The Mercer County Division of Public Health has received a $400,000 Rural Health Transformation grant to modernize rural health care and expand access to preventive services.
Through the initiative, Mercer County will collaborate with the Lawrence Township and Hopewell Township health departments to serve residents in rural communities.
More than 200 organizations applied for funding, and the Mercer County partnership was one of only nine governmental health department applicants selected to receive a grant.
The partnership will use the funding to purchase a mobile health unit that will provide blood glucose and blood pressure screenings, as well as COVID-19 and flu vaccinations.
“Many times, people do not think of rural farming communities when they think of Mercer County, but Mercer County is home to over 19,000 acres of farms and these residents face different barriers to care than their urban and suburban neighbors,” said County Executive Dan Benson. “With our new mobile unit, we will meaningfully expand healthcare access to residents in these rural communities.”
“Hopewell Township encompasses nearly 40,000 acres, including approximately 13,000 acres of open space and 3,200 acres of preserved farmland. Our residents have diverse needs, and health care is no exception,” said Mayor David Chait. “We are grateful for this partnership with Mercer County and Lawrence Township, which will help us better serve residents throughout our community.”
“Lawrence Township’s diversity is reflected not only in our residents, but also in our geography. Our neighborhoods border Trenton, Princeton, Hopewell and Ewing,” said Mayor Chris Bobbitt. “Although we operate as one Lawrence Township, our residents have a wide range of needs. We are excited about this partnership and the opportunity to expand access to health care in the more rural areas of our community.”
