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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.

Washington

Washington is recruiting members for its Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Committee, with applications due Friday, April 24. The committee will help prioritize projects and make policy recommendations for the state's $181 million program. Healthcare and public health professionals are encouraged to apply. 

The state scheduled an April 14 webinar from 10:00 – 10:45 am covering program background, current work and next steps including future Request for Proposal (RFP) opportunities. The session will be particularly relevant for contractors and businesses, as the state plans to hold several RFPs this year and will explain how to register and bid through Washington's Electronic Business Solution. The state is also actively hiring for RHT Program positions listed on GovermentJobs.com. 

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

April 3, 2026|Washington|

Alaska

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.

March 27, 2026|Alaska|

Idaho

The Department of Health & Welfare updated its "Program Milestones" indicating that the following will occur during the April to June timeframe. Please check the Rural Health Transformation Program Grant website for updates.   

  • Posting of Requests for Proposals (RFPs)  
  • Competitive subgrant solicitations begin  

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

March 27, 2026|Idaho|

Minnesota

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.

March 27, 2026|Minnesota|

Montana

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) posted the following resources on its RHTP website:  March 11, 2026 Vendor Webinar Video Recording and PowerPoint Presentation. 

In addition to the live webinar, a centralized website page has been created with resources to help vendors effectively navigate the registration process and understand next steps. The resources include a vendor checklist, direct links to helpful videos and a Frequently Asked Questions document.  

If you have not already done so, please subscribe to receive updates. Go to the RHTP website, see "Stay Engaged" in the upper right corner.  

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

March 27, 2026|Montana|

New Hampshire

The state entered the implementation phase of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) with approval of approximately $130 million in initial funding, part of a broader ~$200 million annually through 2030, with a significant portion of funds being directed to regional hub organizations responsible for distributing resources across the state. These hubs include the Foundation for Healthy Communities, New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority, University System of New Hampshire and the Community College System of New Hampshire, with an additional Community Behavioral Healthcare hub expected. Each hub will oversee targeted investments, including primary care access, technology adoption, workforce development and capital infrastructure projects. This hub-based funding model centralizes decision-making and positions these organizations as key gatekeepers for downstream funding, creating strategic entry points for stakeholders, including pharmacies, to engage as partners in care delivery, workforce initiatives and community-based health programs as funds are deployed. 

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

March 27, 2026|New Hampshire|

Oregon

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) posted the recording and materials from the February 24 Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) webinar. Please note that both webinars on February 24 had the same information shared. These materials are also available on the RHTP webpage under "Past Webinars & Materials."      

Informational Webinar 2 – February 24 webinar recording and materials:  

  • Session 1: Recording (11am – 12pm PST)    
  • Session 2: Recording (12pm – 1pm PST)    

As a reminder, all eligible organizations, including prior survey respondents, must complete a grant proposal for application this spring for projects to be considered for funding. OHA will be hosting office hours to help support interested applicants through the Request for Grant Proposal (RFGP) process.   
 
OHA is also preparing updated FAQs based on submitted questions and anticipate sharing them on the RHTP webpage. Updates will also be shared through a newsletter. (You may sign up here.)   

If you have questions, please contact RHTP@oha.oregon.gov.  

Also in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has posted a vendor interest form. Vendors interested in partnering with local entities through the upcoming Request for Grant Proposals (RFGP) process are invited to complete the Vendor Interest Form.  

OHA invites vendors who are interested in partnering with local organizations applying for RHTP funding to add their information to the vendor interest list. This form will be used to develop a publicly accessible directory of vendors who are open to collaboration on Catalyst Award projects. Local organizations may use this directory to identify potential partners as they prepare proposals and implement funded activities.  

If you would like to be included, please complete the form.   

For questions, please contact RHTP@oha.oregon.gov.  

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

March 27, 2026|Oregon|

South Dakota

The Department of Health created an RHT Resources & FAQs webpage to help interested parties navigate the Rural Health Transformation funding opportunities, including application resources, FAQs and a recorded webinar to guide applicants through the process.  

Please note the link to "View South Dakota Funding Opportunities" at the top of the webpage. There are currently funding opportunities listed for chronic disease management, community health worker workforce, and many others.

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

March 27, 2026|South Dakota|

Missouri

The Rural Health Transformation Team released a survey to help design the Rural Health Transformation Program’s multicounty Hub structure. Regional Hubs, which will comprise about three to five counties each, will coordinate clinical and nonclinical services among hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, EMS and community-based organizations. To ensure these Hubs align with how communities naturally collaborate across county lines, the Department of Social Services gathered perspectives through the short survey. Responses were due by March 12.

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

March 13, 2026|Missouri|

Montana

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Department of Administration (DOA) hosted a live Zoom webinar on March 11 for vendors interested in upcoming Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the RHTP. The webinar aimed to ensure a transparent and efficient funding process. During the webinar, state officials detailed the five core RHTP initiatives and anticipated procurements, followed by a Q&A session. 

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

March 13, 2026|Montana|

Nebraska

The Department of Health and Human Services posted the Request for Applications (RFA) for three grant opportunities under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) in the state. These include the following: 

RHTP-1.2 Make Rural Nebraska Healthy Again Through Food as Medicine aims to assess the landscape of food cooperatives and food pantries that procure locally grown items used in school nutrition programs and identify readiness for partnerships with schools by strengthening regional and local food aggregation hubs through the development of procurement tools for producers. Eligible applicants include producers (farmers and ranchers), food cooperatives, non-profit entities, and food pantries interested in partnering with schools. Applications are due April 8.  

RHTP-3.3 Rural Health Care Workforce Incentive and Sustainability Model aims to strengthen Nebraska's health care workforce by supporting the development and expansion of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) third-party partners focused on health care career pathways. Eligible entities include local governments, Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit or for-profit entities. Applications are due June 1.  

RHTP-4.4A Chronic Disease Management Navigation and Education Initiative aims to connect people in need with resources to promote healthy living and strengthen coordination among patients and health systems. Eligible applicants include rural clinics, federally qualified health centers, certified community behavioral health clinics, local health departments, critical access hospitals, rural emergency hospitals, rural hospitals, tribal health facilities, and more. Applications are due by March 17.  

To learn more, visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Rural-Health-Transformation.aspx.  

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

March 13, 2026|Nebraska|

North Carolina

The Department of Health and Human Services is accepting applications from qualified organizations to serve as ROOTS Hub Leads for the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program. ROOTS Hubs are regional, locally governed networks that coordinate care and implement initiatives to improve rural health across primary care, behavioral health, workforce development, value‑based payment and digital health. Up to six organizations will be selected to represent the six North Carolina Medicaid regions. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to serve as the regional programmatic and fiduciary lead. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the Request for Applicants documents for eligibility criteria and additional details as well as the ROOTS Hub Leads RFA webinar. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on April 2. 

The NC Rural Health Transformation Program (NCRHTP) Frequently Asked Questions, details related to the NC ROOTS Hub Lead Request for Applications (RFA), and additional NCRHTP resources are available on the Rural Health Transformation Program webpage. Please continue to check this page for upcoming information, updates and resources. 

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

March 13, 2026|North Carolina|

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has secured over $193 million in first-year funding to support implementation of the state’s Rural Health Transformation Plan. Stakeholders are encouraged to sign up for the RHTP ListServ to receive program updates and announcements. For questions regarding the program, inquiries can be submitted through the RHTP Inquiry Form.

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

March 13, 2026|Pennsylvania|

Vermont

The Vermont Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) has launched its Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) webpage, where stakeholders can access active funding opportunities and procurement announcements. Click here to view the current requests. Please note you must subscribe to the listserv to access the information.

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

March 13, 2026|Vermont|

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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