HHS Region 5 · Ohio Department of Health
Program Overview
The Ohio Rural Health Transformation Program remains in active implementation, issuing competitive solicitations for workforce upskilling and retention, pharmacy transformation, chronic disease prevention and management, technical assistance, school-based and clinically integrated rural health network expansion, EMS modernization, and rural hospital support. Managed by the Ohio Department of Health, the program coordinates operations through bidders conferences and scheduled RFAs. Current initiatives include rural workforce pipeline development, community health worker integration, care coordination, technology adoption, and behavioral health support, all tracked via a structured plan outlining key initiatives and strategic goals. In 2026, implementation encompasses awarded project launches, ongoing collaborations, and continued solicitations across several tracks. Current structured plan tracks 9 key initiatives and 7 strategic goals.
County-level estimates averaged across Ohio — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (88)
| County | Pop | Poverty | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin County | 1,333,048 | 14.7% | 10.5% |
| Cuyahoga County | 1,245,873 | 16.1% | 11.7% |
| Hamilton County | 830,774 | 15.0% | 10.3% |
| Summit County | 537,864 | 12.8% | 9.0% |
| Montgomery County | 536,096 | 15.0% | 10.5% |
| Lucas County | 428,018 | 17.7% | 13.2% |
| Butler County | 392,876 | 11.8% | 7.7% |
| Stark County | 373,713 | 12.5% | 8.7% |
| Lorain County | 317,129 | 12.1% | 8.7% |
| Warren County | 250,008 | 6.0% | 4.4% |
| Lake County | 232,216 | 8.3% | 5.3% |
| Delaware County | 226,834 | 4.7% | 3.4% |
AI source: OH - 2026 - Access RHTP bidders conference and additional documentation
AI auto-updated Oct 16, 2026
API refreshed May 7, 2026
GuideGetting ready for Year 2 in Ohio?How to prepare for RHTP Year 2 funding →
Source: CMS State Data Maps ↗ · checked Nov 11, 2026
Federal awards to date: $403,956,731.64 (Year 1 $202.0M + Year 2 $201.9M)
Initiatives (9)
CMS stages run from Stage 0 (planning) to Stage 5 (full implementation). Complete In progress Not started
Key signals are summarized here. Open the source for the supporting detail.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Grouped files
No related documents
No linked documents found.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Due Nov 5, 2025
No related documents
No linked documents found.
Updated
2,135,299 rural residents
Ohio has launched the Rural Health Transformation Program with over $200 million in federal funding and has begun issuing multiple competitive statewide RFPs. The first subrecipient funding has been awarded, including $10 million to Ohio University for rural workforce development, and EMS and other grant opportunities remain open with applications under review. As of September–October 2026, at least four major RFAs are active and several more have recently closed, supporting maternal health, care access, and workforce priorities. Active procurement to local providers and initial subrecipient awards confirm sustained implementation across program tracks. State opportunities: 12 total (12 past/closed), $142.5M listed funding. Key opportunities: Rural Ohio Clinically Integrated Networks and Rural Health Innovation Hubs; DOH61365 SFY27 Rural Hospital Peer Group Funding Opportunity; Bureau of Maternal Child and Family Health OhioDENTAL Program. Strategy alignment: supports maternal health, care access, workforce priorities.
Ohio’s Rural Health Transformation Program is guided by a phased, solicitation-driven strategy targeting workforce development, integrated care networks, and expanded evidence-based services across designated rural counties. The program leverages targeted funding solicitations and partnerships to strengthen care coordination among rural hospitals, expand preventive and school-based care models (including behavioral, vision, and oral health), modernize pharmacy and EMS services, and grow workforce pipelines. Implementation by the Ohio Department of Health prioritizes sustainability, measurable outcomes, and equitable rural access.
Model
Clinically Integrated Rural Health Innovation Hubs and Networks, anchored by Workforce Pipeline, School-Based (including Dental and Vision) Health Services, Pharmacy Expansion, Community Health Worker Training, Evidence- and Technology-Driven Care Initiatives, Healthier Ohio chronic disease prevention and management, Modernized Emergency Medical Services and Dispatch, and Rural Hospital Training and Technical Assistance Center (RHTAC).
Key Initiatives (9)CMS official list ↗
Supporting activities (12)
• Deploy Rural Health Workforce Pipeline and Pathways Upskilling/Retention programs via competitive solicitation, including partnerships with educational institutions for student exploration, career fairs, apprenticeships, and recruitment
• Prioritize maternal health access projects in rural hospitals and health centers
Timeline: 2026–2030 implementation, with staggered bidder conferences and solicitations beginning January 2026, initial contracts launching as early as September 2026, major expansion milestones set through late 2026 and beyond
Electronic Medical Record Access for Pharmacies
Healthier Ohio Initiatives
Maternal and Infant Wellness Home Visiting in Rural Ohio
OH SEE, Vision, Hearing, and Dental Services for Rural Students
Ohio Rural Health Innovation Hubs
Ohio Rural School Based Health Centers (SBHCs)
State Policy Action commitments (3 of 19)
Programs focus on community-level interventions to prevent and address chronic diseases prevalent in rural populations.
Prioritizing workforce pipeline development and upskilling to ensure sustainable care delivery in rural areas.
Efforts focus on creating pathways, upskilling, and retaining critical rural health workers to address ongoing shortages.
Ohio Department of Health, Center of Public Health Excellence (CPHE)
Due Oct 20, 2026
2 related documents
OH - 2026 - Ohio Department of Health-RHT-Rural Hospital Training and Technical Assistance Center (RHTAC) — DOH59719
DOH59719 RFP
OH - 2026 - DOH59719 RHT Rural Hospital Training and Technical Assistance Cost Proposal
DOH59719 Cost Proposal
Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Maternal Child and Family Health, Oral Health Program
Due Oct 13, 2026
2 related documents
OH - 2026 - Ohio Department of Health-Bureau of Maternal Child and Family Health-Oral Health Program-Dental Access Collaborative-61298 RFP
Auto-grouped context match (50%)
Ohio Department of Health (Center of Public Health Excellence, RHTP)
Due Oct 6, 2026
2 related documents
OH - 2026 - Request For Proposal For Subrecipents: Rural EMS And Dispatch Modernization Grant Program RFP# Doh62030
Primary source
This conference presented details of the OhioDENTAL Program, funded by the CMS Rural Health Transformation Grant, to support mobile and portable dental services for children in 73 rural Ohio counties. Up to $42.3 million is available over five years to improve pediatric dental access, address barriers, and establish dental homes through school-based partnerships. Applicants include dental associations, universities, health centers, and qualified organizations with experience in mobile/portable dental care. Key contacts: Tequila Cousar; Star Sawicki Event schedule: - Deadline to submit questions - 08/18/2026 - 3:00 PM ET - Procurement@odh.ohio.gov - Application due - 08/25/2026 - 3:00 PM ET
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Ohio received $202 million in federal RHTP funding for rural health workforce and care improvements. Ohio University is the first awardee, focusing on healthcare workforce development through education and apprenticeships. The program aims to strengthen rural health access and address chronic disease burdens. Event schedule: - Award Announcement - 07/01/2026 - Columbus, Ohio
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
This cost proposal spreadsheet supports Ohio's RHTP procurement for Rural Hospital Training and Technical Assistance Center activities. The budget period targets SFY27, with optional renewal periods. Deliverables include needs assessments, training schedules, a statewide summit, ongoing technical assistance, monthly updates, and progress reports. No budget figures or award recipients are specified in this supporting document. Event schedule: - Contract Period Start - 11/02/2026 - Contract Period End - 06/30/2027
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
The program offers multiple RFAs addressing workforce pipeline development, pathways upskilling and retention, community health worker training, and chronic disease prevention. It includes targeted solicitations for pharmacy initiatives, emergency services modernization, and rural hospital funding. These efforts are supported by the Ohio Department of Health and other state bureaus. Event schedule: - , 2026 - January 12 - 1:30 p.m. - |
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
This announcement notifies stakeholders of open solicitations under the Ohio Rural Health Transformation Program as of January 12, 2026. It provides a searchable table for applicants to locate and access specific RHTP funding opportunities. No awards or program details are announced in this file. Event schedule: - , 2026 - January 12 - |
Document lists the specific counties in Ohio identified as the focus areas for the Rural Health Transformation Program.
Ohio's proposal seeks RHTP funding to expand proven and innovative health models for rural communities, including workforce development, technology-enabled care, and improved EMS. The application emphasizes partnerships, expanded school-based and home visiting programs, and leverages data-driven accountability. Policy reforms targeting SNAP nutrition, licensure compacts, and pharmacy practice aim to support sustained rural transformation.
Core Initiatives
This is Ohio's multi-year plan for the Rural Health Transformation Program, focused on improving access, outcomes, and sustainability for rural hospitals and Medicaid beneficiaries. The plan proposes clinically integrated networks, school-based health, expanded EMS and pharmacy services, workforces pipelines, and value-based Medicaid reforms. Priorities include addressing chronic disease, maternal/infant mortality, behavioral health, and persistent rural disparities in provider supply and health outcomes.
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
The Ohio Rural Health Transformation Program comprises multiple initiatives including EMS modernization, care coordination among hospitals, workforce development, chronic disease prevention, expansion of oral health and school-based health services, pharmacy connectivity, and vision screening. Governor Mike DeWine has endorsed the state's RHTP application, and a detailed project narrative and proposal support the program. Eligible activities are well-delineated but do not specify awarded funds or recipients.
Core Initiatives
07/01/2029 – 06/30/2031
Renewal Optional Year 2
Renewal Optional Year 2: 07/01/2029 – 06/30/2031
07/01/2029-06/30/2031
Renewal Option 2
Renewal Option 2: 07/01/2029-06/30/2031.
09/01/2027 – 06/30/2029
Renewal Optional Year 1
Renewal Optional Year 1: 09/01/2027 – 06/30/2029
07/01/2027 – 06/30/2029
Renewal Optional Year 1
Renewal Optional Year 1: 07/01/2027 – 06/30/2029
07/01/2027-06/30/2029
Renewal Option 1
Renewal Option 1: 07/01/2027-06/30/2029.
6/30/2027
Performance management system established
Establish process, framework, and platform for implementing performance management and quality improvement system by 6/30/2027.
6/30/2027
Strategic plan due
Provide multi-year strategic plan outlining vision, priorities, sustainability, and implementation by 6/30/2027.
6/30/2027
Clinical protocols and care coordination due
Documentation of shared clinical priorities, referral pathways, care coordination model, and standardized protocols due by 6/30/2027.
6/30/2027
Data-sharing agreements and interoperability plan due
Executed data-sharing agreements and implementation plan for interoperability and performance reporting due by 6/30/2027.
Monday, November 2, 2026 – Wednesday, June 30, 2026
Projected Project Period
The projected project period will be Monday, November 2, 2026 – Wednesday, June 30, 2026.
09/30/2026-06/30/2027
Projected project period
The projected project period will be 09/30/2026-06/30/2027.
09/07 /2026-08 /3 1 /2027
Projected project period
The projected project period will be 09/07 /2026-08 /3 1 /2027.
OH state summary updated: transformationStrategy initiatives: 15 -> 9
Ohio’s Rural Health Transformation Program is guided by a phased, solicitation-driven strategy targeting workforce development, integrated c…
OH RHTP site updated — 1 new, 2 existing source(s) refreshed
OH - 2024 - RHT-Rural Hospital Training and Technical Assistance Center (RHTAC) Solicitation
Sep 29, 2026 13:39
·EmailOH RHTP site updated — 1 new, 2 existing source(s) refreshed
OH - 2026 - Ohio Department of Health-Bureau of Maternal Child and Family Health-Oral Health Program-Dental Access Collaborative-61298 RFP
Sep 4, 2026 17:26
·EmailSpreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed.
OH - 2026 - Ohio RHT Counties of Focus map
HTML
OH - 2025 - Ohio’s RHTP Proposal
2025 · HTML
OH - 2026 - DOH 60764 - BHIW SFY26-27 - Trauma-Informed Approaches in Health and Public Health Summer
2026 · HTML
Program's guidance for the entire grant program period
HTML
OH - 2026 - DOH59718-SFY26-27- Rural Health Innovation Cost Proposal Form (doh59718-cost-proposal-form)
2026 · HTML
Bidders Conference
HTML
PH27 Continuation Solicitation
2025 · HTML
OH - 2025 - RHT Slides Stakeholders September 2025 comms edit
2025 · HTML
OH - 2026 - Ohio RHTP Project Narrative
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OH - 2026 - Governor Mike DeWine’s Endorsement of Ohio’s RHTP Application
HTML
OH - 2026 - OH - RHTP Application Preparation Resources
HTML
Who We Are
HTML
OH - 2026 - DOH59808 Cost Form
2026 · XLSX
OH - 2026 - DOH61365 Categorized Budget Sheet
2026 · XLSX
OH - 2026 - DOH61182 OhioDENTAL Program Cost Proposal Form SFY27
2026 · XLSX
DOH61182 Ohio DENTAL Program Bidder's Conference Slides
HTML
Ohio DOH60447 Local Tobacco Prevention And Cessation Contracts Cost Proposal Form SFY27 RHTP Document
HTML
Ohio DOH 60489 Tobacco-Nicotine Free School District Support Cost Proposal Form -SFY27 RHTP Document
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DOH 60447 Inquiries and responses
HTML
Ohio DOH60489 Ineligible County List Official Websites Use Ohio.gov RHTP Document
HTML
DOH61908 OhioSEE & RHT Program Cost Proposal Form
HTML
VW27 Sexual Violence Prevention Program Continuation
HTML
IH27 Integrated Harm Reduction Continuation
HTML
DOH 61182 OhioDENTAL Program Cost Proposal Form SFY27
2027 · HTML
OH - 2025 - Ohio Chronic Disease Atlas 2025
2025 · PDF
OH - 2026 - DOH59718 Rural Health Innovation Hubs Cost Proposal Form
XLSX
SFY25 Choose Life Fund – Notice of Availability of Funds
2024 · HTML
Ohio Medicaid Administrative Claiming (MAC) RHTP Document
2025 · HTML
Ohio Choose Life Fund RHTP Document
2024 · HTML
Ohio Medicaid Administrative Claiming (MAC) RHTP Reference
2025 · HTML
ODH Grants Solicitation Calendar for Applicants
2021 · HTML
OH - 2026 - UNSPSC and NAICS Effective 06 08 2020
XLSX
OH - 2026 - DOH61298 Dental Access Collaborative RFP (SRC0000041620)
Primary solicitation — DOH61298 / SRC0000041620 RFP
OH - 2026 - Request For Proposal For Subrecipients: Rural EMS And Dispatch Modernization Grant Program (RFP# DOH62030)
Official Ohio DOH62030 program page
ODH will fund a Rural Hospital Training and Technical Assistance Center to support critical access and rural hospitals across Ohio. The selected entity will provide needs assessments, deliver at least 10 training sessions annually focused on solvency, sustainability, financial analysis, and workforce strategies, and offer individualized technical assistance, especially for critical access hospitals. The program will culminate in an annual summit sharing best practices and outcomes among RHT awardees. Event schedule: - Inquiry period opens - 09/28/2026 - ET - OhioBuys Portal - Inquiry period closes - 10/13/2026 - 3:00 PM ET - OhioBuys Portal - Proposal due date - 10/20/2026 - 3:00 PM ET - OhioBuys Portal
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
This document announces a solicitation opportunity for Ohio providers to participate in the Rural Hospital Training and Technical Assistance Center (RHTAC) under the Rural Health Transformation program. The solicitation opened on September 28, 2024, and closes on October 20, 2024. Key contacts: ruralhealthtransformation@odh.ohio.gov Event schedule: - Solicitation Close Date - 10/20/2024 - 3:00 p.m.
Event Schedule
Contacts
Ohio is launching the Rural Health Transformation Program opportunity to fund clinically integrated networks and innovation hubs to improve rural healthcare. $61.7M will be distributed across general CIN/hub activities and maternal care initiatives, targeting 73 non-urban counties. Required activities include forming collaborative provider networks, expanding capacity, leveraging technology, strengthening workforce, and advancing sustainable, quality care delivery. Key contacts: Bobbi Krabill; Daniel Prokop Event schedule: - Inquiry Period Ends - 08/18/2026 - 3:00 PM ET - Solicitation Ends - 09/01/2026 - 3:00 PM ET - Notice of Award
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Event Schedule
This is Ohio's official application for the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program, outlining comprehensive statewide strategies to improve rural health. The proposal includes expanding school-based health centers, investing in workforce development, telehealth, EMS upgrades, integrated care, and social determinants like nutrition and physical fitness. Key priorities focus on chronic disease, infant mortality, vision care, technology adoption, and improved local capacity.
Core Initiatives
This work plan outlines a multi-year strategy to build lifestyle medicine capacity, implement multidisciplinary care teams, utilize remote patient monitoring, and develop community health worker programs to improve chronic disease outcomes in rural Ohio.
Core Initiatives
This bidders' conference Q&A provides further details for applicants to Ohio's RHTP Healthier Ohio Initiatives Track 1, which funds chronic disease prevention and management in 73 non-urban counties. Core objectives include reducing diabetes and hypertension rates through evidence-based care models, technology, and outreach. Up to 73 awards may be made for rural clinics or networks, each eligible for up to $200,000 per clinic per year; selected subrecipients will support workforce, quality improvement, technology, and community engagement. Event schedule: - Inquiry Begin - 04/13/2026 - ET - Inquiry End - 06/09/2026 - 3:00 PM ET - Solicitation End - 06/16/2026 - 3:00 PM ET - Notice of Award - June 2026 - ET
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives