​​​​​​This project will produce recommendations for the future of the Flex Program, given challenges posed by COVID-19. COVID-19 has exposed the cracks in the foundation of America’s rural health system, including increased risk of hospital closures, loss of services and access, low investment in public health, and maldistribution of health professionals. As a result, Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) are at increasing risk of closure despite the support provided by the Flex Program. Given these challenges, the Flex Monitoring Team will explore new opportunities for the Flex Program to support CAHs, rural EMS, rural systems of care, and rural communities.