Delaware’s Rural Health Transformation Program is actively implementing a comprehensive strategy, with initial RFPs released to establish the state's first four-year medical school, expand school-based health centers in Sussex County, build Food Is Medicine infrastructure, and deploy rural health hubs including mobile health unit networks. The program prioritizes rural care disparities through projects focused on access, prevention, nutrition-integrated care, workforce development, telehealth, and health information exchange, leveraging competitive funding and partnerships for sustainability and measurable outcomes. The structured plan tracks key initiatives and strategic goals, emphasizing innovative access models and improved health equity. Current structured plan tracks 15 key initiatives and 9 strategic goals.
DE - 2025 - Delaware RHTP Executive Budget Summary (Final-RHTP-Revised-Budget-1.30.26)
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
Current Progress
Implementing
Delaware has awarded funds to four organizations to establish new school-based health centers in Sussex County as part of its rural health transformation effort. The state has also opened initial Requests for Proposals to competitively solicit applications for four foundational program initiatives. Local project implementation activities are not yet described, but the program is positioned for expansion and further provider engagement. State opportunities: 10 total (10 past/closed), $197.7M listed funding. Key opportunities: Delaware Medical School Partnership – Rural Health Transformation Program; Delaware Rural 'Hope Center' Initiative; School-Based Health Center Expansion Initiative – Kent and Sussex Counties. Strategy alignment: supports workforce, care access priorities.
RHTP Strategy
Delaware’s RHTP continues its coordinated, multi-year rural health transformation anchored by Hope Centers, new school-based health centers in Sussex County, and Delaware’s first four-year medical school to build the rural workforce. Health IT modernization enables accelerated care integration through real-time insurance verification, prior authorization, and expanded HIE access. Community health hubs, mobile units, and Food Is Medicine infrastructure advance prevention, health equity, and wraparound support. Competitive funding and measurement drive sustainable improvements in rural healthcare access and outcomes.
Model
An integrated rural health system anchored by Hope Centers, rural community health hubs and mobile units, a medical school pipeline, expanded school-based care in Sussex County, robust Food Is Medicine infrastructure, statewide health IT upgrades with real-time eligibility, prior authorization, HIE integration, and targeted workforce development.
Key Initiatives (15)
1Establish Hope Centers in Sussex and Kent Counties for integrated health, behavioral health, housing, and employment services
2Open Delaware's first four-year medical school to build the rural primary care pipeline
3Launch Rural Community Health Hubs and mobile health units delivering preventive, primary, behavioral, and specialty care
Timeline: Initial RFPs released February 2026; Hope Center needs assessments and site selection by Q2 2026; four new Sussex school-based health centers announced July 2026; first Hope Center launch by September 2026; medical school steering committee and dean appointment by end of 2026; school-based health and clinical support pathway program contracts by Q3 2027; rural library access point rollout begins late 2026; community health hub and mobile unit expansion ongoing through 2030; HIT modernization rollouts and HIE/payer access upgrades 2026-2028; program coordination and reporting monthly and quarterly per contract requirements.
Health Priority
Access to Care
Nearly 40% of Delaware's population lives in rural areas with limited primary care access and long emergency room wait times, necessitating mobile and telehealth expansions.
Kent CountySussex County
Aug 15, 2026
Health Priority
Workforce development
Delaware lacks an in-state medical school, hindering rural workforce sustainability; establishment of a medical school and residency programs aims to fix this.
Statewide
Aug 15, 2026
Health Priority
Chronic Disease Management and Nutrition
Integration of Food Is Medicine initiatives to improve health outcomes for residents managing chronic diseases with sustainable reimbursement strategies.
A $50,000 grant to support community programming, instruction, and events preserving Cuban Rueda de Casino social dance in Delaware.
$50K
Other
2026
Terry Sammons
A $15,000 grant to acquire supplies for Lenape beadwork, create teaching opportunities, and preserve Lenape beadwork culture.
$15K
Other
2026
Beebe Healthcare – Georgetown Middle School
Funding to establish a new school-based health center at Georgetown Middle School, providing preventive, primary and behavioral health care for rural Sussex County students.
Not disclosed
Population Health
2026
Beebe Healthcare – Sussex Central Middle School
Funding to establish a new school-based health center at Sussex Central Middle School, bringing primary and behavioral health care to rural students.
Not disclosed
Population Health
2026
Nemours Children’s Health – Seaford Middle School
Funding to establish a new school-based health center at Seaford Middle School in rural Sussex County, increasing access to preventive, primary and behavioral health care for students.
Not disclosed
Population Health
2026
TidalHealth – Selbyville Middle School
Funding to establish a new school-based health center at Selbyville Middle School, expanding access to health care for students in rural Sussex County.
Not disclosed
Population Health
2025
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
Fund competitive procurement for FQHCs and organizations to deploy mobile health units in rural Sussex and Kent Counties, expanding preventive, chronic disease, behavioral, and specialty care access where local provider shortages persist.
$20.0M
Population Health
2025
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
Funds Delaware Department of Health and Social Services for the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Overdose Response to improve overdose interventions.
$300K
Population Health
2025
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
Funds Delaware Department of Health and Social Services for the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Mental Health and Behavioral Health to address opioid-related challenges.
$500K
Population Health
2025
Delaware DHSS / Mobile Health Hubs Grantee Pool
Competitive grants to FQHCs and qualified organizations to deploy at least 8 new mobile health units for preventive and chronic disease care, behavioral health, and specialty services to high-need rural communities across Sussex and Kent counties.
Delaware announced the launch of a statewide initiative to upgrade its health information technology infrastructure. The program aims to provide real-time insurance verification and prior authorization capabilities for providers, with a focus on improving access and reducing administrative burden in rural areas. This announcement introduces technical enhancements relevant to Medicaid and rural hospital transformation.
HEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY
Core Initiatives
Enhance statewide HIT infrastructure
Enable real-time insurance verification and prior authorizations for providers
Increase efficiency and reduce barriers in rural health delivery
✉️
AnnouncementJul 14, 2026TXT
Delaware is expanding access to health information exchange platforms under RHTP, enabling providers and payers to collaborate more effectively. The initiative is intended to improve care coordination and benefit rural hospitals and Medicaid beneficiaries.
HEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY
🌐
AnnouncementMay 13, 2026HTML2026
Award Announcement Documents (4)
🌐
Award AnnouncementJul 30, 2026HTML2026
Delaware awarded funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program to four providers to establish new school-based health centers in Sussex County. The investment will help close disparities in rural access, focusing on preventive, primary, and behavioral health for students. This expansion addresses gaps where only two school-based health centers previously served rural Sussex County middle and elementary schools.
Event schedule:
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 14 - Governor Meyer Announces New Projects Accepted Into JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - Delaware Libraries Celebrates National Book Festival with Local Events
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - AG Jennings secures order protecting federal support for homelessness services
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - Delaware Childhood Vaccine Guidance Remains Unchanged Following Federal Action
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - AG Jennings sues Trump Administration to block unlawful demand for CDL drivers’ personal information
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - DPH Office of Animal Welfare Using Innovative AI Technology from Petco Love Lost to Reunite Lost Pets with Families
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - Applications Now Accepted for Business on Main Street Accelerator
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - DNREC Closes Seaford Fishing Pier Based on Unsafe Structural Findings
This RFP solicits proposals to develop and implement evidence- and practice-based interventions to improve health equity among Delawareans with or at risk for diabetes, in alignment with Delaware’s chronic disease prevention strategies. Applicants must propose comprehensive approaches addressing prevention and management of diabetes, guided by data showing high prevalence, racial disparities, and comorbidities such as obesity and disability. Funding ties to RHTP transformation objectives and CDC strategies for equity in diabetes and chronic disease. Key contacts: Maurica Sampson Maurica.sampson@delaware.gov; Eddie Mui DHSS_DMS_dmsprocure@delaware.gov; Maurica Sampson Maurica.sampson@delaware.gov; Shebra Hall Shebra.hall@delaware.gov
Event schedule:
- Public Notice - 02/09/2026 - ET
- Deadline for Questions - 03/02/2026 - 4:30 PM ET
- Response to Questions Posted - 03/16/2026 - ET
- Deadline for Receipt of Proposals - 03/30/2026 - 1:00 PM ET - https://dhss.bonfirehub.com/
- Estimated Notification of Award - 05/29/2026 - ET
- Estimated Project Begin Date - 08/01/2026 - ET
- Contract Notice Contact - Division of Public Health, 417 Federal Street Dover, DE 19901
Shebra Hall - <Shebra.hall@delaware.gov> - Contract Officer/Usage Report Contact - State of Delaware
Core Initiatives
Advance health equity for populations with or at risk for diabetes.
Implement evidence-based and innovative strategies for diabetes prevention and management.
Support and align with statewide chronic disease mitigation plans including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, and asthma.
Show all initiatives (10)
Advance health equity for populations with or at risk for diabetes.
Implement evidence-based and innovative strategies for diabetes prevention and management.
Support and align with statewide chronic disease mitigation plans including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, and asthma.
Facilitate Delaware's vision to become the healthiest state in the nation.
Strengthen self-care practices by improving access, appropriateness, and feasibility of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services for priority populations
Increase access to and participation in complementary diabetes support programs and services.
Expand availability of ADA-recognized and ADCES-accredited DSMES services as a covered health benefit for Medicaid beneficiaries and employees with diabetes.
Improve acceptability and quality of care for priority populations with diabetes.
Increase enrollment and retention of priority populations in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) lifestyle intervention and the MDPP by improving access, appropriateness, and feasibility of the programs.
Expand availability of the National DPP lifestyle intervention as a covered health benefit for Medicaid beneficiaries and/or employees and covered dependents at high risk for type 2 diabetes.
The State of Delaware has issued an open solicitation for the Rural Library-Based Health Access program, aiming to leverage libraries to improve health access in rural areas. Applications are due in April 2026, and contact details are provided for further information. Key contacts: Ricky Williamson ricky.williamson@delaware.gov
Event schedule:
- Solicitation Ad Date - 02/12/2026
- Deadline for Bid Responses - 04/17/2026 - 1:00 PM ET
This document provides a standardized template to guide applicants in preparing a workplan for the Delaware Rural Health Transformation Program Support Services RFP. It outlines required elements such as objectives, monitoring approach, targets, and responsible parties to ensure structured responses. No award or budget information is included.
Guidance Documents (2)
🌐
GuidanceApr 23, 2026HTML
The program emphasizes establishing Delaware's first four-year medical school to build a medical workforce pipeline, creating new Hope Center-style integrated service hubs in Kent and Sussex counties, and deploying mobile health units and telehealth innovations to overcome transportation barriers. The majority of funding will be awarded competitively to vendors demonstrating strong ability to deliver measurable and cost-effective results.
Event schedule:
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 14 - Governor Meyer Announces New Projects Accepted Into JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - Delaware Libraries Celebrates National Book Festival with Local Events
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - AG Jennings secures order protecting federal support for homelessness services
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - Delaware Childhood Vaccine Guidance Remains Unchanged Following Federal Action
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - AG Jennings sues Trump Administration to block unlawful demand for CDL drivers’ personal information
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - DPH Office of Animal Welfare Using Innovative AI Technology from Petco Love Lost to Reunite Lost Pets with Families
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - Applications Now Accepted for Business on Main Street Accelerator
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - DNREC Closes Seaford Fishing Pier Based on Unsafe Structural Findings
Event Schedule
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 14 - Governor Meyer Announces New Projects Accepted Into JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - Delaware Libraries Celebrates National Book Festival with Local Events
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - AG Jennings secures order protecting federal support for homelessness services
Show all schedule items (8)
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 14 - Governor Meyer Announces New Projects Accepted Into JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - Delaware Libraries Celebrates National Book Festival with Local Events
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - AG Jennings secures order protecting federal support for homelessness services
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - Delaware Childhood Vaccine Guidance Remains Unchanged Following Federal Action
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - AG Jennings sues Trump Administration to block unlawful demand for CDL drivers’ personal information
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - DPH Office of Animal Welfare Using Innovative AI Technology from Petco Love Lost to Reunite Lost Pets with Families
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - Applications Now Accepted for Business on Main Street Accelerator
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - DNREC Closes Seaford Fishing Pier Based on Unsafe Structural Findings
Core Initiatives
Expand healthcare access in rural areas
Lower healthcare costs
Grow and sustain the rural healthcare workforce
Show all initiatives (5)
Expand healthcare access in rural areas
Lower healthcare costs
Grow and sustain the rural healthcare workforce
Innovate care delivery through technology and integrated services
This House Joint Resolution directs a state-led study on creating a healthcare apprenticeship degree program with paid clinical placements to tackle rural workforce shortages. The initiative aims to leverage and align with the Rural Health Transformation Program award and future competitive DHSS subawards. The study's report and recommendations are due to state leadership by May 1, 2027.
Event schedule:
- Report Due Date - 05/01/2027 - Governor's Office, Delaware General Assembly
WORKFORCE
Event Schedule
Report Due Date - 05/01/2027 - Governor's Office, Delaware General Assembly
Core Initiatives
Address rural healthcare workforce shortages through development of apprenticeship pathways.
Align apprenticeship and credentialing programs with high school and postsecondary pathways.
Leverage federal Rural Health Transformation Program funds for healthcare workforce initiatives.
The Delaware RHTP unites 15 integrated initiatives focused on access, workforce, technology modernization, and population health, directly serving 400,000 rural residents across Sussex and Kent Counties. Major investments include renovation of state-owned buildings for Hope Centers, workforce expansion, telehealth infrastructure, and community hub services. The total program cost is $786,970,081.95, with a 9.1% indirect rate to ensure statewide administrative and compliance oversight. Key contacts: Delaware Division of Libraries; Delaware Health Care Commission; Delaware Health Care Commission (DHCC) Program Manager
Event schedule:
- CMS Rural Health Transformation Summit - 03/18/2026 - ET - Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD
- Initiative Period of Performance Start - 2025-12-29
- Initiative Period of Performance End - 2026-10-30
- Period of Performance Start - 2025-12-29 - America/New_York - Delaware
- Period of Performance End - 2026-10-30 - America/New_York - Delaware
- Rural Medical Residency Recruitment Program Period of Performance - 2025-12-29 - Eastern Time - Delaware
- Rural Medical Residency Recruitment Program End Date - 2026-10-30 - Eastern Time - Delaware
- Training Programs for Clinical Support Roles in Rural Areas Period of Performance - 2025-12-29 - Eastern Time - Delaware
House Bill 305 proposes a three-year diabetes wellness pilot program within the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, funded by the Federal Rural Health Transformation Program. The pilot aims to improve diabetes management by shifting from reactive sick care to proactive well care, leveraging technology and incentives. Outcomes will be tracked via data analysis to determine the pilot's effectiveness and inform potential renewal or expansion.
Event schedule:
- Introduced in House - 03/05/2026
- Assigned to Senate Health & Social Services - 06/16/2026
POPULATION_HEALTH · HEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY
Event Schedule
Introduced in House - 03/05/2026
Assigned to Senate Health & Social Services - 06/16/2026
Core Initiatives
Improve health outcomes for Delawareans with diabetes
Change standard healthcare from reactive sick care to proactive well care
Reduce healthcare costs through improved chronic disease management
🌐
DataApr 16, 2026HTML
Delaware has an estimated population of 1,021,191 with 25.0% living in nonmetro areas, but it currently has no Critical Access Hospitals or Rural Emergency Hospitals and only 5 Rural Health Clinics. The program works closely with local health advocates to improve rural healthcare access and address social determinants of health in nonmetro counties.
Reference Documents (18)
🌐
ReferenceJul 14, 2026OTHER
Reference: Delaware Expands Payer and Provider HIE Access Under Rhtp
Link: https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/delaware-expands-payer-and-provider-hie-access-under-rhtp
Key contacts: Rick Williamson Ricky.Williamson@delaware.gov; Katherine Hughes Katherine.Hughes@delaware.gov
Event schedule:
- Notice to State of Delaware under the contract - Rick Williamson, Management Analyst III, Ricky.Williamson@delaware.gov
- Monthly Usage Report due - monthly by 15th - Eastern Time - Submit electronically to Katherine.Hughes@delaware.gov
- Quarterly Subcontracting 2nd Tier Report due - quarterly by 15th after quarter end - Eastern Time - Submit electronically to osd@delaware.gov
Key contacts: Kaitlyn Arthur kaitlyn.arthur@delaware.gov
Event schedule:
- Initial Contract Term End Date - 2027-09-30 - America/New_York
- Maximum Possible Contract End Date (with extensions) - 2031-09-30 - America/New_York
Media (4)
Delaware Rural Healthcare Facilities map
delaware rural health facilities
RHTP Milestones
12/31/2027
Publish Compact Utilization Reports
↳ DE - 2025 - Delaware RHT Plan: Strategy, Initiatives, and Performance Objectives
09/30/2026
Draft Certificate of Need reform legislation
↳ DE - 2025 - Delaware RHT Plan: Strategy, Initiatives, and Performance Objectives
09/30/2026
Draft Scope of Practice expansion legislation
↳ DE - 2025 - Delaware RHT Plan: Strategy, Initiatives, and Performance Objectives
03/31/2027
Launch Outreach Campaign for Licensure Compacts
↳ DE - 2025 - Delaware RHT Plan: Strategy, Initiatives, and Performance Objectives
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed. Showing the 40 most recent of 113.
DE - 2026 - HSS26078 RHTPSS AppC
XLSX
DE - 2026 - Delaware Rural Health Facility Table
XLSX
020687s022lbl.pdf
PDF
Source Checks
Last checked
Last changed
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DE - 2026 - Hss-26-075 - Career Pathway Programs For Clinical Support Roles Addendum #1 – Public Q&a
Addendum #1 (Public Q&A)
SupportingXLSXNo amount extracted
DE - 2026 - HSS26075 CPPCLINSUPP AppC
Vendor Forms (Appendix C)
SupportingPDFNo amount extracted
DE - 2026 - APPENDIX D Templates/Sample Agreements These Templates/Sample Agreements will be used to negotiate the final version of the Contract between Vendor and the State of Delaware. These are ONLY Samples and as Placeholders
Agreement Template (Appendix D)
SupportingXLSXNo amount extracted
DE - 2026 - HSS26075 CPPCLINSUPP AppE
Project Cost Template (Appendix E)
SupportingPDF2026No amount extracted
DE - 2026 - Appendix F Domain and Permissible Uses Template
Permissible Uses (Appendix F)
SupportingXLSXNo amount extracted
DE - 2026 - HSS26075 CPPCLINSUPP pba
Pre-bid Attendance
Core Initiatives
Expand health information exchange access for payers and providers
Governor Meyer announced two major healthcare bills: one expanding comprehensive hospital charity care statewide, and another prohibiting for-profit acquisitions of non-profit acute care hospitals through July 2028. The administration is also promoting multi-payer value-based care with Rural Health Transformation Program funds to bend the cost curve. These measures are designed to make care more affordable, accessible, and protective for all Delawareans.
Event schedule:
- Announcement Date - May 12, 2026 - Dover
FINANCE · POPULATION_HEALTH · OTHER
Core Initiatives
Lower healthcare costs for Delawareans
Increase access to affordable healthcare
Strengthen patient protections
Show all initiatives (4)
Lower healthcare costs for Delawareans
Increase access to affordable healthcare
Strengthen patient protections
Advance multi-payer value-based care
Delaware received a federal award of $157,394,963.86 through the Rural Health Transformation Program to advance major rural health improvements targeting underserved populations in Sussex and Kent Counties. Funds are temporarily restricted pending CMS approval of a revised budget; once lifted, Delaware will implement an ambitious transformation plan across policy, administration, and rural facility support. The cooperative agreement details reporting, compliance, and milestone requirements to sustain progress for up to five years. Key contacts: Ms. Katherine Hughes Katherine.Hughes@delaware.gov; Mr. Steven Blessing steven.blessing@delaware.gov; Ms. Jennifer Herndon jennifer.herndon1@cms.hhs.gov; Katherine Sapra katherine.sapra@cms.hhs.gov
Event schedule:
- Federal Award Start Date - 12/29/2025 - ET
- Budget Period 1 End Date - 10/30/2026 - ET
- NCC Application Due (Budget Period 2) - 08/30/2026 - ET - GrantSolutions
- Annual Progress Report #1 Due - 08/30/2026 - ET - GrantSolutions
- Budget Period 1 Start - 2025-12-29
- Budget Period 1 End - 2026-10-30
- Budget Periods 2-5 Start - 2026-10-31
- Budget Periods 2-5 End - 2030-10-30
Award: $157.4MPOPULATION_HEALTH · FINANCE · QUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · HEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY · OTHER
Event Schedule
Federal Award Start Date - 12/29/2025 - ET
Budget Period 1 End Date - 10/30/2026 - ET
NCC Application Due (Budget Period 2) - 08/30/2026 - ET - GrantSolutions
Show all schedule items (9)
Federal Award Start Date - 12/29/2025 - ET
Budget Period 1 End Date - 10/30/2026 - ET
NCC Application Due (Budget Period 2) - 08/30/2026 - ET - GrantSolutions
Annual Progress Report #1 Due - 08/30/2026 - ET - GrantSolutions
Katherine Sapra - <katherine.sapra@cms.hhs.gov> - Acting Deputy Director - CMS/HHS
Core Initiatives
Advance comprehensive rural health transformation across Delaware
Reduce healthcare access and outcome disparities for rural populations
Implement state policy actions and innovative care models
Show all initiatives (4)
Advance comprehensive rural health transformation across Delaware
Reduce healthcare access and outcome disparities for rural populations
Implement state policy actions and innovative care models
Monitor progress through regular reporting and CMS collaboration
This Notice of Award grants $157 million in federal funding to Delaware for rural health transformation under the Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025. The initiative targets improved access and outcomes for rural Sussex and Kent Counties, affecting approximately 400,000 residents. Major focus is on contractual projects supporting the state's rural health system. Key contacts: Ms. Katherine Hughes Katherine.Hughes@delaware.gov; Mr. Steven Blessing steven.blessing@delaware.gov
Event schedule:
- Federal Award Date - 02/04/2026
- Budget Period Start - 12/29/2025
- Budget Period End - 10/30/2026
- Period of Performance End - 10/30/2030
Award: $157.4MOTHER
Contacts
Ms. Katherine Hughes - <Katherine.Hughes@delaware.gov> - Project Director or Principal Investigator - Delaware
Mr. Steven Blessing - <steven.blessing@delaware.gov> - Director - Delaware
Core Initiatives
Reduce healthcare access disparities in rural Delaware.
Improve health outcomes for rural residents in Sussex and Kent Counties.
POPULATION_HEALTH · NETWORK_DEVELOPMENT · OTHER
Event Schedule
Solicitation Ad Date - 02/12/2026
Deadline for Bid Responses - 04/17/2026 - 1:00 PM ET
Expand access to health services in rural communities
Leverage local libraries as health access hubs
Foster partnerships between libraries, providers, and rural Medicaid stakeholders
The program launched Requests for Proposals for four key initiatives: establishing Delaware's first four-year medical school to train primary care physicians, creating school-based health centers in rural areas, building Food Is Medicine infrastructure, and developing Rural Community Health Hubs including mobile health units. These projects are designed to build lasting capacity in rural health through prevention, workforce development, and improved access.
Event schedule:
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 14 - Governor Meyer Announces New Projects Accepted Into JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - Delaware Libraries Celebrates National Book Festival with Local Events
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - AG Jennings secures order protecting federal support for homelessness services
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - Delaware Childhood Vaccine Guidance Remains Unchanged Following Federal Action
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - AG Jennings sues Trump Administration to block unlawful demand for CDL drivers’ personal information
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - DPH Office of Animal Welfare Using Innovative AI Technology from Petco Love Lost to Reunite Lost Pets with Families
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - Applications Now Accepted for Business on Main Street Accelerator
- Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - DNREC Closes Seaford Fishing Pier Based on Unsafe Structural Findings
Event Schedule
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 14 - Governor Meyer Announces New Projects Accepted Into JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - Delaware Libraries Celebrates National Book Festival with Local Events
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - AG Jennings secures order protecting federal support for homelessness services
Show all schedule items (8)
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 14 - Governor Meyer Announces New Projects Accepted Into JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - Delaware Libraries Celebrates National Book Festival with Local Events
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - AG Jennings secures order protecting federal support for homelessness services
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - Delaware Childhood Vaccine Guidance Remains Unchanged Following Federal Action
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - AG Jennings sues Trump Administration to block unlawful demand for CDL drivers’ personal information
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - DPH Office of Animal Welfare Using Innovative AI Technology from Petco Love Lost to Reunite Lost Pets with Families
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - Applications Now Accepted for Business on Main Street Accelerator
Date Posted: , 2026 - August 13 - DNREC Closes Seaford Fishing Pier Based on Unsafe Structural Findings
Core Initiatives
Expand access to care in rural communities
Lower health care costs
Grow the health care workforce
Show all initiatives (4)
Expand access to care in rural communities
Lower health care costs
Grow the health care workforce
Build sustainable infrastructure for chronic disease management and prevention
Delaware's RHTP tackles severe rural health disparities and workforce shortage by establishing new Hope Centers, deploying mobile health units, and expanding school-based health centers in Sussex and Kent Counties. The plan is backed by unified legislative and provider support, prioritizes technological innovation, value-based care, and robust data tracking, and includes concrete policy commitments to reform certificate of need, scope of practice, and telehealth reimbursement. Target outcomes include reductions in ED visits, expanded preventive care, increased rural provider access, and improved chronic disease management. Key contacts: Dr. Kara Odom Walker; Kate Brookins; William A. Bowser; Delaware DHSS
Event schedule:
- Executive Order for School Fitness Test - 12/31/2028
- Nutrition CME regulation amendments drafted - 03/31/2028
- Board approval for Nutrition CME - 09/30/2028
- Certificate of Need reform legislation brought to vote - 06/30/2027
- Scope of Practice legislation brought to vote - 06/30/2027
- Annual Licensure Compact Report publication - 12/31/2027
- Medical school enrollment begins (Fall) - 2028-09-01 - America/New_York - Delaware Medical School (to be determined)
- Establish governance structure, stakeholder engagement plan, pilot site selection and baseline assessment - 2026-09-30
Medical school enrollment begins (Fall) - 2028-09-01 - America/New_York - Delaware Medical School (to be determined)
Establish governance structure, stakeholder engagement plan, pilot site selection and baseline assessment - 2026-09-30
Deploy core infrastructure, engage 5 hospital pilot, and integrate with Medicaid - 2027-03-30
Connect 10 facilities, process 10,000 prior authorizations, and engage 25,000 patients - 2027-09-30
Connect Sussex and Kent County rural facilities, connect all commercial payers, and launch patient portal - 2028-03-31
Connect rural facilities and integrate all payers, with 95% provider adoption and self-sustained operations - 2029-12-31
Contacts
Dr. Kara Odom Walker - Secretary, DHSS - Delaware Statewide
Kate Brookins - Director, Division of Public Health - Sussex County
William A. Bowser - Director, Division of Social Services - Kent County
Show all contacts (9)
Dr. Kara Odom Walker - Secretary, DHSS - Delaware Statewide
Kate Brookins - Director, Division of Public Health - Sussex County
William A. Bowser - Director, Division of Social Services - Kent County
Delaware DHSS - Lead for Food is Medicine Infrastructure Initiative, Rural Provider/FQHC Value-Based Care Readiness, Catalyst Fund for Telehealth and Remote Monitoring - Kent County, Sussex County
Division of Public Health (DPH) - Key stakeholder partnership - Kent County, Sussex County
Delaware Health Information Network (DHIN) - Lead for Diabetes Wellness Pilot Program - Sussex County
DE Division of Libraries - Lead for Rural Libraries Health Access Initiative - Kent County, Sussex County
Delaware Health Care Commission - Medical School Rural Workforce Development Program, Delaware Medical School - Kent County, Sussex County
Governor’s Office - Oversight/partner in Delaware Medical School establishment - Kent County, Sussex County
Core Initiatives
Expand equitable access to care for rural Delawareans
Strengthen the rural health workforce pipeline
Modernize facility operations and payment models
Show all initiatives (22)
Expand equitable access to care for rural Delawareans
Strengthen the rural health workforce pipeline
Modernize facility operations and payment models
Improve population health and chronic disease outcomes
Foster technology adoption to support value-based care
Reduce preventable ED utilization
Eliminate regulatory barriers for new provider facilities
Advance rural health equity by addressing social determinants
Make America Healthy Again
Make Rural America Healthy Again
Innovative Care
Tech Innovation
Sustainable Access
Workforce Development
Establish governance structure
Stakeholder engagement plan
Pilot site selection and baseline assessment
Deploy core infrastructure
Engage hospital pilot and integrate with Medicaid
Connect facilities and expand prior authorizations and patient engagement
Connect rural facilities, all commercial payers, and launch patient portal
Integrate all payers with rural facilities and achieve provider adoption and self-sustained operations
Recruit and retain medical residents and clinical support staff to practice in Delaware's rural areas.
Support education, housing, and relocation to incentivize rural healthcare workforce expansion.
Expand training capacity and apprenticeship opportunities for non-physician practitioners and clinical support roles.
The Delaware Rural Health Transformation strategy unites 15 initiatives to expand access, strengthen the workforce, modernize technology, and improve population health in rural Sussex and Kent Counties. Over $786 million is budgeted, with direct investments in clinical infrastructure, technology, and new models like Rural Hope Centers. The plan features robust performance tracking, stakeholder partnerships, and an emphasis on sustainable capacity building. Key contacts: Katherine Hughes; Chelsea Kammermeier; Christopher Masten; Lakeesha Johns
Event schedule:
- CMS Rural Health Transformation Summit - March 18, 2026 - Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD
- Period of Performance for Community Health Hubs - 2025-12-29 to 2026-10-30 - Rural communities in Kent and Sussex Counties
- Period of Performance for Program Marketing - 2025-12-29 to 2026-10-30 - Kent and Sussex Counties
- Period of Performance for Technical Assistance & Training - 2025-12-29 to 2026-10-30 - Kent and Sussex Counties
- Period of Performance for External Evaluation & Reporting - 2025-12-29 to 2026-10-30 - Kent and Sussex Counties
- Period of Performance for EMR System Implementation & Integration - 2025-12-29 to 2026-10-30 - Kent and Sussex Counties
- Period of Performance for School-Based Health Center Vendor - Rural Sussex and Kent elementary and middle schools
- Period of Performance for Food is Medicine Infrastructure Initiative - 2025-12-29 to 2026-10-30 - Kent and Sussex Counties
Katherine Hughes - Project Director/Principal Investigator, Public Health Administrator I - Statewide
Chelsea Kammermeier - Program Administrator, Public Health Treatment Administrator - Statewide
Christopher Masten - Fiscal Analyst, Management Analyst III - Statewide
Show all contacts (5)
Katherine Hughes - Project Director/Principal Investigator, Public Health Administrator I - Statewide
Chelsea Kammermeier - Program Administrator, Public Health Treatment Administrator - Statewide
Christopher Masten - Fiscal Analyst, Management Analyst III - Statewide
Lakeesha Johns - Clinic Manager - Statewide
Susan Watson Holloway - Program Director, Public Health Administrator II - Statewide
Core Initiatives
Expand access to comprehensive rural healthcare and behavioral health services.
Develop a sustainable workforce pipeline through new medical and clinical education programs.
Leverage technology for telehealth, data integration, and care coordination.
Show all initiatives (13)
Expand access to comprehensive rural healthcare and behavioral health services.
Develop a sustainable workforce pipeline through new medical and clinical education programs.
Leverage technology for telehealth, data integration, and care coordination.
Reduce chronic disease and improve population health in rural Delaware.
Deploy mobile health units throughout rural areas to deliver preventive care, chronic disease management, and specialty services directly to underserved communities
Expand the network of school-based health centers in rural Sussex and Kent elementary and middle schools to provide comprehensive physical, behavioral, and preventive health services
Develop sustainable payment mechanisms, deploy integrated technology platforms, and train rural healthcare practitioners to deliver evidence-based nutrition interventions
Expand health services at nine rural libraries by adding staff and extending hours to provide telehealth support, health navigation, and benefits enrollment assistance
Support rural providers and FQHCs with cost-based, allowable infrastructure investments, including technology investments, expanded care teams, and strategic planning activities to transition to value-based payment models
Create a competitive fund to support health technology vendors in developing and deploying consumer-facing remote monitoring and digital health solutions for rural populations
Launch a three-year pilot providing continuous glucose monitors and intensive care management to 500 rural diabetes patients to improve health outcomes
Establish Delaware's first medical school with a Primary Care-Rural Health track to train physicians committed to serving rural communities
Provide comprehensive financial awards to medical students who commit to five years of rural practice in Delaware after graduation
WORKFORCE · QUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · POPULATION_HEALTH · OTHER
Event Schedule
Initial Contract Term End Date - 2027-09-30 - America/New_York
Maximum Possible Contract End Date (with extensions) - 2031-09-30 - America/New_York
Contacts
Kaitlyn Arthur - <kaitlyn.arthur@delaware.gov> - Contract Contact/Notice Recipient - Delaware
Core Initiatives
Develop and deliver new training programs, expand existing programs, and build career pathways for non-physician healthcare professionals serving rural and underserved communities in Delaware.
Create a sustainable pipeline of qualified healthcare professionals ready to serve Delaware’s rural areas and other underserved populations.
Address critical service gaps in rural communities through targeted training programs.
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