Children in Michigan who have epilepsy and are in rural or underserved areas will be getting some help through funding. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has received a $1.66 million grant from the federal government. MDHHS will then fund the states Michigan Pediatric Epilepsy Project with the hope of improving health outcomes for children with epilepsy. MDHHS Director, Robert Gordon said, “this new funding opportunity provides greater access to comprehensive services for children, youth and their families living with epilepsy.” The four-year grant will provide $416,000 annually to the program. Currently, in Michigan, 13,000 children up to 17 years old have active epilepsy, and approximately 25 percent of Michigan’s youth population resides in rural areas. Children in rural and underserved areas often have less access to pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists and coordinated care. MDHHS believes that by increasing access to care, the funding will help positively impact the overall health and well-being of children with epilepsy.