The Department of Health Services has opened applications for the Rural Technology Transformation grant program, which will invest an estimated $209 million over five years to support technology projects that expand access to care, improve provider efficiency and enhance health outcomes in rural communities. In addition, the Department of Workforce Development has launched the Workforce Innovation Grant: Healthcare Employment, Access and Rural Transformation (WIG: HEART) program, making up to $150 million over four years available to support innovative healthcare workforce initiatives. Applications for the first WIG: HEART funding round are due August 17 and can be found at the WIG: HEART grant webpage. 

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

The Department of Health Services (DHS) announced three new funding opportunities for the Rural Health Transformation Program. Grants will support innovative care coordination models, expansion and sustainability of community health worker programs and technology investments to improve efficiency and access in rural dental clinics. Application deadlines range from July 27 to August 21. To learn more about each of these grant funding opportunities and how to apply, visit DHS’s current grant funding opportunities webpage.

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

The Department of Health Services (DHS) was seeking feedback from healthcare organizations to inform development of a new statewide electronic health record (EHR) system under the Rural Health Transformation Program technology initiative. DHS was asking healthcare organizations to designate a representative to complete an interest survey by June 9. The survey was intended to gauge early interest and does not commit organizations to participate.

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

The Department of Health Services (DHS) is forming a Rural Health Advisory Council to provide strategic guidance and input as the state advances its rural health implementation efforts. The advisory council will help inform how the state sets rural health priorities, designs programs and incorporates real-world provider and community perspectives into implementation strategies. Applications are due February 27. Appointments will be made in early April. 

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