Michigan Rural Health Partnerships Healthy Aging - 2026

Summary

Synopsis As part of RHTP’s Care Closer to Home Blueprint Initiative, the Promoting Healthy Aging in Rural Communities Blueprint aims to transform access to care in rural communities by creating sustainable, community-based pathways that bring health services closer to where people live and work. By connecting partners across health and social sectors, the initiative reimagine care delivery, improve transportation access, and simplify access to primary and behavioral health. Through innovative approaches to chronic disease management, maternal and child health, and behavioral health, it seeks to improve outcomes while making care more efficient, coordinated, and person-centered. This funding opportunity will help rural residents age in place and access health care in their communities, while reducing costly visits to higher acuity settings and emergency departments.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are Michigan-based rural health clinics, rural hospitals, federally qualified health centers, public and private nonprofit organizations, local governments, tribal governments, and collaborations or partnerships serving rural communities within Michigan.

Requirements Checklist

• Applications must include: 1) a completed application form, 2) project narrative describing the targeted rural communities and proposed Healthy Aging strategies, 3) work plan, 4) detailed budget using provided template, 5) letters of commitment from key partners, and 6) proof of nonprofit status or governmental entity. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to implement programs within the performance period and compliance with state contracting requirements.