It’s sometimes seen that Providers that have already established HIT systems complain that all the ARRA money is headed towards just getting started with HIT and EMR. But HHS has stated a new grants program aimed at helping “beacon communities” build on HIT excellence and don leadership roles in health care communities.


According to U.S. health secretary Kathleen Sebelius, the new Beacon Community Program grants, totaling $235 million, will aid communities of healthcare providers get a handle on improving care through the meaningful use of IT.


If you are thinking these grants will be awarded to healthcare providers to start up healthcare IT technology initiatives, think again. Rather these grants will be awarded to communities that are already national leaders in their use of IT to advance healthcare quality, safety, efficiency, and population health.