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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.

Texas

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is accepting applications for the "Next Generation of the Small Town Doctor and Team," which focuses on strengthening rural workforce pipelines through recruitment, training and retention strategies. Applicants should review Section II (Scope of Grant) for full eligibility and requirements.  

The application deadline is May 27.  

The HHSC opened applications for Initiative 1, Part 1—"Make Rural Texans Healthy Again"—under the state's Rural Texas Strong program, part of the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). This funding opportunity, which began accepting applications on April 22, is structured as a non-competitive direct award for eligible local governments. Specifically, rural hospital districts with publicly owned and operated hospitals in their jurisdiction may participate and will be contacted directly with instructions to submit an enrollment application. The enrollment deadline is May 22 at 10:30 am CT. 

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

May 1, 2026|Texas|

California

The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) invites you to its Spring 2026 California Rural Health Transformation (CalRHT) webinar on April 21 as it launches the state's newly approved CalRHT Program. This session will: 

  • Outline the state's CMS-approved CalRHT program and its vision for a connected, resilient rural health system. 
  • Describe CalRHT's goal to establish, support and fund partnerships across rural California. 
  • Provide an overview of CalRHT's 2026 initiatives. 
  • Highlight key milestones, grant timelines and early engagement opportunities. 

Register Now! If you have any questions, please contact CalRHT@hcai.ca.gov.  

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

April 10, 2026|California|

Nebraska

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will open applications for the Nebraska Rural Health Workforce Incentive Program on April 15. This program will provide financial incentives to support health care professionals in relocating to, or continuing to serve in, rural Nebraska counties—defined by the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) as all counties except Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy—to strengthen recruitment, retention and the expansion of clinical services in rural communities. 

DHHS will host two virtual informational sessions to provide information on provider eligibility requirements, employer and provider commitments, eligible provider types, Medicaid and cost-sharing requirements and program timelines. Please use the links below to register in advance. 

For questions about this program, please contact the DHHS Office of Rural Health at 402-471-2337 or dhhs.ruralhealth@nebraska.gov. 

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

April 10, 2026|Nebraska|

North Carolina

The Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced Maggie Woods as the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Director to lead the state's effort in transforming health care and access for more than 3.5 million rural North Carolinians.  

Also in North Carolina, the NCDHHS presented before the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services Meeting on April 7, outlining plans for the $213 million from the Rural Health Care Transformation Grants from the federal government.  

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

April 10, 2026|North Carolina|

Pennsylvania

The Department of Human Services hosted a Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) webinar on March 31. The key message conveyed confirmed that RHTP programs will be developed on a regional basis by Rural Health Collaboratives (RCCs) and their advisory councils. 

Next Steps: 

Submit a nomination to be a part of the RHTP Rural Care Collaboratives (RCCs) or the Advisory Council by April 10 at 5:00 pm. 

Stay informed!  

  • Be on the lookout for specific Year 1 funding opportunities by keeping up with ListServ communication and checking the our events page. 
  • Become familiar with PA's Plan to understand how your project or expertise aligns with our initiatives and intended outcomes 
  • Prepare for your funding submission by spending time on the CMS RHTP website to understand how the funds can and cannot be used for this cooperative agreement  

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

April 10, 2026|Pennsylvania|

South Carolina

The Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) published funding opportunities available through the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The opportunities are available through grants offered under four of the state’s RHTP initiatives: Connections to Care, Wellness Within Reach, Leveling up and Shoring Up to Sustainability. These initiatives are part of the state’s bold strategy to modernize rural healthcare infrastructure and build a resilient, sustainable healthcare system that will ensure lasting access to quality health care for the one-in-three South Carolinians who live in a rural area. 
 
Eligible applicants include healthcare providers, community-based organizations, non-profit organizations, local government and public health entities and other entities committed to improving rural health care delivery. Funding will be provided as one-time infrastructure and capacity-building grants. Each grant opportunity will outline initiative-specific goals, expected outcomes and allowable uses of funds using standardized evaluation criteria established by SCDHHS and aligned with RHTP goals and guidelines.  
 
Applications for these grants are now available on the RHTP Grant Opportunities webpage. The deadline for applications to be submitted for each of these grants is June 1. Applications can be submitted through email to grants@scdhhs.gov. 

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

April 10, 2026|South Carolina|

Utah

The state legislature recently finalized appropriations for the state’s year 1 RHTP Award funds to several executive branch agencies. As a result, the Utah RHTP Funding Opportunities website has been updated. The Utah RHTP will partner with organizations to help implement the state’s approved initiatives and activities outlined in its Year 1 application. Please visit the funding opportunities website to explore currently available funding opportunities. RHTP contact list members will be notified of new opportunities as they become available. If you would like to join the contact list for updates, email ruralht@utah.gov. For specific questions related to open funding opportunities below, we recommend reaching out to the point of contact whose email address will be listed in the “Agency” column of the table.

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

April 10, 2026|Utah|

Vermont

The Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) posted an award notice this week for a $195 million Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Fund Grant, which among other initiatives may be used to support pharmacy test and treat services. According to DVHA, the grant of $195 million in year one of a five-year opportunity will allow DHA to “invest funds targeted at expanding pharmacists’ scope and capacity to include test-to-treat in more scenarios. By leveraging pharmacists as accessible, community-based providers, this investment would enhance primary care capacity, reduce unnecessary emergency visits and strengthen Vermont’s integrated rural health care delivery system.”

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

April 10, 2026|Vermont|

Alaska

The Department of Health launched its RHTP Impacts Learning Collaborative Webinar Series, a structured engagement initiative covering six key program areas. The first Letter of Interest (LOI) registration period closed on March 11 with nearly 1,800 submissions now entering review by the Alaska Community Foundation. Organizations that submitted LOIs will receive notifications as submissions are processed, with additional LOI opportunities to be announced throughout the program’s lifecycle. The department posted information about the RHTP Advisory Council, including its charter document detailing the Council’s purpose, structure and stakeholder guidance role for program implementation.

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

April 3, 2026|Alaska|

Arizona

Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) announced the launch of the official Arizona Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) website, a central hub for the state’s historic $167 million annual investment to expand and strengthen healthcare across rural Arizona. The new website provides transparent, up-to-date information on the program’s four investment areas – rural health workforce development, priority health initiatives, expanding access to care and strengthening rural health systems – and serves as the primary portal for upcoming grant opportunities beginning Spring 2026. 

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

April 3, 2026|Arizona|

Colorado

The Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Committee met on April 2. The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing is developing Request for Application (RFA) materials and continuing to assemble RHTP committees, with details on committee structure, membership and meeting schedules to be shared as they become available. 

Colorado received just over $200 million in first-year RHTP funding. The state's permissible uses include consumer tech solutions for significant IT advances designed to improve efficiency and cybersecurity, as well as workforce development initiatives requiring minimum five-year rural service commitments. The department has published eligible rural health providers and partners documentation and maintains a newsletter subscription for ongoing program updates. 

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

April 3, 2026|Colorado|

Connecticut

Prospective vendors and partners interested in subrecipient funding opportunities are advised to monitor the Department of Social Services Rural Health Program webpage regularly along with standard state procurement channels, as funding will be restricted to federally approved projects outlined in the state's application. The Department of Social Services continues to provide stakeholder engagement opportunities throughout implementation and encourages feedback through RHTP-Questions@ct.gov. 

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

April 3, 2026|Connecticut|

Minnesota

The Department of Health’s (MDH) Office of Rural Health and Primary Care issued a Request for Proposals (RFPs): Health Information Technology Advisory Services for one or more vendors to provide professional technical advisory services related to a variety of health information technology purchases funded through its Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The vendor will play a critical role in advising MDH on appropriate health information technology (HIT) purchases on the part of RHTP subgrantees and how to create an effective monitoring program for oversight of these purchases. Subgrantees will include rural hospitals, rural clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers/community mental health centers, rural Tribal nations and potentially other local organizations that participate in patient care and/or support patients’ health-related social needs. Responses are due no later than 12:00 pm on April 20. 

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

April 3, 2026|Minnesota|

Montana

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is seeking proposals for two distinct components of the state’s Rural Health Center of Excellence (CoE), as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The first request is for proposals to create the CoE; the second is for proposals to support facilities in implementing CoE recommendations. Interested organizations can find the procurement details on the Department of Administration website.

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

April 3, 2026|Montana|

Nebraska

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is seeking applicants for an Ancillary Healthcare provider member on each of the six newly established Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Health Care Advisory Regions (HCARs) in the state.  

Also in Nebraska, the DHHS aims to open Requests for Applications (RFAs) throughout the year, starting in March, with funding awards expected to begin in Spring 2026. Multiple RFAs are currently open with upcoming deadlines, including Regional Food Pantry Development (due April 8), Nebraska Kids Fitness & Nutrition (due April 3) and Rural Health Care Workforce Incentive & Sustainability with multiple deadline options (April 1, May 1 and June 1). 

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

April 3, 2026|Nebraska|

Oregon

Oregon received its RHTP award of $197.3 million and has made the March 25 webinar recording and slide materials available to the public. The state is preparing updated FAQs based on questions submitted during and after the webinar, with updates to be shared through their newsletter and webpage. According to the timeline, Oregon will begin releasing Request for Grant Proposals (RFGP) for approved RHTP initiatives during spring 2026, with response deadlines in early summer 2026.  

Vendors interested in partnering with local entities can complete the Vendor Interest Form to be included in a publicly accessible directory for potential collaboration on Catalyst Award projects. Oregon's funding distribution includes three pathways: Catalyst Awards through competitive RFGPs across four initiatives, direct Immediate Impact Awards and Regional Sustainability Awards for rural health network development. Pharmacy-relevant opportunities may be available through the Technology & Data Modernization initiative and workforce development programs that include clinical support staff training. 

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

April 3, 2026|Oregon|

Vermont

The state established a listserv for program updates and maintains a dedicated page for active Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs). The program application materials, including narrative, summary and activity details, are available for public review on the state’s website. Interested stakeholders can submit questions via the program contact form or by emailing ahs.rht@vermont.gov for additional information.

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

April 3, 2026|Vermont|

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|
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