The Minnesota Rural Health Transformation Program released a new funding opportunity to support the development of rural clinical fellowship programs for advanced practice providers, behavioral health professionals and oral health professionals. The Rural Clinical Rotations Expansion Grant Program aims to strengthen the rural healthcare workforce through community-based, post-graduate training, mentorship and interdisciplinary learning experiences that prepare clinicians to practice in rural communities. Applications are due July 31, and an informational webinar will be held on July 1. Additional funding opportunities remain available for telehealth access points, tele-buprenorphine services, rural residency training programs and expanded rural clinical rotations. To learn more about these funding opportunities and how to apply, visit Rural Health Transformation Program Funding – MN Dept. of Health.

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

The Department of Health (MDH) released a new Request for Proposal (RFP) under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to support the development of a Statewide Tele-buprenorphine Access Line. The initiative is intended to expand access to treatment and care coordination services related to opioid use disorder through telehealth and virtual care models across the state, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Eligible applicants include hospitals and health systems, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), tribal and urban Indian health organizations, behavioral health providers, telehealth organizations, nonprofit community health providers and collaborative partnerships. Applications are due June 29. Additional details and all open grant opportunities are available through the MDH Grants and Loans: Open Grant Opportunities webpage.

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

The Department of Health's Office of Rural Health and Primary Care has released the following updates related to the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP):  

• A Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking one or more vendors to provide professional technical advisory services related to health information technology (HIT) purchases funded through the RHTP. The contract is intended to serve as a resource for RHTP subgrantees and prospective subgrantees by providing technical assistance and guidance on implementing RHTP-funded HIT tools to support Minnesota's five overarching RHTP goals. Responses are due by 4:30 pm on May 22. Interested entities must submit responses through the State of Minnesota's SWIFT Supplier Portal using SWIFT Event Number 2000018300. 

• Additional RHTP program updates, including guidance on how organizations can contact the Office for questions and technical assistance related to responding to RHTP proposals. 

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

The Department of Health’s (MDH) Office of Rural Health and Primary Care issued a Request for Proposals (RFPs): Health Information Technology Advisory Services for one or more vendors to provide professional technical advisory services related to a variety of health information technology purchases funded through its Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The vendor will play a critical role in advising MDH on appropriate health information technology (HIT) purchases on the part of RHTP subgrantees and how to create an effective monitoring program for oversight of these purchases. Subgrantees will include rural hospitals, rural clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers/community mental health centers, rural Tribal nations and potentially other local organizations that participate in patient care and/or support patients’ health-related social needs. Responses are due no later than 12:00 pm on April 20. 

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

The state’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) includes dedicated funding for Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs) and Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs), allocating 2% of the state’s ~$193 million award in Budget Period 1 across 16 eligible entities. These organizations can access formula-based, noncompetitive grants to support initiatives that expand access to behavioral health, strengthen workforce capacity and improve care coordination in rural communities. A specific Notice of Grant Opportunity (NOFO) has been issued for CCBHCs/CMHCs, with an informational webinar scheduled for April 1 (1:00 pm–2:00 pm). Additionally, applicants can request technical assistance through April 20. 

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