The Department of Health (TDH) released the first funding opportunity under the state's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The inaugural grant opportunity — Perinatal and Pediatric Behavioral Health Teleconsultation and Education — is open from May 15 through June 15 and will support technology-enabled behavioral health consultation and education services for women, infants and children in rural communities. 

Additional upcoming Tennessee RHTP funding opportunities include: 

• Healthy Active Rural Tennessee (HART): May 22 – June 22
  • Healthcare Resiliency Program (HRP): Maternal Child Health: May 29 – June 29
  • Chronic Disease Prevention: June 5 – July 6
  • HRP: Service Line and Co-Location: June 12 – July 13
  • Memory Care Assessment Network (MCAN): June 19 – July 20
  • Health Tech Innovation: June 26 – July 27
  • HRP: Make Rural Tennessee Healthy Again (MaRTHA): July 3 – August 3
  • County Health Council CARE Grants: July 10 – August 10 

The Department of Health has indicated that these initiatives will focus on expanding access to care, supporting local providers, strengthening healthcare resiliency, advancing technology-enabled care delivery and improving chronic disease outcomes in rural communities. Members interested in future opportunities are encouraged to monitor the Tennessee RHTP Partner Portal and sign up for state email notifications regarding future grant announcements and application materials. 

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