The Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program is a funding opportunity administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) through the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. This program is designed to strengthen healthcare delivery in rural areas of the Delta region by providing comprehensive, multi-year technical assistance (TA) to improve financial and operational performance and enhance the quality of care in rural healthcare organizations​.

The primary objective of this program is to assist rural healthcare organizations in the Delta region with financial and operational improvements, quality enhancement, and service expansion. This includes developing new service lines, increasing inpatient and outpatient services, implementing revenue cycle best practices, enhancing emergency department operations, and expanding telehealth and cybersecurity measures. Additionally, the program seeks to provide training in clinical documentation integrity, workforce recruitment, leadership development, and care coordination​.

The funding for this program is structured as a cooperative agreement, with an expected total available funding of $10 million for FY 2025. Only one cooperative agreement will be awarded, with a funding ceiling of $10 million per year for a five-year period of performance (September 1, 2025 - August 31, 2030). Funding is contingent on annual appropriations​.

Eligibility for this program is broad, including public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, independent school districts, Native American tribal governments and organizations, and various levels of government. However, eligible applicants must target rural healthcare organizations in the Delta region, specifically those in rural counties or parishes as defined by the Delta Regional Authority and HRSA’s Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer​.

Applicants must submit their proposals by March 18, 2025, through Grants.gov. The selection process involves a merit review based on criteria such as demonstrated need, program response, evaluation measures, impact, organizational capacity, and financial sustainability. The expected award notification date is August 1, 2025, with the project start date on September 1, 2025​.

After receiving funding, awardees will be required to provide annual progress reports, financial reports, and participate in program evaluations. HRSA will provide oversight, technical assistance, and coordination with other federal agencies to ensure the program's success in strengthening healthcare delivery in the Delta region​.