Small and Rural Hospital Relief Program

The California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) is offering the Small and Rural Hospital Relief Program (SRHRP), a grant program funded by the state’s electronic cigarette excise tax. The program provides financial assistance and technical support to eligible small, rural, or Critical Access hospitals that need seismic retrofits to meet state safety standards. Grants are awarded on a rolling, “ongoing” basis, with projected annual funding of $2‑3 million. Applicants must submit a letter of intent, have an existing seismic compliance plan, and demonstrate project readiness. Funding can be used for seismic evaluations, design planning, or construction, and is delivered via advances and reimbursements. No matching funds are required. • Eligible applicants: nonprofit or public‑agency hospitals with < 50 licensed beds, designated as rural/frontier or Critical Access. • Funding source: California state excise tax on electronic cigarettes; total annual pool $2‑3 M. • Grant amount per award: variable (dependent on need and project scope). • Application: online portal; requires letter of intent and existing seismic compliance documentation. • Award process: ongoing, with awards announced as applications are reviewed. • Use of funds: seismic safety evaluations, design, construction, or related technical assistance.