The Center for Rural Health (CRH) aims to connect resources and knowledge to enhance the health of individuals in rural and tribal communities. As the federally designated State Office of Rural Health for North Dakota and a department within the University of North Dakota's School of Medicine & Health Sciences since 1980, its objective spans serving people locally, regionally, and nationally.
The R-COOL-Health Scrubs Camp Grant, offered by the CRH at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, is designed to raise awareness, interest, and understanding of health careers among rural students in grades 5-12 in North Dakota. Defining 'rural' as areas beyond a twenty-mile radius from Minot, Bismarck/Mandan, Grand Forks, and Fargo/West Fargo, the grant encourages partnerships among schools, healthcare facilities, and economic or job development authorities to amplify collaboration and highlight the economic impact of healthcare in these areas. With up to $25,000 available, funding supports the planning and implementation of Scrubs Camps, awarded on a tiered basis considering previous grants, with a maximum of $2,500 per award. The funding period is adapted to accommodate North Dakota's weather conditions, running from September 3, 2024, to April 30, 2025, with a grant application deadline of August 15, 2024.