Washington-- Senator Evan Bayh today announced the Center for Rural Outreach & Public Services (CROPS) in Knox, Ind., has been awarded a grant of nearly $85,000 from the U.S. Health Resources and Service Administration toward developing the Rural Health Network in San Pierre, Ind.

The grant of $84,695 to develop the Rural Health Network will work to improve the quality of essential health care services in San Pierre and the surrounding rural areas of Jasper, Pulaski, and Starke counties. The funds will specifically help address issues common in rural areas, including low health insurance rates and access to quality medical care that includes the latest medical technology and expertise.

“Too often, geography can be one of the greatest barriers when it comes to access to quality health care, especially in our rural communities throughout Indiana,” Senator Bayh said. “This grant will help strengthen the medical care, technology and expertise that is available for Hoosiers in San Pierre and the surrounding area.”

The initial partners in the Rural Health Network include CROPS; the Holm Medical Clinic, a medical practice specializing in wellness and family medicine; Starke County Memorial Hospital, a rural for-profit full service hospital; Indiana University-South Bend School of Nursing and the Health Professions; and the Indiana State Department of Health.

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