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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.

North Dakota

The Department of Health and Human Services announced several upcoming Rural Health Transformation Funding Opportunity deadlines focused on workforce development, healthcare system transformation, behavioral health, prevention and community wellness initiatives. Members interested in these opportunities should review the applicable deadlines and eligibility requirements, as several applications are due throughout May 2026.

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

May 22, 2026|North Dakota|

Oregon

See the announcement below from the Oregon Health Authority related to the Request for Grant Proposals (RFGP) #6244: Catalyst Grants for the Rural Health Transformation Program. Submission deadline is May 26 at 3:00 PM PT. Please note: Proposals should not be submitted through OregonBuys. OregonBuys is being used for information sharing only. Smartsheet is the sole method for submission, and proposals submitted through any other method will not be accepted.

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

May 22, 2026|Oregon|

Tennessee

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.

May 22, 2026|Tennessee|

Arkansas

The THRIVE (Telehealth, Health‑Monitoring and Response Innovation for Vital Expansion) application portal is now officially open. The THRIVE initiative is a core component of the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program and is designed to strengthen rural healthcare delivery by expanding telehealth access, enhancing emergency response systems and implementing innovative technology-enabled solutions. All applications must be submitted through the online portal by 12:00 pm (CT) on June 12.

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

May 15, 2026|Arkansas|

California

California’s Rural Health Transformation Program (CalRHT) recently hosted its Spring Webinar to provide stakeholders with implementation updates and preparation guidance ahead of the upcoming Request for Application (RFA) release expected in July. Due to the large volume of questions received during the webinar, CalRHT distributed a supplemental webinar Q&A document with consolidated responses organized by topic. The program encouraged stakeholders to continue monitoring the CalRHT webpage for additional updates, resources and future webinar opportunities as the state moves closer to the RFA phase.

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

May 15, 2026|California|

Minnesota

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.

May 15, 2026|Minnesota|

Ohio

The Department of Health released a Request for Proposal (RFP) under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) focused on Community Health Worker (CHW) Training and Technical Assistance. The initiative is intended to strengthen and sustain the state’s rural CHW workforce by supporting training, skill-building and professional development opportunities that enhance CHWs’ ability to connect rural residents with critical health resources and services. The RFP (Solicitation ID: SRC0000038332) is currently open for bidding through June 15 at 3:00 pm ET. Interested organizations must submit both a technical proposal and a cost proposal through the OhioBuys Supplier Portal. Questions regarding the solicitation are due by June 8. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to register with OhioBuys as soon as possible to ensure access to the procurement system before the submission deadline.

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

May 15, 2026|Ohio|

Oregon

The state’s Catalyst Awards Request for Grant Proposals (RFGP) is now officially open with applications due May 26 at 3:00 pm PT. The competitive grant opportunity supports local organizations implementing transformative rural health projects across four initiatives: Healthy Communities & Prevention, Workforce Capacity & Resilience, Technology & Data Modernization and Regional Partnerships. Interested applicants can access the full solicitation on OregonBuys under solicitation number S-44300-00016498, with John Gardner serving as the Single Point of Contact. Oregon launched a vendor interest database where vendors interested in partnering with local entities can register through a vendor interest form, creating a publicly accessible directory for collaboration on Catalyst Award projects.

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

May 15, 2026|Oregon|

South Carolina

The Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) announced the release of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding opportunities. As previously outlined in Medicaid Bulletin # 26-009 issued on April 2, SCDHHS released four grant opportunities available through the state’s RHTP initiative. The newly released FAQs are intended to address common questions regarding the funding opportunities and application process. The FAQs, along with the funding opportunity applications, are available on the SCDHHS Rural Health Transformation Program webpage at SCDHHS Rural Health Transformation Program. Please review the materials for additional details on eligibility, application requirements and funding opportunities.

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

May 15, 2026|South Carolina|

Alaska

The department is reviewing nearly 1,800 Letters of Interest (LOI) received during the March 11 submission deadline and expects to notify applicants of their status by mid-May 2026. Project Implementation applicants selected to advance will have approximately three weeks to submit full applications through the Alaska Community Foundation portal beginning in mid-May, while Planning and Readiness applicants will be asked for additional project details to execute grant agreements.  

Session 2 registration is open for the interactive RHTP Impacts Webinar Series covering the six program initiatives, and the state anticipates opening Year 2 LOI submissions in late summer 2026.  To register for each of the six program initiatives webinars, please click "View +" to access the registration link for "Session 2". 

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

May 8, 2026|Alaska|

Arkansas

Arkansas has released a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) – Telehealth, Health-Monitoring, and Response Innovation for Vital Expansion (THRIVE) initiative. The program is designed to strengthen rural healthcare by expanding telehealth services and technology solutions that improve access to care, coordination and patient outcomes in underserved communities. 

 

Funding may support projects that: 

  • Expand telehealth infrastructure and services 
  • Improve healthcare access and efficiency through technology 
  • Strengthen digital health capabilities in rural areas 
  • Support innovative care delivery models 
  • Equip EMS providers with telehealth-enabled tools to improve patient assessment and care coordination 

Key Details 

  • Application Period: May 11 – June 12 
  • Eligible Applicants: Rural hospitals, clinics, EMS providers, behavioral health providers, Clinically Integrated Networks (CINs) and nonprofit or public entities serving rural Arkansas 
  • Available Funding: $55.65 million 

 

Additional information and application materials are available at: Arkansas Rural Health Transformation Program. 

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

May 8, 2026|Arkansas|

Colorado

The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing has scheduled two upcoming webinars for RHTP stakeholders. An Allowable/Non-Allowable Expenses webinar will be held on May 19 from 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm, covering essential budget-planning information for RHTP applicants, with a 30-minute presentation followed by Q&A. A second webinar on How to Prepare for this Grant is scheduled for May 26 from 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm, designed to help stakeholders prepare for the Request for Application (RFA) release. 

The state published key planning documents, including an Eligible Rural Health Providers and Partners list updated in April 2026, and maintains a Vendor Interest Form for potential partners. Future webinar topics on vendor partnerships and RFA completion are planned with dates to be announced. 

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

May 8, 2026|Colorado|

Idaho

The Department of Health and Welfare is preparing to launch competitive funding opportunities as part of its $185.9 million RHTP award. According to updated program milestones, Request for Proposals (RFPs) and competitive subgrant solicitations will begin during the May-June timeframe, with contracts and subgrants expected to be executed between July and September. All Year 1 funds must be obligated by October 30.

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

May 8, 2026|Idaho|

Michigan

The state is currently in pre-implementation planning and will soon release a Grant Funding Opportunity (GFO) to support rural health initiatives, though specific timelines and eligibility requirements have not yet been published. 

Michigan is establishing both a Cross-Departmental Coordination Team and an RHT Advisory Council during the planning period to guide program development and stakeholder engagement. Interested parties can subscribe to the RHT listserv to receive immediate notifications when the GFO is released, along with application materials and technical assistance resources. The program specifically identifies pharmacists as part of the broader healthcare workforce development strategy to serve rural community needs. 

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

May 8, 2026|Michigan|

Minnesota

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.

May 8, 2026|Minnesota|

Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Chronic Disease Management Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will support providers, community-based organizations and other entities in implementing or expanding evidence-based chronic disease management programs across rural Oklahoma. The initiative builds on prior successful community-focused efforts and is specifically targeted toward programs addressing cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes and stroke due to their significant impact on the state's rural population. Please read the NOFO and attachments thoroughly for all application information. Deadline to apply is 11:59 pm CT on June 8. 

  • Attachment E: Allowable and Unallowable Cost Summary (pdf) 

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

May 8, 2026|Oklahoma|

Oregon

Oregon has launched the Catalyst Awards Request for Grant Proposals (RFGP) with applications due May 26 at 3:00 pm PT. This competitive funding opportunity supports local organizations implementing transformative rural health projects across four key initiatives: Healthy Communities & Prevention, Workforce Capacity & Resilience, Technology & Data Modernization, and Regional Partnerships. John Gardner is serving as the single point of contact for questions. Organizations can access informational webinar recordings and presentation materials to learn more about application requirements; scroll down and click on "Past Webinars & Materials". 

Vendors interested in partnering with local entities applying for RHTP funding can complete a vendor interest form to be included in a publicly accessible directory for potential collaboration opportunities. The state has also established a database of interested vendors to help facilitate partnerships between vendors and grant applicants preparing proposals for the RFGP process. 

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

May 8, 2026|Oregon|

California

The state recently held its Rural Health Transformation Program Spring Webinar on April 21 with the recording and presentation materials now available online. Additional listening sessions and webinars are planned with dates and details coming soon. Stakeholders can subscribe to the Rural Health email listserv under the Healthcare Workforce category to receive updates on upcoming engagement opportunities and program developments.

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

May 1, 2026|California|

Georgia

The Department of Community Health (DCH) is establishing the GREAT Health Advisory Council (up to 20 members) to guide RHTP implementation by providing strategic input, rural expertise and oversight of program progress, data and performance over a five-year period. The DCH is seeking healthcare professionals with rural expertise across multiple disciplines (e.g., policy, data, value-based care, public health, innovation); applicants will be regionally representative—the deadline to apply is May 1.

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

May 1, 2026|Georgia|

Missouri

The Department of Social Services requested that all community (Class A) and hospital (Class B) pharmacies submit a single MO Rural Health Transformation Digital Readiness Survey to support RHTP implementation and future digital infrastructure investments. Survey results will establish a baseline of pharmacy digital capabilities and directly inform state priorities for interoperability, technology funding and technical support across rural providers. The deadline was April 30.

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

May 1, 2026|Missouri|

Montana

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is now accepting proposals for the state‘s Rural Health Center of Excellence (CoE) initiative, with two distinct procurement opportunities available. The first seeks proposals to establish the CoE, while the second targets implementation support for facilities that adopt CoE recommendations. Organizations can find procurement details online. The CoE will provide county- and facility-level recommendations to help rural providers achieve financial sustainability through data-driven strategies, with voluntary performance payments available to facilities that achieve measurable improvements in care quality and access.

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

May 1, 2026|Montana|

North Dakota

The Department of Health and Human Services launched its first Rural Health Transformation Program funding opportunity focused on strengthening the rural health care workforce in March 2026. 

North Dakota continues to host community meetings with state lawmakers as part of ongoing stakeholder engagement efforts. Interested parties can sign up for program updates through the state's notification system.  

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

May 1, 2026|North Dakota|

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has launched its first Rural Health Transformation Plan (RHTP) funding opportunity, making $25 million available to strengthen access to rural health care and improve community well-being. The funding will support projects across six priority areas: Aging and Access, Behavioral Health, Emergency Medical Services and Transportation, Maternal Health, Technology and Infrastructure, and Workforce. Eligible rural hospitals, health care providers and facilities may apply for up to $1 million per entity to support supplies, equipment, renovations or infrastructure improvements. This initial round represents the first of several anticipated funding opportunities as the state continues to implement its broader rural health transformation strategy. Applications will be accepted from May 1 through June 1 or until the funding cap is reached—whichever comes first.

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

May 1, 2026|Pennsylvania|

Rhode Island

Rhode Island formally received approval from CMS on the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The Executive Officer of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and other state agencies will soon begin accepting applications for grant funding as described in the grant narrative document. You will see descriptions of 13 Initiatives and multiple projects in which they are seeking community partners to help strengthen the state's rural health care and social service systems. 

The Rhode Island Division of Purchases invites you to attend virtual training for those interested in RHTP funding. The session will be held on May 6 from 9:00 am–10:00 am. To attend, you must register online.  

This training will provide an overview of the application process and key steps to participating in RHTP funding opportunities, including: 

  • Registering in the Ocean State Procures System  
  • Identifying vendor and funding opportunities  
  • Understanding application requirements and next steps  

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

May 1, 2026|Rhode Island|
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