This report presents findings from an evaluation of ARC’s health grants that closed between fiscal years 2017 and 2021. Overall, the 96 grants included in the evaluation led to improvements for over 300,000 patients, almost 4,000 students and over 2,500 workers or trainees. Grant-funded projects supported over 300 organizations and almost 150 communities, and facilitated the creation of over 650 jobs.

Survey findings indicated that these grants aimed to improve health-related services or infrastructure; strengthen the health-related workforce; and advance health through planning, education, or other promotion strategies. Commonly reported project strategies included procurement or purchasing of clinical equipment, technology, and/or supplies; establishing, improving, or expanding clinical services; and constructing or renovating health-related facilities.

Overall, counties with funding were characterized by significant health- and economic-related challenges. Over 90% of counties were designated as whole-county primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Similarly, nearly one-third of counties were classified as economically distressed. 

Most survey respondents reported that their ARC-funded projects continued in some way after grant closure, most of which was at similar or expanded scopes.