The state’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) continues advancing stakeholder engagement through its “Impacts Series” webinars and regional planning meetings focused on strengthening rural healthcare systems through collaboration and innovation. Recent discussions centered on healthcare access, workforce development, healthy communities, technology innovation and maternal and child health priorities, while regional meetings in Seward, Kenai and Fairbanks brought together stakeholders to identify local rural health needs and implementation opportunities. Additional regional meetings are planned for June 4 in the Mat-Su Valley and September 22 in Anchorage. A link to webinar recordings and presentation materials is available on the Alaska RHTP website.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jermaine Smith at 703–837–4388.

The department is reviewing nearly 1,800 Letters of Interest (LOI) received during the March 11 submission deadline and expects to notify applicants of their status by mid-May 2026. Project Implementation applicants selected to advance will have approximately three weeks to submit full applications through the Alaska Community Foundation portal beginning in mid-May, while Planning and Readiness applicants will be asked for additional project details to execute grant agreements.  

Session 2 registration is open for the interactive RHTP Impacts Webinar Series covering the six program initiatives, and the state anticipates opening Year 2 LOI submissions in late summer 2026.  To register for each of the six program initiatives webinars, please click "View +" to access the registration link for "Session 2". 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jermaine Smith at 703–837–4388.

The Department of Health launched its RHTP Impacts Learning Collaborative Webinar Series, a structured engagement initiative covering six key program areas. The first Letter of Interest (LOI) registration period closed on March 11 with nearly 1,800 submissions now entering review by the Alaska Community Foundation. Organizations that submitted LOIs will receive notifications as submissions are processed, with additional LOI opportunities to be announced throughout the program’s lifecycle. The department posted information about the RHTP Advisory Council, including its charter document detailing the Council’s purpose, structure and stakeholder guidance role for program implementation.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jermaine Smith at 703–837–4388.

The state launched its RHTP Impacts Learning Collaborative Webinar Series, a structured engagement initiative under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) designed to support implementation across six key program areas. Each initiative includes a six-part webinar series that brings stakeholders together to share best practices, address priority challenges and develop actionable solutions through a phased approach from vision-setting to project design and next steps. With registration now open, this effort signals the state’s continued focus on stakeholder engagement and collaborative program development, creating opportunities for providers, including pharmacies, to help shape and implement RHTP initiatives. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jermaine Smith at 703–837–4388.

New Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) have been posted to the Alaska Department of Health Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) webpage. Please also refer to the Letter of Interest Applicant Resource Guide, Office Hours webinar recordings and other resources on the webpage.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jermaine Smith at 703–837–4388.

The state's first Letter of Interest (LOI) period for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) opened February 17 and closes March 11. Community organizations must submit an LOI through the Alaska Community Foundation's online portal, which the Department of Health is using to administer the subrecipient application and award process. 

The LOI is a required first step for this initial funding opportunity and is intended to help the Department assess project concepts, organizational readiness and appropriate funding pathways. All applicants will use the same LOI portal. Additional LOI periods are planned, creating future opportunities to pursue RHTP funding. Sign up for RHTP updates. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jermaine Smith at 703–837–4388.

Alaska: RHTP Funding Application Webinar Recap: This session focused on the state’s approach to implementing the RHTP Funding Application Process. The Alaska RHTP Funding Application Process Recap provides a thorough review of the webinar.

Some Key Highlights from the Webinar include:

• Alaska Community Foundation will administer grants to community partners
• The portal for Registration & Letter of Interest (LOI) will be open February 17 – March 11

• Registration Questions include:
  • Project title
  • Organizational contact information
  • Organization’s total operating budget
  • Organization’s Service Area (from drop-down list)
  • Organization Type (from drop-down list)
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
• LOI Components include:
  • The problem or opportunity you hope to address
  • Alignment to the Alaska RHTP Initiatives
  • Sense of readiness, timing and resources needed
  • Potential partner

Webinar Resources

• 021026-rhtp-funding-application-process-slide-deck.pdf
• Q&A: RHTP Funding Application Process (February 10, 2026)
• Alaska Funding Application Process Webinar 2-10-2026
• RHTP Funding Application Process Recap

For more information on Alaska’s RHTP, please visit:

Rural Health Transformation Program | State of Alaska | Department of Health

or email the following:

Program Questions: RHTP@alaska.gov

Portal Questions: RHTP@alaskacf.org

NACDS has launched a biweekly Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Workgroup Meeting Series to support member engagement and strategic participation as states advance program implementation.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jermaine Smith at 703–837–4388.