North Carolina's Rural Health Transformation Program is moving toward implementation beginning in early 2026, establishing six regional NC ROOTS Hubs led by selected organizations to manage and coordinate rural health transformation initiatives. Major focus areas remain launching regionally governed hubs to integrate medical, behavioral, and social services; expanding chronic disease and mental health care; workforce development; provider support for value-based care; and digital health innovation. Program activities will operate across 85 rural counties under the oversight of a statewide steering committee with an ongoing emphasis on transparency and stakeholder engagement, structured around six strategies over five years. The current structured plan continues tracking key initiatives and strategic goals for rural care transformation. Current structured plan tracks 13 key initiatives and 12 strategic goals.
NC - 2026 - North Carolina RHTP Award Announcement
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
Rural population21.0%
2,196,327 rural residents
Current Progress
Implementing
North Carolina received CMS approval and funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program in December 2025. The state issued RFAs for six NC ROOTS Hub Leads, with awards announced in May 2026 and project periods starting June 2026 across all Medicaid regions. Regional contracts are being finalized, with needs assessments and partner network formation to follow. Implementation is underway, guided by a statewide steering committee and aligned to workforce, telehealth, and care access priorities. State opportunities: 2 active (2 closing soon, 3 past/closed), $10.4M listed funding. Key opportunities: Expanding School Health Centers to Rural Areas Funding Opportunity; Expanding School Health Centers to Rural Areas Funding Opportunity; NC ROOTS Hub Leads — Rural Health Transformation Program. Strategy alignment: supports workforce, care access, telehealth priorities.
RHTP Strategy
North Carolina's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) advances rural health transformation through regionally governed NC ROOTS Hubs, which coordinate competitive grants, regional needs assessments, and locally tailored partner networks. The strategy centers on prevention, chronic and maternal health management, behavioral health and SUD care, workforce development, value-based payment, and digital health expansion, implemented through cross-sector collaboration and oversight from the RHTP Advisory Committee. Federal CMS funding and designated ROOTS Hub Leads ensure sustainable and equitable impact statewide.
Model
Regionally governed NC ROOTS Hubs operate as backbone entities, integrating medical, behavioral, and social services, workforce initiatives, digital health, and value-based reimbursement within each Medicaid region. ROOTS Hub Leads manage regional governance, subgranting, and partner networks aligned to regional needs and state priorities, in collaboration with the RHTP Advisory Committee.
Key Initiatives
1Establish and fund NC ROOTS Hub Leads in each Medicaid region to coordinate rural health transformation and conduct regional needs assessments
2Build and support regional partner networks to enhance care coordination, workforce development, and infrastructure
3Expand NC Minority Diabetes Prevention Program and chronic disease management initiatives in rural regions
4Grow behavioral health and substance use disorder services via new clinics, integrated care models, school-based programs, and mobile crisis teams
5Implement rural healthcare workforce training, rural residency programs, incentives, and innovative pipeline development (e.g., CHW, EMS, social work scholars)
6Facilitate competitive and transparent backbone operations, governance, and grants management for ROOTS Hub Leads
7Support transition of rural practices and hospitals to value-based payment models, including primary care capitation
8Leverage digital health infrastructure: telehealth, remote monitoring, Rural Health Innovation Fund competitive grants, artificial intelligence, digital literacy training, and expand NC HealthConnex participation
9Strengthen care coordination and Health Information Exchange connectivity for rural providers via technical assistance and infrastructure upgrades
10Expand Mobile Integrated Health and Community Paramedicine programs to reinforce behavioral health crisis response and EMS capacity
11Implement regionally responsive subgranting processes and partner engagement in each region
12Expand school-based health centers in rural census tracts to increase youth access to integrated physical and behavioral health care
13Launch the Rural Health Innovation Fund (RHIF) to support technology and practice transformation for rural providers
Timeline: Five-year phased implementation: ROOTS Hub contracts and regional needs assessments (2026–2027); sequential statewide rollout of program initiatives and digital health expansion (2026–2031); quarterly RHTP Advisory Committee meetings beginning in 2026 to guide ongoing program refinement.
11Support sustainable, transparent, and regionally governed partnerships and program accountability
12Foster inclusive stakeholder and community engagement through the RHTP Advisory Committee and tailored regional implementation
Health Priority
Access to Comprehensive Rural Healthcare
Focus on connecting medical, behavioral health, and social services through locally governed NC ROOTS Hubs.
rural North Carolinaall 100 counties
Aug 12, 2026
Health Priority
Chronic Disease Management and Prevention
Expanding programs for diabetes, hypertension, cancer screening, maternal health, and nutrition support including food as medicine.
rural North Carolina
Aug 12, 2026
Health Priority
Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Services
Growing services via new clinics, mobile crisis teams, school programs, and primary care integration.
NC - 2026 - NC Mobile Integrated Healthcare Request for Application Competitive Grant Funding
Auto-linked process guidance fallback (9%)
ReferencePDF2026
Announcement Documents (13)
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AnnouncementJul 30, 2026HTML2025
North Carolina is beginning preparations to apply for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to mitigate the impact of federal Medicaid cuts on its rural communities. The state emphasizes broad public and provider input, with a focus on improving rural access to care, supporting rural hospitals, and strengthening the health workforce. Exact funding awards and application timelines are pending federal guidance, expected later in 2025.
Event schedule:
- Expected CMS Guidance on Application Instructions - 09/2025
- CMS Approval of State RHTP Plans Target Date - 12/31/2025
- Anticipated Announcement of Funding Application Process - Early 2026
Expected CMS Guidance on Application Instructions - 09/2025
CMS Approval of State RHTP Plans Target Date - 12/31/2025
Anticipated Announcement of Funding Application Process - Early 2026
Core Initiatives
Improve access to rural hospitals and health care providers
Improve health care outcomes for rural residents
Foster partnerships between rural providers
Show all initiatives (4)
Improve access to rural hospitals and health care providers
Improve health care outcomes for rural residents
Foster partnerships between rural providers
Strengthen the rural health care workforce
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AnnouncementJul 30, 2026PDF2025
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AnnouncementJul 30, 2026HTMLPast2025
Award Announcement Documents (3)
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Award AnnouncementJul 30, 2026HTML2026Federal
North Carolina has been awarded $213 million by CMS for the Rural Health Transformation Program for 2026. The NC RHTP aims to improve health care in rural communities through strategies including the launch of NC ROOTS hubs, workforce investments, technological innovation, and transitions to value-based care. This funding will support more than 3 million rural residents and over 400 rural health facilities, leveraging a broad coalition of state, community, and academic partners.
Event schedule:
- NC RHTP Virtual Event - 01/16/2026 - Online
Expand the reach of statewide rural health initiatives supporting sustainability.
Increase access to high-quality, patient-centered, affordable care in rural communities.
Support innovations such as NC ROOTS hubs and value-based care models.
Show all initiatives (5)
Expand the reach of statewide rural health initiatives supporting sustainability.
Increase access to high-quality, patient-centered, affordable care in rural communities.
Support innovations such as NC ROOTS hubs and value-based care models.
Invest in workforce, technology, and prevention to address rural health disparities.
Strengthen cross-sector partnerships to address root causes of disease.
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Award AnnouncementJul 29, 2026HTMLPast2025Federal
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Award AnnouncementApr 15, 2026HTMLFederalOpportunity ↗
North Carolina was awarded more than $213 million in federal funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program. The state has the second-largest rural population in the U.S., with nearly 3 million people living in rural areas.
NCDHHS is offering up to $1.25 million in federal funds to expand school-based health centers in rural North Carolina, supporting integrated care for youth. This solicitation targets schools in HRSA-defined rural census tracts with limited access to behavioral or physical health providers. Eligibility is limited to current School Health Center Program grantees with notification to apply.
Event schedule:
- Applicant question deadline - 07/29/2026
- Application submission deadline - 08/12/2026 - 5:00 PM
This addendum revises the maximum award amount for the NC MDPP – Region 8 under the Rural Health Transformation Program to $195,105. The change clarifies the finalized funding available for diabetes prevention work targeting minority populations in rural North Carolina. The application deadline is extended one week. Key contacts: OMHHD@dhhs.nc.gov
Event schedule:
- Application Deadline (extended) - 07/17/2026 - 5:00 PM EST
This document describes the Digital Health initiative within North Carolina's Rural Health Transformation Program, including a future Rural Health Innovation Fund to modernize rural provider infrastructure through health IT investments, support for rural adoption of AI and digital health, expanded digital health literacy programming, increased rural provider participation in the statewide health information exchange, and integration of remote patient monitoring and chronic care management. Application opportunities for funding will begin in September 2026. The program will work with multiple partners to offer technical assistance, training, and infrastructure improvements for rural health providers and residents.
Event schedule:
- Rural Health Innovation Fund application process begins - September 2026 - Rural Health Transformation Program Grant Opportunities webpage
- Digital health literacy program support available - July 1, 2026 - Statewide
HEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY · QUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · POPULATION_HEALTH · WORKFORCE · OTHER
Event Schedule
Rural Health Innovation Fund application process begins - September 2026 - Rural Health Transformation Program Grant Opportunities webpage
Digital health literacy program support available - July 1, 2026 - Statewide
Core Initiatives
Modernize rural health care operations and infrastructure.
Increase participation of rural providers in health information exchange.
Improve rural residents' digital health literacy.
Show all initiatives (5)
Modernize rural health care operations and infrastructure.
Increase participation of rural providers in health information exchange.
Improve rural residents' digital health literacy.
Integrate remote patient monitoring and chronic care management.
Support adoption of AI and emerging digital technologies in rural settings.
The NC Department of Health and Human Services Strategic Plan for 2024-2026 outlines Medicaid expansion, behavioral health investments, and a commitment to whole-person health. The plan envisions cross-departmental coordination, operational excellence, and workforce development to address rural and urban health disparities. Strategic initiatives focus on child and family well-being, crisis services, data-driven improvement, and supporting partner capacity statewide.
Event schedule:
- Medicaid Expansion Law Signed - 03/27/2023 - North Carolina
Medicaid Expansion Law Signed - 03/27/2023 - North Carolina
Core Initiatives
Advance health by increasing opportunity and outcomes for people facing greater health and situational challenges
Promote child and family well-being
Support behavioral health and resilience
Show all initiatives (5)
Advance health by increasing opportunity and outcomes for people facing greater health and situational challenges
Promote child and family well-being
Support behavioral health and resilience
Build a strong and inclusive workforce
Achieve operational excellence
🌐
StrategyJun 24, 2026HTML2026
NCRHTP Initiative Six focuses on enhancing digital health and technology in rural areas, including partnerships to advance health information exchange and AI deployment. The aim is to boost digital literacy, enable remote patient monitoring, and improve chronic care management for rural residents.
HEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY · OTHER
Summary Documents (2)
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SummaryJun 11, 2026PDF2027-2031
The NCRHTP plans to invest $1 billion over five years to improve health outcomes and access for nearly 3 million rural residents in 85 of North Carolina's 100 counties. Six integrated initiatives target the creation of local care hubs, enhanced chronic disease management, behavioral health expansion, workforce development, value-based payment adoption, and health technology innovation.
North Carolina is preparing an RHTP application leveraging its large and diverse rural population, strong safety net, and history of rural innovation. Strategic principles emphasize measurable impact, rigorous stakeholder engagement, sustainability, and maximizing federal funding potential. Priority areas include diabetes, behavioral health, maternal health, provider shortages, digital health, and sustainable regional provider networks.
Event schedule:
- Stakeholder inputs period closed - 10/10/2025
- NCDHHS submitted application - 11/03/2025
- CMS application deadline - 11/05/2025
- Target CMS approval of application - 12/31/2025
- More guidance to partners regarding fund application - Early 2026
Report Documents (1)
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ReportJul 30, 2026PDF2024
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, enrolling nearly 500,000 people in the first nine months. The state secured $835 million investment for behavioral health and resilience, with strategic goals including whole-person health and closing gaps among historically marginalized groups. The report identifies prioritized disparities across chronic disease, mental health, communicable disease, and maternal health, emphasizing actionable strategies for stakeholders statewide. Key contacts: Dawn Verret; Beth Blaise; Cheryl Speight
Event schedule:
- Medicaid Expansion Launch - 12/01/2023 - ET - Statewide North Carolina
- Report Release - 09/05/2024 - ET - North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
- Healthy Opportunities Pilots launched - 2022-03 - America/New_York - North Carolina, 33 rural counties
- Healthy Opportunities Pilots services as of April 2024 - 2024-04 - America/New_York - North Carolina (33 counties)
- Medicaid Expansion effective date - 2023-12-01 - America/New_York - North Carolina
- Richmond County MAP Q1 milestone - 2023-03-31 - America/New_York - Richmond County, NC
Award: $835.0MPOPULATION_HEALTH · QUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · WORKFORCE · NETWORK_DEVELOPMENT · OTHER
Event Schedule
Medicaid Expansion Launch - 12/01/2023 - ET - Statewide North Carolina
Report Release - 09/05/2024 - ET - North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Healthy Opportunities Pilots launched - 2022-03 - America/New_York - North Carolina, 33 rural counties
Show all schedule items (6)
Medicaid Expansion Launch - 12/01/2023 - ET - Statewide North Carolina
Report Release - 09/05/2024 - ET - North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Healthy Opportunities Pilots launched - 2022-03 - America/New_York - North Carolina, 33 rural counties
Healthy Opportunities Pilots services as of April 2024 - 2024-04 - America/New_York - North Carolina (33 counties)
Medicaid Expansion effective date - 2023-12-01 - America/New_York - North Carolina
Richmond County MAP Q1 milestone - 2023-03-31 - America/New_York - Richmond County, NC
Contacts
Dawn Verret - Medicaid enrollee, beneficiary of Healthy Opportunities Pilot - Western North Carolina
Beth Blaise - Rural Health Operations Specialist - Richmond County
Cheryl Speight - Director, Richmond County Health Department - Richmond County
Core Initiatives
Reduce health disparities and promote whole-person health
Increase equitable access to health and behavioral health care
Strengthen and expand healthcare and caregiving workforce
Show all initiatives (20)
Reduce health disparities and promote whole-person health
Increase equitable access to health and behavioral health care
Strengthen and expand healthcare and caregiving workforce
Improve crisis and behavioral health systems
Engage communities in partner-driven health initiatives
Reduce health disparities among racial, ethnic, socio-economic, and disability populations in North Carolina.
Improve access to quality education, housing, and health care to promote healthier lives.
Expand broadband internet access and nutrition security statewide.
Support financial stability and community investment for historically marginalized populations.
Expand and evaluate evidence-based non-medical interventions to high-needs Medicaid enrollees.
Improve neighborhood and environmental conditions to support population health.
Promote health literacy and remove barriers to accessible and equitable health care.
Expand and track Medicaid waivers and services for people with disabilities.
Increase access to health care for underserved populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities.
Reduce health care access and quality disparities by gender, sexual identity, race, ethnicity, and disability status.
Address and reduce chronic disease disparities through culturally and socially appropriate care and targeted interventions.
Reference Documents (9)
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ReferenceJul 31, 2026OTHER
Reference: RHTP CSC Program Lead JR 121057
Link: https://nc.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/NC_Careers/job/Wake-County-NC/RHTP-CSC-Program-Lead_JR-121057
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ReferenceJul 30, 2026PDF2023
North Carolina expanded Medicaid effective December 1, 2023, allowing adults ages 19-64 with low income to enroll. The expansion increases access to comprehensive health coverage, including behavioral health and maternity care, at no or low cost. Expansion aims to prevent rural hospital closures, strengthen the workforce, and improve health outcomes across the state.
Event schedule:
- Medicaid Expansion Coverage Begins - 12/01/2023 - North Carolina
- Marketplace Open Enrollment - November 1, 2023 - January 16, 2024 - Online
POPULATION_HEALTH · OTHER
Event Schedule
Medicaid Expansion Coverage Begins - 12/01/2023 - North Carolina
Marketplace Open Enrollment - November 1, 2023 - January 16, 2024 - Online
Contacts
Local Medicaid assistance - Local DSS Office
NC Medicaid Help Line - Statewide
Core Initiatives
Expand Medicaid coverage to low-income North Carolinians ages 19-64.
Increase access to comprehensive health care including behavioral health and preventive services.
Improve health outcomes and reduce uninsured rates.
Show all initiatives (4)
Expand Medicaid coverage to low-income North Carolinians ages 19-64.
Increase access to comprehensive health care including behavioral health and preventive services.
Improve health outcomes and reduce uninsured rates.
Strengthen the health care workforce and prevent rural hospital closures.
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ReferenceJul 30, 2026HTMLPast2026
Other Documents (2)
✉️
OtherJul 31, 2026TXT
This document highlights a job posting for the RHTP CSC Program Lead position for North Carolina.
OTHER
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OtherApr 15, 2026HTMLPast
The program was awarded over $213 million in federal funding to support rural health infrastructure across 85 counties and 400+ rural health facilities. It involves establishing NC ROOTS Hubs to connect services regionally and emphasizes six integrated strategies including chronic disease management and value-based payment models. Implementation includes a statewide steering committee and advisory committee with a transparent process and stakeholder engagement.
Event schedule:
- NC Rural Health Transformation Program Webinar: Progress Update and ROOTS Hub Introduction - June 24, 2026 - webinar
- Finalization of Contracts with NC ROOTS Hub Leads - early June 2026
Event Schedule
NC Rural Health Transformation Program Webinar: Progress Update and ROOTS Hub Introduction - June 24, 2026 - webinar
Finalization of Contracts with NC ROOTS Hub Leads - early June 2026
Core Initiatives
Establish community-rooted care networks (NC ROOTS Hubs)
Expand prevention and chronic disease management programs
Grow behavioral health and substance use disorder services
Show all initiatives (6)
Establish community-rooted care networks (NC ROOTS Hubs)
Expand prevention and chronic disease management programs
Grow behavioral health and substance use disorder services
Develop and retain rural healthcare workforce
Ensure financial sustainability through value-based payment models
Leverage technology and innovation for digital literacy and provider support
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed.
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SupportingPDF2026No amount extracted
NC - 2026 - RHT Grant – FY 2026
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SupportingPDF2026No amount extracted
NC - 2026 - Addendum #1 – Clarification of Participant Eligibility Requirements for the NC Minority Diabetes Prevention Program (NC MDPP) – Region 8 RFA
NC - 2026 - Mobile Integrated Health Grant Funding Opportunity Request For Applications
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NC - 2026 - RFA#: 2026-NCROOTS North Carolina Rural Organizations Orchestrating Transformation for Sustainability (“NC ROOTS”) Hubs Addendum 1
SupportingHTML2026No amount extracted
NC - 2026 - NC RHTP Frequently Asked Questions
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NC - 2026 - RHTP grant opportunities
North Carolina's congressional delegation formally requests CMS approval of the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program application, noting NC’s large rural population and need for proportionate funding. The proposed program includes innovative regional networks, expanded care coordination, integrated behavioral health, advanced AI and health IT, and digital literacy initiatives. RHTP funding would address primary care shortages, provider ratios, chronic disease, and hospital closures in rural NC.
Event schedule:
- CMS RHTP Application Deadline - 12/31/2025
- NCRHTP Application Submission - 11/03/2025
Reduce preventable hospital readmissions and emergency visits
Enable equitable funding to rural counties based on need
Expand integrated behavioral, mental health, and substance use services
North Carolina was awarded over $213 million in federal funding through RHTP to improve rural health care for nearly 3 million rural residents across 85 counties. The initiative focuses on six interconnected strategies, including care network development, workforce, behavioral health, prevention, financial sustainability, and technology innovation. More than 400 rural health facilities are expected to be supported, with implementation involving broad partnerships and a newly announced advisory committee.
Event schedule:
- RHTP Award Announcement - 12/29/2025 - North Carolina
- NC Rural Health Transformation Program Webinar: Progress Update and ROOTS Hub Introduction - June 24, 2026
- ROOTS Hub contracts expected - 06/01/2026
RHTP Award Announcement - 12/29/2025 - North Carolina
NC Rural Health Transformation Program Webinar: Progress Update and ROOTS Hub Introduction - June 24, 2026
ROOTS Hub contracts expected - 06/01/2026
Core Initiatives
Expand access to high-quality healthcare for rural North Carolinians
Create community-rooted care networks statewide
Improve chronic disease management and prevention
Show all initiatives (7)
Expand access to high-quality healthcare for rural North Carolinians
Create community-rooted care networks statewide
Improve chronic disease management and prevention
Expand behavioral health services in rural areas
Strengthen and sustain the rural health workforce
Transition rural practices and hospitals to sustainable, value-based payment models
Promote technology adoption and innovation for rural care delivery
North Carolina was awarded over $213 million by CMS in December 2025 to launch its Rural Health Transformation Program, supporting over 3 million rural residents and more than 400 rural health facilities statewide. The state is deploying a comprehensive strategy with six main initiatives, including community-rooted care hubs, expanded behavioral and chronic disease services, workforce development, financial innovation, and technology upgrades. Implementation involves more than 420 engaged stakeholders with regular updates and participation opportunities.
Event schedule:
- CMS Federal Award Announced - 12/29/2025
- NC ROOTS Hub Contracts Finalized (expected) - June 2026
- Webinar: Progress Update and ROOTS Hub Introduction - June 24, 2026
NC ROOTS Hub Contracts Finalized (expected) - June 2026
Webinar: Progress Update and ROOTS Hub Introduction - June 24, 2026
Core Initiatives
Strengthen healthcare infrastructure in rural communities
Improve access to and quality of care for rural North Carolinians
Expand behavioral health and chronic disease management services
Show all initiatives (5)
Strengthen healthcare infrastructure in rural communities
Improve access to and quality of care for rural North Carolinians
Expand behavioral health and chronic disease management services
Support financial sustainability of rural health systems
Advance technological and data-sharing capabilities for rural providers
POPULATION_HEALTH
Event Schedule
Application Deadline (extended) - 07/17/2026 - 5:00 PM EST
Contacts
<OMHHD@dhhs.nc.gov> - Contact for Addendum questions - Region 8
Core Initiatives
Reduce diabetes incidence among minority populations in rural Region 8.
Enhance capacity for diabetes prevention program implementation.
This RFA solicits applications to deliver an evidence-based Diabetes Prevention Program in nine rural counties of North Carolina, focusing on racial/ethnic minorities and underserved groups. The goal is to screen at least 165 residents for prediabetes, enroll a minimum of 50 participants in a CDC-approved 12-month lifestyle class, and ensure at least 60% of those served are minorities. The program is 100% federal-funded through the CMS Rural Health Transformation Grant with a $195,000 budget for the initial year. Key contacts: DeNita Nash OMHHD@dhhs.nc.gov
Event schedule:
- Written Questions Due - 06/29/2026 - ET
- Application Deadline - 07/07/2026 - 5:00 PM ET - OMHHD@dhhs.nc.gov
- Period of Performance Start - 08/01/2026
- Period of Performance End - 07/31/2027
Application Deadline - 07/07/2026 - 5:00 PM ET - OMHHD@dhhs.nc.gov
Period of Performance Start - 08/01/2026
Show all schedule items (4)
Written Questions Due - 06/29/2026 - ET
Application Deadline - 07/07/2026 - 5:00 PM ET - OMHHD@dhhs.nc.gov
Period of Performance Start - 08/01/2026
Period of Performance End - 07/31/2027
Contacts
DeNita Nash - <OMHHD@dhhs.nc.gov> - Program contact - Region 8 (Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, Robeson, Sampson)
Core Initiatives
Reduce the prevalence of diabetes among at-risk and minoritized populations in North Carolina Region 8.
Increase early detection and intervention for prediabetes to prevent progression to type 2 diabetes.
Advance health equity and address disparities in historically underserved communities.
The NC Rural Health Transformation Program's Digital Health initiative encompasses a suite of strategic programs aimed at modernizing rural health care through technology. Efforts include funding for telehealth and IT upgrades, supporting rural providers in adopting AI and digital tools, increasing participation in health information exchange networks, and promoting digital health literacy for rural communities. Projects will start rolling out in 2026 and aim for scalable, sustainable impact across North Carolina's rural regions.
Event schedule:
- RHIF Application Opens - September 2026 - Rural Health Transformation Program Grant Opportunities webpage
- Digital Health Literacy Support Launches - July 1, 2026
HEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY · QUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · POPULATION_HEALTH · WORKFORCE · OTHER
Event Schedule
RHIF Application Opens - September 2026 - Rural Health Transformation Program Grant Opportunities webpage
Digital Health Literacy Support Launches - July 1, 2026
Core Initiatives
Modernize rural health care operations and health IT infrastructure
Increase rural provider participation in NC HealthConnex health information exchange
Improve digital health literacy among rural residents
Show all initiatives (4)
Modernize rural health care operations and health IT infrastructure
Increase rural provider participation in NC HealthConnex health information exchange
Improve digital health literacy among rural residents
Integrate remote patient monitoring and chronic care management for high-risk populations
North Carolina Office of EMS is launching a competitive Rural Health Transformation Program grant to expand mobile integrated health and community paramedicine in rural and rural-adjacent counties. The opportunity prioritizes behavioral health and substance use crisis response enhancements among EMS agencies. Application deadline is May 20, 2026, with anticipated awards starting July 2026. Key contacts: [email protected]; [email protected]
Event schedule:
- RFA Posted - 04/24/2026
- Applications Due - 05/20/2026 - 11:59 PM - Online submission
- Award Notifications Issued - 06/01/2026
- Anticipated Contract Period Begins - 07/01/2026
- Anticipated Contract Period Ends - 10/30/2027
- Applicant Webinar - 04/27/2026 - 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM - Webinar
- Office Hours - Starting 05/08/2026 - Thursday 09:00-09:45 AM, Monday 13:00-13:45 PM - Microsoft Teams
EMS_DEVELOPMENT · POPULATION_HEALTH · OTHER
Contacts
<[email protected]> - General Inquiries - Statewide
<[email protected]> - General Inquiries/Shift Duty Officer - Statewide
Core Initiatives
Strengthen behavioral health crisis response in rural communities.
Improve access to treatment for individuals experiencing substance use disorders.
Reduce emergency department utilization related to mental health crises and opioid overdoses.
More guidance to partners regarding fund application - Early 2026
Core Initiatives
Advance innovative solutions that foster independence, improve health, and promote well-being for all North Carolinians
Build rural capacity in primary care, chronic care, and behavioral health
Expand and strengthen collaborative, community-led, regionally anchored networks
Show all initiatives (5)
Advance innovative solutions that foster independence, improve health, and promote well-being for all North Carolinians
Build rural capacity in primary care, chronic care, and behavioral health
Expand and strengthen collaborative, community-led, regionally anchored networks
Ensure fiscal sustainability of rural health providers
Modernize rural health through technology, data-driven solutions, and integrated care team models
Strengthen partnerships and community-based approaches to address health inequities and chronic/communicable diseases.
Promote and support the retention and distribution of the health professional workforce, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Reduce health disparities in communicable diseases by race, ethnicity, region, gender, and sexual orientation
Control and prevent the spread of communicable diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections
North Carolina launched a Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Committee, comprising over 40 members from community organizations, providers, and government. The committee will help guide the multi-year, $213 million program to improve health care access in rural NC. Quarterly public meetings are planned, starting August 5, 2026. Key contacts: Debra Farrington ruralhealthtransformation@dhhs.nc.gov; Dev Sangvai ruralhealthtransformation@dhhs.nc.gov
Event schedule:
- First Advisory Committee Meeting - 08/05/2026 - 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM ET - NCDHHS Headquarters, 1915 Health Services Way, Raleigh or NCDHHS YouTube page
Award: $213.0MOTHER
Event Schedule
First Advisory Committee Meeting - 08/05/2026 - 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM ET - NCDHHS Headquarters, 1915 Health Services Way, Raleigh or NCDHHS YouTube page
Contacts
Debra Farrington - <ruralhealthtransformation@dhhs.nc.gov> - NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for Health (Committee Co-Chair) - Statewide
Dev Sangvai - <ruralhealthtransformation@dhhs.nc.gov> - NC Health and Human Services Secretary (Committee Chair) - Statewide
Core Initiatives
Guide the design and implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program for rural communities.
Improve access to care in rural North Carolina.
Ensure diverse community and provider perspectives shape program direction.
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NC - 2026 - RHTP CSC Program Lead JR 121057
Print Form Application for Health Coverage & Help Paying Costs
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Healthy Opportunities Network Leads and Regions Awarded
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Submit a Request - Meetings | NC Governor
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2025 Appropriations Act
2025-2027 · RTF
2025 Appropriations Act
2025-2027 · PDF
2025 Appropriations Act
2025-2027 · PDF
2025 Appropriations Act Legislative Fiscal Note
2025-2026 · PDF
2025 Appropriations Act. Fiscal Note for Senate Bill 257 (Fourth Edition)
North Carolina Suspension Of Funding List RHTP Reference
2025-2026 · HTML
Legislative Actuarial Note – Health Benefits: 2025 Appropriations Act
2025 · PDF
2025 Appropriations Act
2025 · PDF
Article 2. Verification of Work Authorization
2025 · PDF
North Carolina Olmstead Plan 2024 – 2025
2024-2025 · PDF
Investing in North Carolina’s Caregiving Workforce: Recommendations to strengthen North Carolina’s nursing, direct care, and behavioral health workforce
2024 · PDF
NC Department of Health & Human Services Strategic Housing Plan March 2023
2023-2028 · PDF
NCDHHS State Action Plan for Nutrition Security 2023-2024
2023-2024 · PDF
North Carolina Office of Rural Health Mental Health—Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA)
2023 · PDF
North Carolina This Page Intentionally Left Blank 4 20231257+&$52/,1$67$7(+($/7+,03529(0(173/$1 RHTP Strategy
2023 · PDF
North Carolina This Page Intentionally Left Blank 4 2022 1257+ &A52/,1A 67A7( +(A/7+ ,03529(0(17 3/A1 RHTP Strategy
2022 · PDF
Public Records and Meetings Access
2018 · PDF
NC - 2026 - NCDHHS Announces 10 Million EMS Workforce Through RHTP
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NC - 2026 - Rural Health Transformation Program Page