HHS Announces $35 Million for Telehealth in the Title X Family Planning Program

On Nov. 23, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced via a press release the availability of $35 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to enhance and expand the telehealth infrastructure and capacity of Title X family planning providers.

The release states that “Title X is the only federal grant program dedicated solely to providing individuals with comprehensive family planning and related preventive health services in communities across the U.S.”

That said, “Over the last two years, telehealth adoption in the U.S. has increased dramatically, and Title X grantees have consistently supported the use of telehealth services as an option for their patients. These additional resources will help Title X grantees expand their capacity to provide telehealth services and increase their community’s access to family planning services. These ARP funds will support national efforts to achieve health equity by supporting the enhancement and expansion of telehealth services provided by Title X grantees.”

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra was quoted in the release saying that “I’ve seen first-hand the critical role that telehealth plays in serving communities, particularly to protect so many families from COVID-19. As providers transitioned from providing in-person primary care to offering telehealth services, we were able to test, vaccinate, and act as lifelines to communities disproportionately hit by the pandemic. Increasing our investment and access to telehealth services remains critical. This investment is another step towards making telehealth available to all Americans.”

HHS plans to use funds to award an estimated 60 one-time grants to active Title X grantees. Applicants can begin the application process on Grants.gov. The deadline to apply is February 3, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. ET.  Notices of Awards will be announced prior to the project start date of May 1, 2022.