources, can sign up to receive updates by visiting https://nhcdfa.org/signup/.
About the Community Development Finance Authority
The Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) is a statewide nonprofit public authority focused on maximizing the value and impact of community development, economic development and clean energy initiatives throughout New Hampshire. The organization leverages a variety of financial and technical resources, including the competitive deployment of grant, loan and equity programs. For more information about CDFA and its programs visit www.nhcdfa.org or call 603-226-2170.
