BUFFALO, N.Y. — The University at Buffalo and Alfred State College secured a $250,000 SUNY High Needs Nursing grant that will help address health care disparities people face in rural communities.

According to the CDC, people who live in rural areas are at a heightened risk of high blood pressure, obesity and smoking. That population is made up of about 46 million Americans, 19% of which are 65 or older.

What You Need To Know

  • The schools received $250,000 to collaborate on activities and training

  • The goal is to build a network of health care professionals in rural areas

  • There is no limit to how many students can participate in the program

“It’s so important that we are encouraging more people to get into this profession because people are living longer,” said Jasmine Silvagnoli, a future adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner. “We need more people to take care of these people.”

This grant will allow UB and Alfred State to form a joint program that will coordinate activities, workshops and training exercises between campuses.

Expanding the program from UB to Alfred State will bring this education straight to the rural areas, where program coordinators home students will plant roots and build a network of healthcare providers after graduation.