March 11th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

The Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC), an independent commission within the Maryland Department of Health, recently awarded 23 grants totaling $6.7 million. The grant-funded programs are projected to serve more than 23,000 Maryland residents by expanding access to health care in underserved communities, reducing health disparities, and increasing the capacity of safety net providers for vulnerable residents.

 

This year, the CHRC Call for Proposals supported three types of projects: (1) promoting the delivery of essential health services for vulnerable populations, including chronic disease management, dental care and women’s health services; (2) supporting efforts in local communities to increase access to substance use treatment services and promote integrated behavioral health, in support of Maryland’s ongoing efforts to address the opioid epidemic; and (3) promoting food security and addressing family obesity.

 

“These proposals are innovative, sustainable and replicable,” said CHRC Chairman Allan Anderson, MD. “The Commission looks forward to working closely with the grantees as these important projects are implemented in the coming weeks and months.”

 

More than 93 organizations submitted applications, requesting $36.4 million in funding — the second-highest request total in the last nine years. When evaluating grant applications, the CHRC emphasizes public-private partnerships that leverage additional investments from the private sector to sustain the programs after the CHRC grant funding has been expended.