Aroostook Agency on Aging Receives Grants to Improve Rural Healthcare and Transportation Services

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine (WAGM) - Aroostook County organizations are taking significant steps to enhance the rural healthcare system in the region.

The Aroostook Agency on Aging has successfully secured two distinct grants aimed at fostering partnerships across the healthcare, public health, and social services sectors within the county.

Mark Wright, Special Project Coordinator at the Aroostook Agency on Aging, stated, "We have received a $100,000 planning grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) that spans two years. This funding will help our network expand and strengthen its capabilities. Additionally, we have the Maine Health Access Foundation (MEHAF) grant, which focuses on improving transportation services. This grant builds upon the initial funding that launched the project in 2023."

Wright further explained, "With the HRSA grant, we are in the process of planning and identifying which projects we will pursue. Our primary focus areas include enhancing transportation options, improving access to healthcare, and addressing issues of belonging and social isolation. These are the three key projects we will delve into more thoroughly."

Currently, the Maine Health Access Foundation grant is still in the early planning stages and will not be put into action until the necessary plans are finalized. This initiative represents a crucial effort to bolster healthcare accessibility and support for rural communities in Aroostook County.