Crisis to Care: Establish or Expand Community Paramedicine Program

Summary

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Community Paramedicine RFA provides up to $20 million in competitive awards for Kentucky EMS agencies to establish or expand community paramedicine services in rural areas. This program funds workforce expansion, technology implementation, and the development of partnerships (highlighting integration with behavioral health and community mental health centers). Supported activities include mobile crisis response, preventative and chronic care outreach, care continuity, and the strengthening of EMS as a connector to the broader healthcare system. All funding is federally supplied via CMS/HHS, with a focus on agencies that demonstrate readiness, high rural impact, and sustainable, credentialed models of care coordinated under Kentucky Board of EMS (KBEMS) standards. Grants are intended for KBEMS-licensed, public or nonprofit agencies launching or scaling evidence-based, community-driven EMS care that addresses local needs and sustained system capacity.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are public or nonprofit EMS agencies licensed in good standing by the Kentucky Board of EMS (KBEMS) as Class Ia or Class Ib providers. Eligible agencies must provide 911 advanced life support (ALS) services within Kentucky. Priority is given to those serving rural areas as defined by HRSA, and agencies with demonstrated partnerships or readiness to engage with behavioral health organizations (including CMHCs).

Requirements Checklist

• Applicants must submit a completed application packet (Attachment A, up to 25 pages), including organizational, service, staffing, and partnership details; a program narrative covering community needs, service plans, partnerships (including behavioral health coordination), milestones, evaluation, and sustainability strategies; an itemized FY27 budget using Attachment B; current agency KBEMS licensure; and letters of support (e.g., from a medical director or partners demonstrating readiness and intent). Required attestations must confirm intent to comply with RFA, regulatory, and program requirements. Applications are submitted via email and assessed on completeness, program readiness, rural reach, sustainability, timeline, and budget justification. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.