Coahoma Community College is the recipient of a federal grant intended to meet the health care needs of residents living in the Mississippi Delta. A total of $727,691 in grant funding from the USDA will be used to address pressing needs in seven Mississippi Delta counties: Panola, Quitman, Tate, Tunica, Tallahatchie, Bolivar, and Coahoma.

Funding is made available through the USDA Rural Development’s Delta Health Care Services Grant Program, which was established through the 2008 Farm Bill.

  Coahoma Community College & Agricultural High School has formed a consortium that includes project partners the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Delta State University, Aaron E. Henry Community Health Services Center, Charleston High School, Palmer High School, West Bolivar High School, and West Tallahatchie High School.

Equitable access to quality health care, training for medical professionals, and pathways to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) are non-existent for many of the residents this project will serve. Through this project, consortium members will work together to create a more accessible health care and education system in the Delta region.

USDA has several initiatives to create jobs and stimulate investment in rural areas. Its expanded StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity initiative, for example, provides technical assistance and financial resources in high-poverty areas. Through StrikeForce, USDA Rural Development employees partner with local leaders to ensure that low-income communities are taking advantage of all possible USDA resources and funding opportunities.

USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. United States President Barack Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

“As a higher education provider, we feel that it is important to address the needs of students and staff that may pertain to indirect educational issues,” said CCC President Dr. Valmadge Towner. “We are excited about securing the grant offered through the United States Department of Education (USDA) Rural Development’s Delta Health Care Services Grant Program. It our sentiment, that the grant will equip CCC to partner with other educational entities in an effort to enhance health care services and training offered to students and staff in our service area. Hopefully, affordable access from premiere health care institutions and providers will also increase the quality of health and wellness for our students and constituents as provided through goals expressed in this project. Improving health and wellness is important for we know that students and staff perform at higher levels when they are healthy.”