HHS Region 4 · Kentucky Department of Public Health
Program Overview
The Kentucky Rural Health Transformation Program is implementing a five-year, statewide initiative with phased rollout of regional community hubs focused on chronic care (including diabetes and obesity), maternal health, behavioral health crisis response, rural dental access, EMS transformation, and community health worker training. Teams and pilots are underway, with structured applications and funding opportunities for health departments, EMS agencies, behavioral health organizations, and educational institutions, emphasizing technology-enabled care, multisector collaboration, and achievement of measurable performance metrics. The current plan tracks 5 major initiatives and strategic goals, coordinated by multiple partners with federal support. Current structured plan tracks 5 key initiatives and 5 strategic goals.
Updated
County-level estimates averaged across Kentucky — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (120)
| County | Pop | Poverty | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson County | 783,022 | 14.3% | 10.5% |
| Fayette County | 323,725 | 14.9% | 9.1% |
| Kenton County | 171,288 | 11.8% | 7.7% |
| Warren County | 140,918 | 17.0% | 11.2% |
| Boone County | 139,841 | 6.3% | 4.0% |
| Hardin County | 111,942 | 13.1% | 10.4% |
| Daviess County | 103,648 | 14.7% | 11.5% |
| Madison County | 95,769 | 15.1% | 12.2% |
| Campbell County | 93,426 | 11.1% | 7.0% |
| Bullitt County | 84,027 | 9.7% | 7.4% |
| Christian County | 72,069 | 17.1% | 12.2% |
| Oldham County | 69,257 | 4.3% | 3.2% |
AI source: KY - 2026 - Kentucky awarded $213 million for RHTP
AI auto-updated Oct 11, 2026
API refreshed May 7, 2026
GuideGetting ready for Year 2 in Kentucky?How to prepare for RHTP Year 2 funding →
Source: CMS State Data Maps ↗ · checked Nov 11, 2026
Federal awards to date: $424,236,189.38 (Year 1 $212.9M + Year 2 $211.3M)
Initiatives (5)
CMS stages run from Stage 0 (planning) to Stage 5 (full implementation). Complete In progress Not started
Key signals are summarized here. Open the source for the supporting detail.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Grouped files
No related documents
No linked documents found.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Grouped files
No related documents
No linked documents found.
1,720,534 rural residents
Kentucky has received CMS funding and officially launched the Rural Health Transformation Program. Multiple RFAs and applications are open or underway across EMS, dental, behavioral health, and the Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care Innovation. Implementation is progressing with hub launches in several Area Development Districts, active recruitment of Hub Lead Organizations, and live platform operations supported by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. Program management and technology administration are ongoing, with recruitment, procurement, and coordination activities continuing statewide. State opportunities: 1 active (1 open, 10 past/closed), $3.8M listed funding. Key opportunities: 2026 Request for Applications: Rural Community Hub Lead Organization (BP1: Rural Community Hub Launch; March 1, 2027 – September 30, 2027); Kentucky RHT Funding Opportunity to Develop Community Health Worker Specialized Certificates; Crisis to Care: Establish or Expand Community Paramedicine Program. Strategy alignment: supports prevention, workforce, maternal health priorities.
Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Program advances a community-driven transformation anchored in Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care Innovation within every Area Development District. Competitively selected Hub Lead Organizations convene multisector partners to design and implement evidence-based interventions—initially targeting diabetes and obesity—and facilitate aligned initiatives in maternal, behavioral, dental, and EMS health domains. The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky and Hub Lead Organizations provide operational support, performance monitoring, and sub-award administration; CMS funding is performance-tied and phased implementation is structured around annual milestones.
Model
Integrated hub-and-spoke network led by Rural Community Hub Lead Organizations, supported by district-level Liaisons, shared digital platforms, phased rollout and scale-up, technical assistance, and robust multisector collaboration. Telehealth, EMS modernization, rural dental access, workforce development, and cross-sector engagement form the foundation of health transformation.
Key Initiatives (5)CMS official list ↗
Supporting activities (10)
• Formal convening and engagement of multisector core partners (minimum 10) and network participant organizations (minimum 20) per Hub to co-design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based chronic disease initiatives; shared governance and operational infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain interoperable data sharing and digital collaboration platforms across hubs; align common outcome measures responsive to community need, supported by the RCH Collaboration Workspace.
Timeline: Primary implementation FY2026–FY2030, with phased Hub and Liaison launches beginning July 1, 2026; district Rural Community Hub establishment by 2027; annual workforce and service expansion; initial subaward cycles and reporting milestones from March 1, 2027; five grant periods aligned to federal fiscal years and CMS performance-tied funding.
From Crisis to Care: Integrated EMS and Trauma Response
PoWERing Rural Maternal and Infant Health: Community-Based Teams
Rapid Response to Recovery: EmPATH Model, Mobile Crisis and Telehealth
Rooted in Health: Kentucky Rural Dental Access Program
Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care Innovations
State Policy Action commitments (0 of 19)
The program prioritizes addressing diabetes and obesity through community engagement and rural hubs.
Initial focus is on diabetes and obesity with targeted community engagement and multisector collaboration.
Kentucky RHT is investing in strengthening the behavioral health crisis system and expanding telebehavioral health access.
Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky (FHKY), subrecipient of Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS)/CMS RHTP
Due Dec 18, 2026
5 related documents
KY - 2026 - Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care Innovation
Current program page and application portal
KY - 2027 - Rural Community Hub Lead Organization Application for BP1 Launch
Appendix A - Application Narrative
KY - 2026 - Request for Applications: Rural Community Hub Lead Organization (BP1: Rural Community Hub Launch; March 1, 2027 – September 30, 2027)
Primary source
KY - 2027 - Request for Application (RFA) Budget Template: RHTP Hub Leadership Opportunity for Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care Innovation
Budget template
KY - 2026 - Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care Innovation RFA
Informational webinar slides (Oct 23, 2026)
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Due Aug 5, 2026
4 related documents
KY - 2026 - RHT Community Healthcare Worker (CHW) Specialized Certificate Request for Application (RFA) - Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ (merged from duplicate record)
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS)
Due Jul 6, 2026
1 related document
KY - 2026 - Request for Application: RHTP Funding Opportunity to Rapid Response to Recovery – CMHC Support
RFA Announcement
The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky seeks a Technology Lead to support the Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care Innovation program. This role manages technology systems and shared platforms that underpin the coordination, performance monitoring, and implementation of Kentucky's health transformation efforts. The position will drive the deployment and continuous improvement of digital workspaces and health IT solutions critical for collaboration among rural partners.
Core Initiatives
Kentucky received a federal award of $212.9 million from CMS to launch the Rural Health Transformation Plan, a five-year statewide initiative across multiple domains: chronic care community hubs, maternal and infant health, behavioral health crisis response, rural dental access, and EMS/trauma response. Funding is tied to achievement of measurable performance metrics annually, and the plan emphasizes innovative, community-driven approaches with multiple partners and stakeholder groups. Early milestones include launching initiative teams, data infrastructure, and first pilots, with reporting and cycles structured around federal budget periods. Event schedule: - CMS NOFO Announcement - 09/15/2025 - State Application Submission - 11/05/2025 - Award Announcement - 12/29/2025 - Team Kickoffs - 01/06/2026 - Annual Progress Report to CMS - 06/30/2026 - Budget Period 1 Spending Deadline - 09/30/2026
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Kentucky was awarded $213 million to improve rural healthcare access and outcomes. The funding encourages innovative and creative approaches to transform rural health care delivery. State officials are held accountable to meet specific goals tied to the funding.
KY-RHT launches a Rural Community Hubs initiative to address chronic disease, focused initially on diabetes and obesity. The RCH model establishes 15 hubs—one for each Area Development District (ADD)—to coordinate cross-sector partners for local impact. Application is open for organizations to serve as hub leads, with a multi-phase process and strong community collaboration requirements. Key contacts: RCHgrant@Healthy-KY.org Event schedule: - RFA Released - 10/13/2026 - RFA Questions Due - 10/28/2026 - Application Portal Released - 11/16/2026 - https://healthy-ky.org/RCH - RFA Deadline - 12/18/2026 - Letter of Intent Due - 11/06/2026 - rchgrant@Healthy-KY.org - FAQs Released - 12/01/2026 - https://healthy-ky.org/RCH - Notification of Award - 01/29/2027
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
The program establishes 15 Rural Community Hubs statewide, each led by a Hub Lead Organization selected through an RFA. These organizations coordinate multisectoral partnerships to support community-driven health improvement and receive funding and technical assistance to carry out chronic care transformation activities. A phased rollout has begun with three ADDs and is expanding across the state. Event schedule: - RFA Application Deadline - 12/18/2026 - 6:00 PM EDT
Purchase District Health Department has been selected as the Hub Lead Organization for the Purchase region, supported by KY RHT through a competitive application process. The Hub is dedicated to addressing obesity and diabetes in eight counties with cross-sector partnerships and will be eligible to receive up to $10 million in federal funding. The state program is a five-year initiative to reshape rural health in Kentucky through interconnected programs and improved care coordination. Key contacts: Kaitlyn Krolikowski Event schedule: - Hub Lead Organization Announcement - 10/07/2026 - Paducah, KY
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Kentucky's rural health strategy centers on Rural Community Hubs to coordinate resources and organizations to address chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity. The initiative seeks to bring together local partners to improve health outcomes, reduce duplication of services, and better connect community health workers. Kentucky faces particularly severe challenges with diabetes, with mortality rates significantly above the national average.
Core Initiatives
Rooted in Health is focused on expanding access to dental care in rural Kentucky by training and placing more dental hygienists, bringing teledental and mobile services, and enhancing surgical training for general dentists. The initiative aims to reduce emergency room visits for dental issues and provide comprehensive care locally.
The program establishes EmPATH units and a centralized tele-behavioral health hub to ensure prompt, appropriate care for those in behavioral health crisis. It decreases repeated crises, supports first responders, and connects individuals to community-based recovery resources. Kentucky faces high rates of mental illness or substance use disorder diagnoses in emergency departments.
Core Initiatives
This document is a federal award announcement for the Kentucky Rural Health Transformation Plan, funded under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025. The award, totaling $212,905,590.56, is managed as a cooperative agreement with CMS, with required milestones, reporting, and revised budget submission for the first budget period. The period of performance spans December 29, 2025, to October 30, 2030, and includes fiscal and progress report requirements tied to CMS oversight.
Event Schedule
The program offers four leadership development tracks tailored for EMS professionals at different levels: Step into Leadership, Executive Leadership Track, Supervisor Leadership Track, and Field Training Officer Track. The Executive Leadership Track is a flagship multi-month program including webinars, in-person sessions, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen EMS leadership and address workforce challenges. The program is administered by the Center of Excellence in Rural Health at the University of Kentucky. Key contacts: Scott Helle scott.helle@uky.edu
Contacts
Kentucky has received a $213 million federal Rural Health Transformation Program grant to improve healthcare in rural communities.
August 30, 2030
Annual Progress Report #5 Due
Annual Progress Report #5 is due August 30, 2030.
October 31, 2029 to October 30, 2030
Budget Period 5
Budget Period 5 for RHT Program implementation.
August 30, 2029
Annual Progress Report #4 Due
Annual Progress Report #4 is due August 30, 2029.
December 31, 2028
Policy Enactment for Score Factors Due
Recipient must enact B.2. “Health and lifestyle” and B.4. “Nutrition Continuing Medical Education” policies by end of calendar year 2028.
October 31, 2028 to October 30, 2029
Budget Period 4
Budget Period 4 for RHT Program implementation.
October 1, 2028 – September 30, 2029
Funding Year 3 Period
Year 3 funding period for activities and deliverables for the RHTP grant.
August 30, 2028
Annual Progress Report #3 Due
Annual Progress Report #3 is due August 30, 2028.
December 31, 2027
State Policy Actions Finalization
Recipient must finalize State policy actions proposed in the approved application by the end of calendar year 2027.
October 31, 2027 to October 30, 2028
Budget Period 3
Budget Period 3 for RHT Program implementation.
October 1, 2027 – September 30, 2031
Subsequent phases if funded
Subsequent phases run from October 1, 2027 to September 30, 2031 if funded.
October 1, 2027 – September 30, 2028
Funding Year 2 Period
Year 2 funding period for activities and deliverables for the RHTP grant.
August 30, 2027
Annual Progress Report #2 Due
Annual Progress Report #2 is due August 30, 2027.
KY state summary updated: transformationStrategy initiatives: 11 -> 5
Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Program advances a phased, community-driven transformation anchored in Rural Community Hubs for Chron…
KY RHTP site updated — 2 new, 1 existing source(s) refreshed
KY RHTP site updated — 1 new, 1 existing source(s) refreshed
KY RHTP site updated — 3 new, 1 existing source(s) refreshed
KY RHTP site updated — 1 new, 1 existing source(s) refreshed
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed.
KY - 2026 - Federal Rural Health Funds Insufficient to Offset Kentucky Medicaid Cuts
HTML
KY - 2026 - Federal RHTP Funding Confirmed for KY Rural Hospitals
HTML
Kentucky Community Health Worker Certification Manual, 2026 38 RHTP Guidance
2026 · PDF
KY - 2026 - RHT - Community Health Worker - Attachment A - Budget Template
XLSX
KY - 2026 - RHT Community Paramedicine - Attachment B - Budget Template
XLSX
KY - 1982 - agency.aspx
HTML
202 KAR 7:601. Training, education, and continuing education (Amendment)
14A.1-070 Definitions for chapter (KY business entity definitions statute, effective July 15, 2020)
2020 · PDF
Attachment A Approved Risk Adjustment Model.docx
2025-2026 · DOCX
Sample - Business Associate Agreement.pdf
Flow chart showing program funding structure. Funding originates from CMS and is awarded to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services which then provides funding to the Foundation. The Foundation distributes funds to hub lead organizations.
Added Nov 7, 2026
KY - 2026 - Community Health Worker Specialized Certificate Funding Opportunity Information Session
Information Session (merged from duplicate record)
KY - 2026 - Request for Application: RHT Funding Opportunity to Develop Community Health Worker Specialized Certificates
KY - 2026 - RHT - Community Health Worker - Attachment A - Budget Template
The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky is recruiting a Deputy Director of Collective Impact to support operational management and implementation of the Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care Innovation (RCH) initiative. The Deputy Director will coordinate workplans, timelines, performance monitoring, and issue resolution across multiple rural hubs. The position reflects KY RHT’s focus on translating strategy into effective local implementation and sustaining coordinated activities for chronic care improvement.
Core Initiatives
The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky is hiring for an operational support role to facilitate the Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care Innovation under the KY Rural Health Transformation program. This position will coordinate with hub lead organizations, assist with reporting, technical assistance, and compliance, and help support implementation in the Lake Cumberland region. The job emphasizes relationship- and data-driven support for rural health transformation in Kentucky.
Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives
This RFA invites eligible organizations to apply as Rural Community Hub Lead Organizations in Kentucky’s Area Development Districts to launch and coordinate multisector partnerships for chronic disease prevention. Funding is estimated at up to $500,000 per ADD for BP1 to support network launch and operations, with a potential total of up to $10 million per ADD through FY 2030 pending successful performance and funding continuations. The initiative’s initial priority is obesity and diabetes prevention/management, emphasizing quality improvement, data sharing, cross-sector collaboration, and sustainable local capacity-building. Key contacts: Not listed in this document Event schedule: - RFA released - October 13, 2026 - https://healthy-ky.org/rch - Informational webinar - October 23, 2026 - Questions about RFA due - October 28, 2026 - Letter of Intent to Apply due - November 6, 2026 - rchgrant@healthy-ky.org - Online application portal released - November 16, 2026 - https://healthy-ky.org/rch - FAQs published - December 1, 2026 - Applications due - December 18, 2026 - 6:00 PM EDT - https://healthy-ky.org/rch - Anticipated notification of awards - January 29, 2027
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
This Kentucky RHTP guidance offers $212.9 million in Year 1 funding to modernize EMS education and training for rural and underserved communities, with a structured, multi-year pathway for program enhancement and mobile simulation units. It supports both centralized and mobile training, expands the EMS workforce, and strengthens the integration between EMS providers and behavioral health crisis response networks. Technical support, data requirements, and compliance guidance are built into the process to ensure agency readiness and impact. Key contacts: Jimmie Hampton jimmie.hampton@ky.gov; Bob Andrew bob.andrew@ky.gov Event schedule: - Application Submission Deadline - 06/12/2026 - 5:00 PM ET - Submit by email (Jimmie Hampton <jimmie.hampton@ky.gov>)
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Kentucky’s RHTP received $212.9 million for year 1 to transform rural health, with a major focus on developing EMS through community paramedicine. The program funds both new and expanding paramedicine models, emphasizes crisis response, technical assistance, required behavioral health training, and robust evaluation. EMS agencies may apply for up to $650,000 in start-up funding; additional support targets integration of workforce, technology, and community partnerships to close gaps in rural care. Key contacts: Jimmie Hampton jimmie.hampton@ky.gov; Behavioral Health Champion Event schedule: - Application Deadline - 06/12/2026 - 5:00 PM ET - Submit to jimmie.hampton@ky.gov - Information Session Webinar - TBD (document refers to an upcoming webinar) - Months 1-2: Program Planning & CHW Model Design - Month 1-2 - Months 3-6: Training & Certification Launch - Month 3-6 - Months 7-8: Infrastructural Setup and Supply Readiness - Month 7-8 - Month 9: Soft Launch of CHW Program - Month 9 - Month 10: Program Stabilization - Month 10
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives
The Crisis to Care program aims to strengthen the EMS workforce and improve coordination between responders and hospitals in rural Kentucky. Innovative uses of technology connect care teams in real time, and community paramedicine is integrated to ensure continuity of care after emergencies. Nearly half Kentucky’s paramedics are concentrated in five metro counties, highlighting the need for service expansion in rural areas.
Core Initiatives
This document is a budget template for applicants seeking Rural Health Transformation Program Hub Leadership grants in Kentucky. It delineates budget categories, limits (such as salary caps and indirect cost limits), and narratives required for justification of expenditures. The project period specified is March 1, 2027 to September 30, 2027. Event schedule: - ,"Project Period: , 2027 - September 30, 2027","Project Period: March 1, 2027 - September 30, 2027","Project Period: March 1, 2027 - September 30, 2027","Project Period: March 1, 2027 - September 30, 2027","Project Pe...
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
This is a comprehensive application intake form for Kentucky organizations seeking to lead a Rural Community Hub under BP1 (March 2027–September 2027). The document collects detailed information on operational footprint by county and Area Development District, workforce and facilities, quality improvement, technology, partnerships, grant management, strategic planning, and budget. Applicants are required to submit a workplan, budget narrative, and letters of commitment from multi-sector partners. Event schedule: - BP1 Launch Period Start - 03/01/2027 - BP1 Launch Period End - 09/30/2027
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives