NORTH CAROLINA – Today, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced nearly $9 million to support health care services in rural North Carolina. The funding will launch new opioid treatment and recovery services in rural communities. HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson announced the awards at an event in Wilson, North Carolina. The Biden-Harris Administration has taken numerous actions to support rural communities’ health including by investing in training physicians in rural communities, providing loan repayment to primary care providers in return for practicing in high need rural areas, and supporting health care delivery through rural community health centers. Today, the Administration is taking another series of vital steps to strengthen health care services in rural communities, with an emphasis on key priorities like behavioral health and expanding access to services. “At the Health Resources and Services Administration, we know that where you live should not determine your access to or the quality of the care that you receive,” said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. “And, we are taking action to deliver for rural families by supporting high-quality substance use disorder treatment and by helping rural hospitals continue to serve their communities.” Many rural communities face challenges accessing essential health care services. Smaller populations, longer travel distances, and other barriers can make health care services difficult for rural residents to access and hard for facilities like rural hospitals to remain viable. Today’s announcement includes the following HRSA investments: Launching and expanding substance use disorder treatment, recovery, and social support services in rural communities: HRSA is awarding nearly $9 million over four years to three organizations to create new or expand existing access points for treatment and recovery services, support the behavioral health workforce, and collaborate with social services to ensure coordinated care and sustainable impact in rural communities.