The purpose of this grant is to provide funds to assist the Appalachian District Health Department, in partnership with Alleghany Memorial Hospital, to expand primary care access and reduce use of the emergency room for non-emergency visits by securing additional personnel for both the Alleghany Health Department and Alleghany Memorial Hospital. Alleghany County is federally classified as a Health Professional Shortage Area and its aging population and poverty level place significant strain on the existing health care delivery system.