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Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)

NACDS is offering optional, one-on-one, state-specific support sessions to assist chain members with their Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) efforts. Sessions are available every Wednesday, with four 30-minute time slots focused on state-level RHTP pharmacy engagement opportunities.
Interested chain members may schedule a session.

Schedule a Session

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

Alaska

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.

February 20, 2026|Alaska|

Michigan

The state announced that Grant Funding Opportunities (GFOs) will be released soon to support its Rural Health Transformation (RHT) efforts. Details regarding eligibility, timelines and application requirements will be shared once the GFOs are officially published. To receive updates as soon as the RHT GFOs are released, stakeholders are encouraged to sign up for the RHT listserv.

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

February 20, 2026|Michigan|

Wisconsin

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.

February 20, 2026|Wisconsin|

Ohio

The Senate Health Committee met on February 18 and heard proponent testimony on SB 230, legislation that would allow pharmacists to test and treat patients with common illnesses. NACDS attended the hearing, submitted written testimony and helped coordinate testimony with members and in-state partners. The bill is necessary for the state to move forward with the pharmacy initiatives in its Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) plan. We expect the bill to advance this spring. Senate Health Committee Chair Steve Huffman (R) recently authored a Columbus Dispatch column highlighting the importance of passing legislation related to the RHTP.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

February 20, 2026|Ohio, RH|

Alaska

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

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.

February 12, 2026|Alaska|

Rural Health Update

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. 

These regional calls are designed to inform NACDS' engagement in priority states, share emerging state-specific developments and identify participation opportunities for pharmacies. Initial meetings were held the week of February 2–6. Meeting materials from each session are available here: Eastern, Central and Western regions. 

Members interested in participating in these workgroup meetings can sign up here. 

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

February 6, 2026|Rural Health Update|

Rural Health Update

Rural Health Transformation Program implementation is advancing, and NACDS review shows 36 states directly include pharmacists/pharmacies in their plans, with five more outlining strategies applicable to pharmacy providers. Fourteen states (AR, DE, ME, MI, MO, NH, ND, OH, OR, RI, TN, UT, VT, WY) are also advancing test-and-treat legislation, signaling expanded roles for pharmacists in clinical care. While momentum is significant, coordinated engagement remains essential to influence care models, reimbursement and policies as states finalize implementation. NACDS created a members-only state-by-state resource, entitled "Rural Health Transformation Program State Funds Tracker". 

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

January 30, 2026|Rural Health Update|

Rural Health Update

NACDS would like to highlight an important requirement regarding the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) state funding process. If a state does not receive the actual amount requested in its RHTP application, it must submit a revised budget that reflects its actual award amount by January 30. CMS will have 30 days to review and approve the state's revised budget.  

Members can confirm whether a location qualifies as "rural" under the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA's) definition by using the HRSA Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer. The tool allows users to enter an address or select a state/county to determine rural eligibility status for HRSA rural health grants. 

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

January 15, 2026|Rural Health Update|
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