U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is investing $542 thousand through a USDA Distance Learning Telemedicine Grant with FirstHealth of the Carolinas. First Health is purchasing tablets, telemedicine kiosks and telemedicine carts to allow medical professionals to deliver care management and social care management services to four North Carolina counties. This investment is estimated to benefit 231 thousand rural residents. 

USDA Rural Development State Director Reginald Speight also announced seven projects to improve infrastructure, housing and economic conditions for underserved rural North Carolina communities, two of which fall within GFBJ’s coverage area.

Harnett County will use a $85 thousand USDA Housing Preservation Grant to rehabilitate eight homes owned by low and very-low-income rural citizens.

In Moore County, Habitat for Humanity of the Sandhills will use a $200 thousand USDA Housing Preservation Grant to rehabilitate 25 homes owned by low- and very-low- income rural citizens in Hoke, Moore, and Richmond counties.

“These investments will have lasting economic and social benefits that will allow current and

future generations to make a good life right at home in rural North Carolina,” said Speight in a press release. “The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are making record investments in our rural communities to ensure everyone in this country has a path to success.”