Key initiatives include establishing and expanding community paramedicine, supporting mobile dental care, modernizing EMS education and protocols, bolstering behavioral health crisis systems, and supporting dental workforce expansion through accredited training programs. Multiple targeted funding opportunities are offered for nonprofit, public EMS agencies, health departments, mental health centers, and educational institutions. Rural community health hubs are being developed in select regions to coordinate local health improvement efforts. Current structured plan tracks 5 key initiatives and 5 strategic goals.
The Kentucky Rural Health Transformation Program is actively implementing multiple targeted initiatives, including open RFAs for EMS, dental, and behavioral health projects. Several funding opportunities are currently soliciting applications from local providers, with application deadlines into mid-2026. State opportunities: 3 active (1 open, 2 closing soon, 9 past/closed), $3.5M listed funding. Key opportunities: Rural Health Transformation Program Rapid Response to Recovery – Telebehavioral Health Support; Rural Health Transformation Program: Rapid Response to Recovery – Telebehavioral Health Support; Incident Management and Investigation Training C5919. Strategy alignment: supports telehealth, ems, care access priorities.
RHTP Strategy
Kentucky’s RHTP pursues a comprehensive transformation through five interrelated, technology-enabled initiatives to expand rural access and build coordinated care networks. The strategy employs hub-and-spoke collaboratives, telehealth, workforce expansion, and digital integration to tackle chronic disease, maternal and infant health, behavioral health, oral health, and EMS gaps. Implementation is phased via targeted competitive grants and pilot launches with accountability for measurable outcomes. Efforts are designed for sustainability, equity, and system resilience across rural communities.
Model
Integrated hub-and-spoke technology and workforce network, focused on digital care, interoperable data, and phased pilot-to-scale deployment aligned to value-based payment models.
Key Initiatives
1Establish and expand Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care Innovation, integrating nutrition, physical activity, digital self-management, and chronic disease navigation.
2Deploy telehealth-enabled maternal care teams and wraparound supports for PoWERing Maternal and Infant Health in maternity care deserts.
3Operationalize Rapid Response to Recovery via EmPATH psychiatric crisis units, mobile crisis teams, telebehavioral health, and community-based follow-up with real-time referral tracking.
4Expand Rooted in Health: Rural Dental Access, including accredited dental hygiene program development, externships, public health dental hygiene teams in Local Health Districts, teledentistry, and school- or long-term-care-based oral health delivery.
5Enhance EMS with Crisis to Care: Integrated Emergency Medical Services Response and Coordination, including community paramedicine expansion, treat-in-place and treat-no-transport protocols, mobile EMS training units, trauma response upgrades, and rural workforce development.
Timeline: Primary implementation runs FY2026–FY2030, with rolling competitive funding and pilot launches beginning July 1, 2026. Major milestones include rural hub establishment by 2027, annual workforce expansion, and sustained program funding linked to CMS performance metrics.
Health Priority
Emergency Medical Services: Emphasis on expanding EMS training and equipping agencies to offer mobile, preventive, and innovative care, including community paramedicine and modern treat-no-transport protocols.
Jun 25, 2026
Health Priority
Dental Health: Investments support both mobile and preventive dental services and dental hygiene workforce development to reach rural populations where provider access is limited.
Jun 25, 2026
Health Priority
Behavioral Health: Supports telebehavioral health hubs and post-crisis case management for rural residents, partnering with mental health organizations to increase behavioral health access and care coordination.
This Kentucky RHTP RFA seeks to fund statewide telebehavioral health infrastructure and provider participation, focused on rapid response and recovery for behavioral health crises. Key partners include primary care, behavioral health, EMS, law enforcement, and academic entities. The program aims for technology-enabled crisis stabilization, care coordination, and quality improvement, and offers up to $500,000 per applicant for telebehavioral health hub activities in year 1. Key contacts: Breanna McGinnis Breanna.mcginnis@ky.gov
Event schedule:
- RFA Released - 06/01/2026
- Deadline for Receipt of Applications - 07/03/2026
- Notification of Award - 07/10/2026
- Funding Period Begins - 10/01/2026
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>)
This summary presents high-level application details for multiple states requesting RHTP funding for FY26, with federal amounts ranging from $150M to $272M per state. All highlight major structural rural health barriers, with strategies including expanding workforce training, advancing telehealth, supporting maternal care, addressing chronic disease, and value-based payment reform. All states emphasize hospital support, technology modernization, and improved rural population health outcomes, paired with select state policy commitments, e.g., SNAP waivers, licensure compacts, and nutrition CME.
Core Initiatives
Make Rural America Healthy Again
Expand rural healthcare access
Strengthen rural and frontier hospital infrastructure
Show all initiatives (32)
Make Rural America Healthy Again
Expand rural healthcare access
Strengthen rural and frontier hospital infrastructure
Develop and retain rural healthcare workforce
Invest in digital health/technology innovation
Improve care coordination and delivery models
Advance population health and chronic disease prevention
Support value-based and sustainable rural health systems
Empower rural residents to achieve healthy living goals through expanded population health solutions
Expand the supply of care by growing a rural workforce and spreading technologies that improve coordination
Ensure care will be available and affordable long into the future by pairing affordability measures with strategies that advance quality, efficiency, and fiscal durability
Transform the rural health workforce through apprenticeships, improved IT, and expansion of Area Health Education Centers and pipeline programs
Promote sustainable access and innovative care through expanded capacity for primary care, specialty practices, school-based health centers, and behavioral health expansion
Expand access to essential healthcare services and improve health and well-being through targeted initiatives and partnerships
Strengthen the rural health workforce and technological infrastructure to increase connectivity and support better outcomes
Build partnerships between healthcare, public health, and community organizations to strengthen workforce shortages, interoperability, and access to care
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.
This RFA application form enables Kentucky EMS agencies to apply for transformation funding focusing on care coordination and alternative response (TNT/TAD). The program encourages use of telehealth, data-driven evaluation, and partnerships with alternative destinations such as urgent care centers and behavioral health facilities. Agencies must attach demonstration of leadership commitment and participate in statewide care coordination technology.
Event schedule:
- Application Deadline - 06/15/2026
- Program Implementation Period - August 2026 through July 2027
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed.
KY - 2026 - RHT Community Paramedicine - Attachment B - Budget Template
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KY - 1982 - agency.aspx
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KY NEMT 1915(b) Approval Letter.pdf
2025-2027 · PDF
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SupportingPDFFY2026Award: $212.9M
KY - 2026 - Attachment B - CMS Notice of Award
KY Definitive Mobile Dental Services – Attachment A: Budget Template
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KY - 2026 - RHT E&T Modernization - Narrative
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KY - 2026 - KY EMS Transformation – Attachment A: Application Form
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KY - 2026 - KY EMS Transformation – Narrative
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KY - 2026 - RHT E&T Modernization - Request for Application
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SupportingPDF2026-2027Award: $470K
KY - 2026 - Request for Application: Public Health Dental Hygiene Teams in Local Health Department [PHDH_Team_Request_for_Application.pdf]
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SupportingPDF2026Award: $20.0M
KY - 2026 - RHT_EMS_Transformation_RFA
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This RFA is part of Kentucky's Rural Health Transformation Program, specifically for the Rapid Response to Recovery – CMHC Support component, aiming to support and modernize rural behavioral health crisis response through two main focus areas: EmPATH rapid follow-up services and EMS behavioral health training. Kentucky CMHCs are eligible to apply for funding to address crisis system gaps, workforce development, quality improvement, and technology integration. The anticipated budget ceiling per CMHC is $800,000–$1,200,000 for comprehensive approaches, with applications due July 3, 2026 for Year 1 funding starting October 2026. Key contacts: Breanna McGinnis Breanna.mcginnis@ky.gov
Event schedule:
- RFA Released - 06/11/2026
- Deadline for Receipt of Applications - 07/03/2026
- Notification of Award to Grantees - 07/10/2026
- Funding Period Begins - 10/01/2026
- Funding Period Ends (Year 1) - 09/30/2027
- Application deadline for funding consideration - 2026-10-01
- Budget Period 1 ends (CMHC trainers must be certified)
Application deadline for funding consideration - 2026-10-01
Budget Period 1 ends (CMHC trainers must be certified)
Contacts
Breanna McGinnis - <Breanna.mcginnis@ky.gov> - Contact for RFA submission and questions - Kentucky (statewide)
Regional CMHC contact for EmPATH follow-up and care coordination - Eastern Kentucky
Core Initiatives
Expand access to high quality behavioral health crisis services for rural populations
Reduce avoidable emergency department utilization and hospital admissions related to behavioral health crises
Promote timely follow-up care and improved continuity following crisis events
Show all initiatives (11)
Expand access to high quality behavioral health crisis services for rural populations
Reduce avoidable emergency department utilization and hospital admissions related to behavioral health crises
Promote timely follow-up care and improved continuity following crisis events
Strengthen the behavioral health safety net through CMHC partnerships and crisis system transformation
Build sustainable, integrated, and technology-enabled rural health systems
Expand care coordination and alternative destination transport in Kentucky
Reduce avoidable emergency department and inpatient admissions by improving continuity of care
Improve follow-up and retention rates for EmPATH and other crisis touchpoints
Build and sustain behavioral health safety net capacity for EmPATH follow-up and care coordination
Establish consistent, baseline behavioral health response capacity across EMS and community paramedicine programs statewide
Strengthen collaboration between EMS agencies, paramedicine programs, and behavioral health partners
This competitive RFA supports Kentucky's Rooted in Health: Rural Dental Access initiative under the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program, funding mobile dental services targeted at rural areas. The $212.9M federally funded program (in year 1) prioritizes organizations ready to expand access to restorative and definitive dental care for rural, high-need populations. Applicants must operate non-profit mobile dental units and collaborate closely with public health and community partners. Key contacts: John Landis john.landis@ky.gov
Event schedule:
- RFA Released - 05/11/2026
- RFA Information Session - 05/21/2026
- RFA Office Hours - 05/29/2026
- Applications Due - 06/12/2026 - john.landis@ky.gov
- Notification of Award to Grantees - 09/01/2026
- Funding Period Begins - 10/01/2026
- Funding Period Ends - 09/30/2027
Expand access to mobile dental services in rural communities.
Increase availability of definitive dental care for rural residents.
Collaborate with partners to effectively deploy and integrate mobile dental services.
Show all initiatives (4)
Expand access to mobile dental services in rural communities.
Increase availability of definitive dental care for rural residents.
Collaborate with partners to effectively deploy and integrate mobile dental services.
Address health disparities and improve oral health outcomes for priority rural populations.
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
Jimmie Hampton - <jimmie.hampton@ky.gov> - Workforce Development Specialist for Crisis to Care (CTC) - Commonwealth of Kentucky
Behavioral Health Champion - Primary point of contact for behavioral health training coordination - all awardees
Core Initiatives
Improve health access, quality, and outcomes for rural Kentuckians
Strengthen pre-hospital and crisis response program capacity
Expand preventative and community-based services
Show all initiatives (4)
Improve health access, quality, and outcomes for rural Kentuckians
Strengthen pre-hospital and crisis response program capacity
Expand preventative and community-based services
Build long-term sustainability for EMS and rural health infrastructure
Kentucky received $212.9 million in FY2026 for the state’s rural health transformation, with a strong emphasis on modernizing and expanding EMS training and mobile skills programs. Funding is available to EMS agencies for hands-on and mobile training equipment, workforce expansion, and the development of community-based EMS education. Technical assistance, application support, and program reporting are provided to ensure sustainable impact. Key contacts: Jimmie Hampton jimmie.hampton@ky.gov; Bob Andrew bob.andrew@ky.gov
Event schedule:
- Submission Deadline - 06/12/2026 - 5:00 PM ET
Award: $212.9MEMS_DEVELOPMENT · WORKFORCE · OTHER
Contacts
Jimmie Hampton - <jimmie.hampton@ky.gov> - Workforce Development Specialist for Crisis to Care - Statewide (Crisis to Care program)
Bob Andrew - <bob.andrew@ky.gov> - TEI/EMS Certification Support - Statewide (TEI Certification)
Core Initiatives
Improve health access, quality, and outcomes for rural Kentuckians
Modernize EMS education and training infrastructure
Strengthen rural healthcare workforce capacity
Improve cardiometabolic health outcomes and sustainably expand healthcare workforce
Create Coordinated Regional Integrated Systems to address maternal mortality, poverty, EMS coordination, and workforce shortages
Build a statewide network of rural healthcare hubs to expand access, improve outcomes, strengthen coordinating networks and provider sustainability
Strengthen healthcare workforce, secure financial solvency for rural providers, embed prevention and community health at the center of care, and expand technology use
Address rural health challenges through food-as-medicine programs, workforce development, technology initiatives, and right-sizing the healthcare system
Make rural areas healthy by implementing value-based care models, strengthening rural health systems, workforce recruitment, and upgrading technology infrastructure
Advance a prevention-oriented strategy across behavioral health, perinatal care, chronic disease, oral health, and school-based wellness
Improve healthcare availability by investing in primary and specialty provider expansion, fostering flexible healthcare systems adapting to community needs
Transform healthcare access and quality through specialty care access expansion, community-centered chronic disease and behavioral health care, and workforce pipeline strengthening
Improve health outcomes with Make Rural America Healthy Again, primary care and specialty service expansions, and workforce development
Catalyze innovative care models, transform rural care experience, and create sustainable rural healthcare delivery systems via provider coordination and hub networks
Rebuild and retain rural health workforce through residencies, innovative technologies, behavioral health and nutrition initiatives, and telehealth hubs
Improve access to care through clinically integrated networks (CINs), community-based clinics in K-12 schools and college campuses, and mobile health care services, rural hospital improvements, and home visits.
Improve health outcomes through expansions of behavioral health services.
Improve chronic disease health outcomes such as reduced A1C and increased levels of hypertension management.
Expand technology to build remote monitoring and telehealth, expand electronic medical record (EMR) usage for pharmacists, and pilot innovative screening technologies for chronic disease management.
This application is for Kentucky EMS agencies to request funding under the Equipment and Mobile Training Units RFA. Agencies may apply to enhance stationary hands-on skills programs or establish/expand mobile EMS training units. The funding aims to increase EMS workforce capacity and access to training in rural and underserved regions. Key contacts: Jimme Hampton jimmie.hampton@ky.gov
Event schedule:
- Application due date - 06/12/2026
- Program period (planned) - August 2026 - July 2027
EMS_DEVELOPMENT · WORKFORCE
Contacts
Jimme Hampton - <jimmie.hampton@ky.gov> - Workforce Development Specialist - Crisis to Care (CTC)
Core Initiatives
Expand access to hands-on EMS skills training for rural and underserved areas
Establish or enhance Mobile Training Units to improve EMS workforce capabilities
Increase the number of qualified EMS trainers and students trained in rural regions
The Community Paramedicine RFA application solicits EMS agencies in rural Kentucky to apply for federal FY27 funding to either establish or expand community paramedicine programs. The application requires detailed description of agency service mix, staffing, partnerships, technology use, and program evaluation plans. Priority is given to agencies that coordinate with behavioral health partners and participate in crisis care workforce development activities. Key contacts: Jimmie Hampton jimmie.hampton@ky.gov
Event schedule:
- Application Deadline - 06/12/2026 - ET - Submission to CTC Workforce Development Specialist
- Program Implementation Period - August 2026 - July 2027