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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Federal Health Programs

There are several federal programs available to assist eligible children and families in accessing services.

  • Community Mental Health Services Block Grant: This block grant provides funds to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 6 Pacific jurisdictions for comprehensive, community-based mental health services. Services are for adults with serious mental illnesses and children with serious emotional disturbances and to monitor progress associated with implementing a comprehensive, community-based mental health system.
  • Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) Program: EPSDT is a Medicaid program that improves the health of children from low-income families by providing coverage for comprehensive pediatric services.
  • Healthy Start: Healthy Start works to prevent infant mortality through services for families struggling to meet basic needs. Healthy Start funds community-based organizations, universities and local health departments to develop programs providing prenatal and postpartum services, well-baby services, adolescent care, family planning, and other women's health programs.
  • Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant: Title V block grants were created to support mothers, women, children and youth, including children and youth with special healthcare needs, and their families. This program strives to increase access to quality care, especially for those with low-incomes or limited availability of care.
  • Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program: This program offers healthcare services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS who have no health insurance (public or private), insufficient healthcare coverage, or lack financial resources.
  • Title X Family Planning Program: Title X is the only federal grant program dedicated solely to providing individuals with comprehensive family planning and related preventive health services. This program provides a range of services to individuals with low incomes and uninsured individuals, including contraceptive services, patient education, breast and cervical cancer screening, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, among others.