This announcement solicits applications for the State Offices of Rural Health (SORH) grant program.  Federally funded since 1991, the purpose of the State Offices of Rural Health  grant program is to assist states in strengthening rural health care delivery systems by maintaining a focal point for

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rural health within each state.  The program provides funding for an institutional framework that links small rural communities with state and federal resources to develop long term solutions to rural health problems.  This competing continuation guidance provides instruction for applying for a new five year project period.

Authorizing legislation provides that each SORH must conduct the following activities:
(1)   Establish and maintain within the state a clearinghouse for collecting and disseminating information on:
(A)  rural health care issues; (B)   research findings relating to rural health care; and (C)   innovative approaches to the delivery of health care in rural areas; (2)   Coordinate the activities carried out in the state that relate to rural health care, including providing coordination for the purpose of avoiding redundancy in such activities; and (3)   Identify federal and state programs regarding rural health, and provide technical assistance to public and nonprofit private entities regarding participation in such programs.

The legislation also allows that each SORH may:
  Conduct activities pertaining to the recruitment and retention of health care professionals to serve in the rural areas of their states:
and   Provide sub-awards and contracts to public and non-profit organizations to carry out SORH activities.