# Rural Health Transformation Program Rapid Response to Recovery – Telebehavioral Health Support

This RFA provides funding for eligible Kentucky organizations to establish or expand telebehavioral health crisis response infrastructure under the Rapid Response to Recovery initiative of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The focus is on technology-enabled crisis stabilization, care coordination, EMS partnerships, and quality improvement for behavioral health crises. Up to $500,000 is available per applicant in Year 1 for telebehavioral health hub activities, supporting both program expansion and innovative service models. Funding is made possible by the CMS Rural Health Transformation Fund, with an initial program-wide budget of $212.9 million in Year 1 and anticipated annual renewals through FY2030.

## Key facts

- Status: Closed
- Type: RFA
- Issued by: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (Kentucky)
- Posted: 2026-06-01
- Application due: 2026-07-03
- Eligible applicants: Community Mental Health Center, Non-profit, Behavioral Health Organization, Primary Care Provider, EMS Agency, Law Enforcement Organization, Academic Institution
- How to apply: Submit a complete application package via email to Breanna McGinnis (Breanna.mcginnis@ky.gov) following all instructions in the RFA. Applications must be received by July 3, 2026.
- Funding source: Rural Health Transformation Program (CMS)
- Official source: https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/os/oas/Documents/RHT%20Telebehavioral%20Health%20Support%20-%20RFA.pdf

## Eligibility

Eligible applicants include: Community Mental Health Centers, primary care providers, EMS agencies, law enforcement organizations, higher education institutions, and behavioral health organizations serving rural populations in Kentucky. Preference is given to organizations with established partnerships and active service provision in rural communities.

## Requirements

Applicants must: (1) demonstrate readiness and capacity to implement or expand telebehavioral health crisis interventions; (2) formalize cross-sector partnerships (EMS, law enforcement, primary care, CMHCs, etc.); (3) participate in program evaluation and statewide quality improvement initiatives; (4) comply with detailed data reporting and performance measurement requirements as outlined in the RFA.

## Required attachments

- Cover Page
- Application Narrative (Sections A–K, max 10 pages)
- Detailed Budget Template (Attachment A)
- Letter of Commitment
- Proof of Nonprofit or Public Entity Status
- Letters of Support (encouraged)

## Application package and source documents

- [KY - 2026 - Request for Application: RHTP Funding Opportunity to Rapid Response to Recovery – Telebehavioral Health Support](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/65b983e1-174f-407b-b4fb-5ccf55191cd5/file) (primary) — official: https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/os/oas/Documents/RHT%20Telebehavioral%20Health%20Support%20-%20RFA.pdf

More Kentucky RHTP activity: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/ky (markdown: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/ky.md)

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Source: Rural Care Journey (RCJ), https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/opportunities/rural-health-transformation-program-rapid-response-to-recovery-telebehavioral-he--d07ff48a45 — data as of 2026-08-11.
Cite the RCJ page for the summary and the linked official source for authoritative terms, deadlines, and amounts.