Strafford County to pursue Rural Health Transformation grants for warming center, nursing home repairs

Strafford County commissioners said on Monday they plan to pursue grants through the Rural Health Transformation Program to support a warming center and three repair projects at Riverside Rest Home.

The chair told the board that Commissioner Lucia and Administrator Bob attended the Association of Counties meeting in Weedsport and that "the county has hopeful to apply for that program for four projects — one being the warming center and three others related to the nursing home Riverside Rest Home along with the roof, the windows, and the boilers." The chair added that officials had "gotten some additional information, but it's going to be a few months before we can find out what's really going on; they haven't put together the regs, they haven't put together the process yet."

The announcement frames possible local investment in services for people with complex needs. Commissioners described the initial four-project plan as including capital repairs at Riverside Rest Home and a warming center intended to serve vulnerable residents during cold months. A commissioner also suggested a possible fifth opportunity: expanding work with W. W. Douglas to help place Medicaid or spend-down patients in coordination with local hospitals, and including that effort as a potential transformation grant project.

A procedural motion to approve the April 23 minutes was made, seconded and approved by voice vote, which the chair said was unanimous. Later, the board approved a motion to enter a non-public session to discuss personnel and contract negotiations; Commissioner Lovett moved the motion, Commissioner Pleciak seconded it, and a roll call vote was unanimous. The commission then retired to non-public session.

No application deadlines, grant amounts, or a detailed timeline for submitting applications were provided at the meeting. Commissioners said the program's regulations and application process have not yet been published and that it could be several months before more specifics are available.

Next steps: staff will continue monitoring guidance from the Rural Health Transformation Program and report back as application rules are released. The board took no final action on grant applications during the open session.