Kentucky

Kentucky is launching a Rural Health Transformation Plan funded via CMS, focusing on rural health workforce and population health outcomes. This RFA solicits Kentucky-based training organizations to develop new specialized Community Health Worker certificates in Healthy Lifestyle Management, Perinatal and Infant Health, Mental and Behavioral Health, and Dental/Oral Health. The maximum award is $200,000 per certificate, with milestone-based payments and robust outcome reporting requirements. Key contacts: Ashley N. Gibson ashleyn.gibson@ky.gov Event schedule: - RFA Released - 07/15/2026 - RFA Information Session - 07/16/2026 - ET - RFA Office Hours - 07/21/2026 - ET - FAQ Answers Released - 07/24/2026 - Deadline for Receipt of Applications - 08/05/2026 - 5:00 PM ET - via email - Anticipated Notification of Award - 08/26/2026 - Anticipated Funding Period Begins - 10/07/2026 - Deadline for Certificates Approval - 06/30/2027

This RFA solicits Medicaid-enrolled, Eastern Kentucky-serving nonprofit behavioral health organizations to apply for funding to build and integrate telebehavioral health capacity as part of Kentucky's Rural Health Transformation Program. The initiative focuses on expanding access to psychiatric consultation, crisis response, and behavioral health services using a regional hub-and-spoke model, with pilot implementation targeting Eastern Kentucky and growth planned statewide. Applicants may request budgets up to $500,000 for activities tied to participatory telebehavioral health, technology adoption, workforce development, and coordination with statewide partners. 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 to Grantees - 07/10/2026 - Funding Period Begins - 10/01/2026

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

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

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.

This document announces the opening for a District Coordination Lead to support the Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care Innovation in the Big Sandy Area Development District. The role is focused on developing local infrastructure, fostering multisector partnerships, and coordinating chronic care and population health strategies aligned with rural transformation goals. The position reflects efforts to transform rural health by building collective impact across key sectors and sharing best practices statewide. Key contacts: Gwendolyn Weiss gweiss@healthy-ky.org

This document announces a District Coordination Lead position for the RHT-RCH initiative in Kentucky, aimed at supporting district-level health transformation efforts in Lake Cumberland. The role will help build infrastructure, launch local programs, connect partners, and advance collective impact on rural health. The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky leads this effort and prioritizes improving health access and outcomes for underserved rural populations. Key contacts: Gwen Weiss gweiss@healthy-ky.org Event schedule: - Application Open Until Filled - Remote with travel to Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky office, Louisville and Lake Cumberland ADD

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