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HHS Region 5 · Wisconsin Office of Rural Health and Primary Care
Program Overview
The Wisconsin Rural Health Transformation Program is currently implementing a statewide portfolio of workforce, technology, and partnership initiatives, supported by major CMS and state grants and guided by a multi-year strategic plan. Main focus areas include strengthening the rural healthcare workforce, upgrading health technology, and improving care coordination with educational, public health, and tribal organizations. Current grant opportunities target rural digital infrastructure, dental access, workforce development, coordinated care models, youth mental health initiatives, and Community Health Worker training, with the Department of Health Services providing oversight and an advisory council offering stakeholder input. Current structured plan tracks 9 key initiatives and 9 strategic goals.
Updated
County-level estimates averaged across Wisconsin — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (72)
| County | Pop | Poverty | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee County | 926,331 | 17.2% | 12.7% |
| Dane County | 572,674 | 10.6% | 4.9% |
| Waukesha County | 411,762 | 5.2% | 3.4% |
| Brown County | 270,892 | 9.1% | 5.7% |
| Racine County | 197,532 | 10.3% | 7.0% |
| Outagamie County | 192,826 | 6.3% | 4.0% |
| Winnebago County | 171,769 | 11.3% | 5.7% |
| Kenosha County | 168,438 | 10.5% | 7.9% |
| Rock County | 164,350 | 9.3% | 6.3% |
| Marathon County | 138,403 | 8.7% | 4.9% |
| Washington County | 137,879 | 5.8% | 3.9% |
| La Crosse County | 120,488 | 12.4% | 5.0% |
AI source: WI - 2026 - Home About DHS Business Opportunities Current Grant Funding Opportunities Doing Business: Home Audit Management Funding Information Grant Funding Opportunities Grant Writing Tips Contract Compliance Contact Us Current Grant…
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
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WI - 2026 - Wisconsin Federal RHTP Award (FY2026-FY2030)
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1,500,732 rural residents
Wisconsin is actively implementing the Rural Health Transformation Program, with state-level procurements underway for workforce, technology, care coordination, and behavioral health initiatives. Grant applications are open for Community Health Workers training, Sources of Strength mental health supports in rural schools, and partnership grants, with award notifications expected between August and October 2026. Technical assistance and an advisory council are supporting applicants, and funding is structured in multi-year allocations pending ongoing CMS approval. The program maintains four active state opportunities totaling $12.7M, targeting workforce, telehealth, and care access priorities. State opportunities: 3 active (3 closing soon, 4 past/closed), $10.0M listed funding. Key opportunities: Workforce Innovation Grant: Healthcare Employment, Access, and Rural Transformation (WIG:HEART); Community Health Workers (CHW) Training Providers; Coordinating Care Across Wisconsin: Innovating Healthcare Through Partnership Grants (RHTP). Strategy alignment: supports workforce, telehealth, care access priorities.
Wisconsin’s RHTP continues to drive rural health transformation through phased federal investments emphasizing technology upgrades, rural workforce development, integrated care collaborations, and behavioral health expansion in rural schools. Technical assistance and robust evaluation support the implementation of provider grants, community health worker training, partnership strategies, and school career pathway programs, aligning with Medicaid reforms and state rural health priorities.
Model
Dual-pronged model combining substantial technology transformation grants to rural providers with targeted workforce and education pipeline expansion, coordinated care partnerships, community health worker training and integration, behavioral health initiatives for rural youth, and continuous evaluation.
Key Initiatives (9)
Timeline: 2026–2031, with Round 1 grants to clinics/FQHCs (2026–2029), Round 2 grants to broader rural providers (2027–2031), workforce and school pipeline initiatives starting in 2026, rural behavioral health grants and evaluation through 2031
Improving efficiency and access to dental care services in rural communities.
Investments target removal of barriers to care, provider productivity, and improved health outcomes by supporting technology transformation in eligible rural facilities.
Expanding integration and sustainability of community health workers is a priority to improve outcomes and strengthen provider-community connections.
WI - 2026 - RHTP Timeline
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Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)
Due Aug 21, 2026
2 related documents
WI - 2026 - Community Health Workers (CHW) Training Providers Funding Opportunity
Funding Opportunity Summary
WI - 2026 - Community Health Workers (CHW) Training Providers Application Reference Copy
Application Reference
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Due Aug 21, 2026
4 related documents
WI - 2026 - Coordinating care across Wisconsin: Innovating healthcare through partnership grants
Download the full grant funding opportunity and addenda (PDF)
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD)
Due Aug 17, 2026
11 related documents
WI - 2026 - RHTP Advisory Council July 23, 2026
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| FY↓ | Awardee↕ | Amount↕ | Activity↕ | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Various Rural Health Clinics Provides funding to amend the reimbursement methodology for rural health clinics to only offer a single risk-based prospective payment system rate. | $15.7M | Flex Fund | |
| 2026 | Medicaid Reforms and Other Strategic Investments Invest in Tribal Nations, Medicaid reforms, and intervenor services to improve health care for patients and providers starting in 2026. | $44.0M | Flex Fund | |
| 2026 | Public Navigation Transformation Leverage technology to better connect residents with public services starting in 2026. | $29.0M | Health IT | |
| 2026 | Behavioral Health Innovations Address Wisconsin’s rural mental health crisis, especially for kids, starting in 2026. | $5.0M | Quality Improvement | |
| 2026 | Northwood Rural workforce grant for Northwood region for health training and expansion. | $3.2M | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Chippewa Valley Year 1 grant allocation for rural Chippewa Valley healthcare workforce development and training. | $1.9M | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Northcentral Year 1 grant for Northcentral region's rural health workforce enhancement. | $1.9M | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Western Year 1 rural workforce development grant for Western region healthcare training. | $1.8M | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Northeast Grant allocation supporting rural healthcare workforce initiatives in Northeast region. | $1.8M | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Nicolet Grant for rural workforce expansion and health training in Nicolet region. | $1.8M | Workforce |
Wisconsin was awarded $203.7 million in federal funds for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) from FY2026-FY2030. The program focuses on workforce development, technology transformation, care coordination, behavioral health innovations, and Medicaid reforms for rural populations. DHS will distribute funding through competitive grants to communities, facilities, and educational institutions, with initial projects launching in 2026. Event schedule: - Advisory Council Application Due - 02/27/2026 - Advisory Council Appointments Made - April 2026
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is seeking applications from training providers to develop, deliver, and evaluate high-quality training for community health workers and their supervisors, supporting statewide rural workforce sustainability. This RHTP-supported initiative aims to improve access to care in rural regions by investing in workforce training and professional development. The application requires evidence of curriculum design, organizational capacity, sustainability planning, and alignment with state and national CHW standards. Event schedule: - Application release - 07/31/2026 - Application submission due - 08/21/2026 - Estimated award notification - October 2026
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
This rubric provides guidance on the evaluation criteria for applicants to the WIG: HEART Program, which focuses on healthcare workforce challenges and transformational strategies for rural communities. It outlines scoring for project need, target area rurality, innovative approaches, and partnership engagement. The program targets rural and semi-rural populations to develop sustainable workforce solutions.
Core Initiatives
The advisory council facilitates input from multiple stakeholders, including providers and communities, to inform how rural health priorities are addressed in Wisconsin. It plays a vital role in shaping the state's approach to rural health transformation by incorporating diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Event schedule: - Last revised , 2026 - July 23 - Wisconsin Agencies
Wisconsin's Rural Health Transformation Plan proposes a $1 billion investment targeting rural workforce, digital modernization, and population health infrastructure, with 94% of funds committed to rural communities. The plan involves extensive stakeholder engagement, regional coalition grants, and partnerships across state agencies and academic institutions. Dedicated funding will go to each Tribal Nation to support rural health goals. Key contacts: Tony Evers
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Wisconsin RHTP is funding major regional workforce grants totaling $22M to expand healthcare training and clinical rotations in rural areas. Technology and care coordination grants are also underway. Evaluation structures involve DHS, state partners and CMS reporting. Key contacts: Rory Tikalsky PSCStateBroadbandOffice@wisconsin.gov; Dani Cook Event schedule: - DHS CMS Site Visit - 06/15/2026 - All day CT - Madison, Cashton, Black River Falls - Community Health Worker Grant Deadline - 08/07/2026 - All day CT - Online submission - WIG: HEART Grant Deadline - 08/17/2026 - All day CT - www.dwd.wisconsin.gov/det/HEART - Care Coordination Grant Deadline - 08/21/2026 - All day CT - Online submission
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
The Governor's budget includes targeted support for rural health, particularly through adjusted reimbursement for rural health clinics and multi-million dollar support for rural emergency medical services. Dental and maternal health access programs specifically address rural and underserved rural populations. Sustainability and workforce elements are also highlighted through Medicaid investments.
Core Initiatives
The program offers several current Requests for Applications including Coordinating Care Across Wisconsin through partnership grants and Community Health Workers Training Providers grants, with due dates on August 21, 2026. These initiatives aim to enhance healthcare delivery and workforce capacity specifically for rural populations. Event schedule: - Coordinating Care Grant Application Deadline - 08/21/2026 - 11:59 PM CT - Online Submission - Community Health Workers Training Grant Deadline - 08/21/2026 - 11:59 PM CT - Online Submission
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Rural men ages 25 and older in Wisconsin experience disproportionately high rates of suicide and self-harm. In 2024, there were 243 suicide deaths and over 500 non-fatal ED visits for suspected self-harm injuries among this population, with increases seen in spring and summer. Community strength and connections are identified as key protective factors, and resources such as the 988 Lifeline and the Farmer Wellness Helpline are promoted.
Core Initiatives
This is a required risk assessment and due diligence checklist for applicants to the WIG: HEART program. It assesses applicant capacity in governance, financial management, grant administration, and compliance as a precondition for funding. No awardees or budgets are determined in this document.
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September 2026
Award Announcements
↳ WI - 2026 - RHTP Advisory Council July 23, 2026
October 2026
Care Coordination Awards
↳ WI - 2026 - RHTP Advisory Council July 23, 2026
08/21/2026
Care Coordination Deadline
↳ WI - 2026 - RHTP Advisory Council July 23, 2026
08/07/2026
Community Health Worker Grant Deadline
↳ WI - 2026 - RHTP Advisory Council July 23, 2026
08/01/2026
Rural Technology Transformation Deadline
↳ WI - 2026 - RHTP Advisory Council July 23, 2026
07/27/2026
Dental Technology Funding Deadline
↳ WI - 2026 - RHTP Advisory Council July 23, 2026
06/15/2026
Grant Launch
↳ WI - 2026 - RHTP Advisory Council July 23, 2026
WI RHTP site updated — 3 new doc(s)
WI RHTP site updated — 1 new doc(s)
WI RHTP site updated — 9 new doc(s)
WI RHTP site updated — 1 new doc(s)
WI RHTP site updated — 4 new doc(s)
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WI - 2026 - Home About DHS Business Opportunities Current Grant Funding Opportunities Doing Business: Home Audit Management Funding Information Grant Funding Opportunities Grant Writing Tips Contract Compliance Contact Us Current Grant…
WI DHS Current Grant Funding Opportunities listing
WI - 2026 - Coordinating Care Across Wisconsin: Innovating Healthcare Through Partnership Grants
Wisconsin DHS solicitation detail page
Coordinating Care Across Wisconsin Grant Budget Template (Excel)
Coordinating Care Across Wisconsin Grant Budget Template (Excel)
WI - 2024 - RHTP Healthcare Workforce Grants Now Open!
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WI - 2026 - WIG: HEART Program Rubric
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WI - 2026 - EXHIBIT 5: Due Diligence Checklist and Pre-Award Risk Assessment
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WI - 2026 - Skip Main Navigation Jobs At Dwd Agency Directory Online Services Search Dwd's Website Unemploymentworkplace Injuryequal Rightsemployment & Trainingdisability Employmentabout Dwd Workforce Innovation Grant: Healthcare…
Program overview webpage
WI - 2026 - Workforce Innovation Grant: Healthcare Employment, Access, and Rural Transformation Program Grant Program Announcement June 29, 2026
WIG:HEART Grant Program Announcement
WI - 2026 - Exhibit 1: Budget - Year 1
WIG:HEART Exhibit 1: Budget - Year 1
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WIG:HEART Exhibit 2: Budget - Years 2 to 4
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WIG:HEART Exhibit 3: Timeline
WI - 2026 - Skip Main Navigation Jobs At Dwd Agency Directory Online Services Search Dwd's Website Unemploymentworkplace Injuryequal Rightsemployment & Trainingdisability Employmentabout Dwd Dwd Homepage Dwd Homepage Heart Frequently Asked…
WIG:HEART Frequently Asked Questions
WI - 2026 - workforceinnovationgrantreport health services
Successful WIG Healthcare Awards Report
The Northwoods EMS District in Vilas County, WI, launched in January 2025, has drastically improved EMS response times for rural residents by combining four local town services into a single, 24/7 staffed district. Multiple deadlines are approaching for rural quality reporting (MBQIP, HCAHPS), SHIP grant reimbursement, and rural health loan assistance programs. The newsletter lists upcoming webinars, grant opportunities, and application windows relevant to rural hospitals, EMS, and Medicaid transformation efforts in Wisconsin. Key contacts: James Small; Samantha Peck; Kevin Jacobson Event schedule: - MBQIP Q1 2026 HCAHPS Reporting Due - 07/08/2026 - CT - SHIP Invoice Submission Deadline - 06/15/2026 - CT - Wisconsin's Rural Technology Transformation Fund Webinar - 06/15/2026 - 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CT - gpTRAC Webinar - Family Care Medicaid Panel - 06/17/2026 - 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CT - Wisconsin Health News Webinar - Conflict Resolution Training for Emergency Responders - 07/27/2026 - 8:00 AM – 4:15 PM CT - Chippewa Falls - Conflict Resolution Training for Emergency Responders - 08/18/2026 - 8:00 AM – 4:15 PM CT - Waupaca - Health Professions Loan Assistance Program Application Period - 05/12/2026 - CT - Health Professions Loan Assistance Program Application Deadline - 09/15/2026 - CT
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Wisconsin Department of Health Services is seeking applications for training providers to develop, deliver, and evaluate professional development for Community Health Workers (CHWs) and supervisors. The goal is to enhance rural workforce capacity and training, with a focus on reaching rural and semi-rural counties as defined by the 2020 Census. Estimated first-year funding is up to $600,000, with intentions for two to four awards. The opportunity is part of Wisconsin's RHTP workforce initiative, seeking alignment with statewide standards and CMS requirements. Key contacts: DHSRuralHealth@dhs.wisconsin.gov Event schedule: - Application Release - 07/31/2026 - Application Submission Due - 08/21/2026 - 11:59 PM - Estimated Date for Award Notification - October 2026
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Wisconsin DHS is seeking an educational organization to expand the evidence-based Sources of Strength suicide prevention program in rural schools across the state using Rural Health Transformation Program funds. The program seeks to strengthen youth resilience and mental health by funding train-the-trainer sessions, technical assistance, and sustainability activities. The application emphasizes partnerships with rural school districts and supports a statewide community of practice. Key contacts: DHSRuralHealth@dhs.wisconsin.gov Event schedule: - Application release - 07/29/2026 - Application submission due - 08/05/2026 - 11:59 PM - Online - Estimated date for award notification - August 2026
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Event Schedule
Event schedule: - Year 1 Grant Funding Period - 2026-10-01 - America/Chicago - Wisconsin - Year 1 Grant Funding End - 2027-07-31 - America/Chicago - Wisconsin - Round 2 Eligible Organizations Start - 2027-08-01 - America/Chicago - Wisconsin - Round 2 Eligible Organizations End - 2031-09-30 - America/Chicago - Wisconsin
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Wisconsin will receive $203.7 million in federal funding in FFY26 to launch the Rural Health Transformation Program, aiming to strengthen rural workforce, boost technology adoption, and foster coordinated care. Multiple initiative tracks include workforce grants, community health worker pilots, statewide EHR system procurement, dental grants, and behavioral health innovations. Subrecipient funding opportunities will be released late spring to early summer and Advisory Council guidance will direct implementation. Event schedule: - Advisory Council Meeting - 07/23/2026 - CT - Advisory Council Meeting - 10/22/2026 - CT
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
This Wisconsin Office of Rural Health report summarizes the top community health priorities as identified by the state's Critical Access Hospitals from recent Community Health Needs Assessments and Improvement Plans. Mental health and substance abuse are consistently rated as top concerns, with many hospitals also committed to addressing chronic disease, social drivers of health, and access barriers. The findings support statewide alignment and shared learning to advance rural health transformation. Event schedule: - Report Publication - July 2025
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives
The WIG:HEART grant allocates up to $10 million to non-profit organizations and government entities to boost rural healthcare workforce recruitment and retention. The program supports training, technology solutions, collaboration, and care availability. Eligible applicants must serve rural Wisconsin counties and meet compliance requirements; grants span four years with the first year running October 30, 2026 to September 30, 2027. Key contacts: HEARTGrant@dwd.wisconsin.gov Event schedule: - Application Deadline - 08/17/2026 - 3:00 PM CT - WIG:HEART online application system - Year 1 Program Start - 10/30/2026 - Year 1 Program End - 09/30/2027
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
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