Utah

This newsletter announces opportunities to join the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Steering Committee, provides updates on ongoing rural health initiatives, and highlights the focus on community-driven healthcare innovation in rural Utah. It names suicide prevention and maternity care as key program priorities. Applications for the RHTP Steering Committee are open to rural healthcare providers and community representatives until August 14, 2026. Key contacts: ruralht@utah.gov Event schedule: - Steering Committee Application Deadline - 08/14/2026 - Rural and Job-Related Suicide Prevention Webinar - 06/24/2026 - Webinar

The Utah Medical Education Council is announcing the opening of applications for its Fiscal Year 2026 Residency Grant Program. $1.5 million is available to expand residency programs and workforce slots, with a focus on underserved, rural, and workforce shortage areas. Eligible programs must be ACGME-approved or be planning to establish such programs within Utah during the grant term. Key contacts: Kendyl Brockman kbrockman@utah.gov

Utah was awarded nearly $196 million for the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Program, representing a landmark federal investment in rural health access, infrastructure, and workforce. The state’s approach is built around four strategic goals and seven implementation initiatives to foster rural wellness, modernize care delivery, and strengthen rural healthcare systems. Utah expects to receive a minimum of $100 million annually through 2030, catalyzing system-wide change in its rural communities. Key contacts: [email protected] Event schedule: - CMS Rural Health Transformation Program Awards Announced - 12/29/2025 - Utah submitted RHTP application - November 5, 2025 - Expected CMS Notice of Award Deadline - 12/31/2025

Utah is soliciting one grantee to develop and pilot the state’s first Community Care Hub for rural settings under the RHTP’s PATH 1.4 initiative. The Hub will serve as an anchor for rural healthcare and community organizations, integrating clinical, social, and behavioral health efforts, with explicit emphasis on technology, workforce, and care coordination. Total funding for year 1 may be up to $2,000,000; potential five-year funding could reach $18,000,000, subject to federal and state determinations. Key contacts: ruralht@utah.gov Event schedule: - Application deadline - 08/17/2026 - 5:00 PM MT - Final question deadline - 08/13/2026 - 5:00 PM MT - Final Q&A document posted by - 08/14/2026 - 5:00 PM MT - https://dhhs.utah.gov/ruralhealth/funding-opportunities/ - Anticipated award decision notification - 2026-09-04

This notice announces Utah's intent to award a contract related to the Rural Health Transformation Program without using a standard competitive procurement process, based on sole source or exigent circumstances. No award or budget amount is specified in the notice.

Utah received a $195.7 million Year 1 award through the Rural Health Transformation Program, investing in rural workforce, infrastructure, technology, population health, and financial reform. Competitive and state partner agreements are underway across seven strategic initiatives and more than 24 activities. Nearly 60% of Year 1 funding is dedicated to competitive community grants, with significant allocations to public entities and evaluation efforts. Key contacts: Krisann Humphreys; Christine Espinel; Jackie Patel; Michelle Geller Event schedule: - First annual progress report and Year 2 application due to CMS - 08/30/2026 - End of Budget Period 1 and deadline for obligation of funds - 10/30/2026 - CMS site visit - July 16, 2026 - CMS site visit - July 17, 2026

Utah Health Information Network received a $3,000,000 award under the Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen interoperability and rural health information exchange. The LINCS Initiative aims to improve coordination and data flow for rural providers. The project is slated to operate from July 2026 through September 2028. Key contacts: ar@uhin.org Event schedule: - Award period start - 07/20/2026 - Award period end - 09/30/2028

The document describes Utah Flex and SHIP programs funded by HRSA to support rural hospitals in Utah, focusing on financial, operational, and quality improvements. Utah Flex ensures high quality healthcare is available in rural communities, while SHIP provides purchasing assistance and quality improvement support for small rural and critical access hospitals.

This scope of work describes how the Utah Health Information Network will implement RHTP-funded activities to strengthen rural provider connectivity, data quality, and usage of the State Health Information Exchange. The initiative includes technical needs assessments, non-competitive technical assistance, and a focus on both high-needs and tribal populations in rural Utah. Progress and sustainability will be tracked via reporting on key interoperability and training outcomes. Event schedule: - Project Start Date - 07/20/2026 - MT - n/a - Project End Date - 09/30/2028 - MT - n/a - Final Report Due - 10/30/2028 - MT - n/a

This document is a portal listing of Utah public entities and divisions potentially eligible for procurement under state programs. It does not announce any RHTP awards, application opportunities, or deadlines, nor contain any explicit budget information.

The program includes the Utah Primary Care Grants Program, Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program (Utah Flex), Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP), and various loan repayment and workforce support programs. It is administered by the State Office of Rural Health and collaborates with multiple entities to enhance rural health workforce, primary care, and hospital sustainability.