State Office of Rural Health Program

The Georgia State Office of Rural Health (SORH) Program section provides oversight for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) State Office of Rural Health (SORH) Program. Federally funded since 1991, the HRSA SORH Program exists in all 50 states and is designed to assist states in strengthening rural health care delivery systems by maintaining a focal point for rural health in each state. The program provides funding for an institutional framework that links small rural communities with state and federal resources to develop long-term solutions to rural health programs.

Authorizing legislation provides that each SORH must conduct the following activities:

• Maintain within the state a clearinghouse for collection and disseminating information
• Coordinate the activities carried out in the state that relate to rural health care
• Provide technical assistance to public and non-profit private entities regarding participation in such programs.

Additionally, the legislation allows that each SORH may conduct activities pertaining to recruiting and retaining health professionals to serve in rural areas of the state and provide contracts to public and non-profit private entities to carry out SORH activities.

The SORH Program also provides oversight for a variety of state legislatively directed grant funds as needs are identified and funding becomes available. These grants are designed to increase access to quality health care and improve the quality of life for Georgia’s rural residents.

For more information about rural initiatives, visit:

Rural Health Information Hub website: https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/

Rural Health Research Gateway: https://www.ruralcenter.org/