ARPA Funds are Here

By Amy Brisson, CLC Partner/Consultant

Summary of Funds

On April 1, 2021, health centers nationwide received the official Notice of Award (NOA) from HRSA, awarding the funds authorized by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).  These funds were released with a separate grant number (H8FCS#####) similar to the three COVID-19 grants released in 2020 (H8C, H8D, and H8E).

 These funds are a two-year, one-time funding to support health centers to prevent, mitigate, and respond to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to enhance health care services and infrastructure.  These funds were awarded by using following formula: $500,000 plus $125 per patient reported in the 2019 Uniform Data System (UDS), plus $250 per uninsured patient reported in the 2019 UDS.

On 4/8/21, from 1 – 2 pm ET, HRSA will be hosting the first of two Q&A sessions. The second session is scheduled on Wednesday, 4/28/21 from 2 – 3 pm ET.

 Per the Terms and Conditions included in the NOA, within 60 days of date of the NOA (Due date 5/31/21 by 11:59 pm ET), a plan and budget submission will be due in the EHB.  The submission must include:

  • Project overview form: https://bphc.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bphc/programopportunities/h8f/h8f-project-overview-form.pdf

    • Must detail out how the activities described address:

      • Equitable access to COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment

      • Other current and anticipated COVID-19 and primary health care needs in your service area

      • Population and social determinates of health that may impact access to care, contribute to poor health outcomes, and exacerbate health disparities

  • Budget

    • SF424

    • Budget Narrative with Personnel Justification

    • Equipment List, if applicable

    • Minor Alteration/Renovation (A/R) Docs, if applicable

      • The funds can be used for A/R projects, up to a maximum amount of $500,000

 Allowable Activities for Fund Use:

  •  “Plan, prepare for, promote, distribute, administer, and track COVID–19 vaccines, and to carry out other vaccine-related activities.”

  • “Detect, diagnose, trace, and monitor COVID–19 infections and related activities necessary to mitigate the spread of COVID–19, including activities related to, and equipment or supplies purchased for, testing, contact tracing, surveillance, mitigation, and treatment of COVID-19.”

  • “Purchase equipment and supplies to conduct mobile testing or vaccinations for COVID-19, purchase and maintain mobile vehicles and equipment to conduct such testing or vaccinations, and hire and train laboratory personnel and other staff to conduct such mobile testing or vaccinations, particularly in medically underserved areas.”

  • “Establish, expand, and sustain the health care workforce to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID–19, and to carry out other health workforce-related activities.”

  • “Modify, enhance, and expand health care services and infrastructure.”

    • Mobile units and transportation vehicles are included

    • Minor A/R projects to enhance or expand access (maximum amount of $500,000)

      • As a reminder these projects come with additional forms, reporting, and also ties Federal interest into the project for the long term

  • “Conduct community outreach and education activities related to COVID–19.”

 Tips for Budgeting and Planning the Use of Funds:

  • Are there past expenses that these funds can be used for, as they can be used for expenses dated back to January 2020?

  • How can these funds be used to support staffing not currently covered by other sources? Per the guidance as allowable use is: “Establish, expand, and sustain the health care workforce to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID–19, and to carry out other health work force-related activities.

  • If these funds are used to expand services, what is the long-term plan to support these activities after the funds are used?

  • It is important to not think about these funds as a standalone grant, but as a piece of the full financial picture.  How do these funds fit into your financial puzzle and how could these funds be used along with other sources?

  • Is there any infrastructure the clinic needs to enhance services?

 Looking for More Information?

Visit HRSA’s dedicated technical assistance page for these funds: https://bphc.hrsa.gov/program-opportunities/american-rescue-plan

Visit HRSA’s webpage that has more details relating to the uses of funds: https://bphc.hrsa.gov/program-opportunities/american-rescue-plan/allowable-uses-funding

 If you would like more guidance on the ARPA funds or to strategize uses of the funds,  CLC can help.  Please reach out to amyb@communitylinkconsulting.com.