The Fiscal Year 2025 Health Center Controlled Network (HCCN) Cooperative Agreements, announced by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is a funding opportunity aimed at enhancing the capabilities of health centers through the use of health information technology (IT) and data management systems. This discretionary grant is designed to support HCCNs, which are networks of health centers working collaboratively to improve access to affordable, high-quality primary healthcare by leveraging IT solutions and data analytics. The program focuses on improving interoperability between systems, enhancing data management and analytics, and supporting the implementation of Uniform Data System Plus (UDS+) to ensure efficient healthcare delivery.

The program anticipates awarding up to 49 cooperative agreements, with a total estimated funding of $48 million. While there is no specific ceiling or floor for individual awards, funding will be distributed through cooperative agreements, meaning that HRSA will have substantial involvement in the implementation and management of the projects. Importantly, there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for applicants, which makes it more accessible for a diverse range of organizations to apply.

Eligible applicants include a wide variety of organizations, such as nonprofits (both those with and without 501(c)(3) status), Native American tribal governments and organizations, institutions of higher education (both private and public), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, special district governments, and various types of local and state government entities. Specifically, the application must either come from a Health Center Controlled Network (HCCN) or an existing Health Center Program (H80) award recipient that has been funded for at least two consecutive years and is applying on behalf of an HCCN. HCCNs must have at least ten participating Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and must be majority-controlled or owned by Health Center Program award recipients. Additionally, they need to maintain an independent governing body distinct from the boards of their health center members throughout the performance period.

The scope of funded activities for this program includes supporting participating health centers in the implementation of advanced data management and analytics capabilities. The focus on system interoperability is intended to ensure seamless communication and data exchange across different healthcare systems, which is crucial for providing comprehensive patient care. Additionally, the program supports the UDS+ implementation, which involves using enhanced data collection and reporting processes to improve the quality of healthcare services provided by the centers. These initiatives are expected to foster a more efficient healthcare system that ensures patients have access to affordable, accessible, and high-quality primary healthcare.

Applications for this funding opportunity must be submitted by December 2, 2024. The announcement for selected recipients is not specified but will likely follow the evaluation process after the closing date. Interested applicants should prepare a proposal that clearly demonstrates how they will leverage health IT and data to address the core focus areas of the program—data management and analytics, interoperability, and UDS+ implementation. This involves detailing their network’s current capabilities, strategies for collaboration among participating health centers, and a plan for ensuring independent governance.

The HCCN Cooperative Agreements offer a unique opportunity for health centers to build a robust technological infrastructure that can significantly improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. By supporting data-driven decision-making, improving digital interoperability, and ensuring better data collection, the HRSA aims to help health centers navigate the increasingly complex landscape of primary healthcare. Potential applicants are encouraged to reach out to HRSA for further details or support. Thomas Long, the designated contact for this opportunity, can be reached via email at tlong@hrsa.gov or by phone at (301) 594-4300 for assistance with accessing the full announcement or other inquiries.

This grant represents a strategic initiative by the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure health centers can utilize advanced IT systems effectively, thereby strengthening healthcare accessibility and quality for underserved populations.