Wisconsin

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

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

Wisconsin's RHTP initiative is launching with 21 rural LEAs receiving nearly $820K in subawards for Year 1 to build healthcare and human services career pathways. The DPI provides guidance, support, and oversight, emphasizing measurable student outcomes and sustainable program infrastructure. Activities include new CTE courses, dual enrollment, industry-recognized credentials, work-based learning, and regional partnerships with employers. Key contacts: Maguita Stroud Maguita.Stroud@dpi.wi.gov; Keith Wartzenluft Keith.Wartzenluft@dpi.wi.gov Event schedule: - Year 1 Baseline Report: Career Pathway Elements - 09/25/2026 - Action Plan with Aligned Budget - 09/30/2026 - Detailed Budget in WISEgrants - 10/30/2026 - Mid-Year Report - 01/30/2027 - End-of-Year Report + Action-Step Revisions, Budget amendments - 06/30/2027 - Final Financial Claims - 09/30/2027 - RHTP Summit - 03/02/2027

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.

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

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

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.

The program issues Requests for Applications (RFAs) focused on enhancing rural health services such as technology transformation, care coordination, workforce strengthening, and dental care efficiency in rural areas. These solicitations have clear deadlines, are managed by Wisconsin DHS, and aim to improve health outcomes in rural communities. Event schedule: - , 2026, 11:59 pm Room and Board Residential Substance Use Disorder Opioid Settlement Funds Request for Application - October 9 - 11:59 pm - , 2026, 11:59 pm Qualified Treatment Trainee Expanding Agency Awards Request for Application - October 9 - 11:59 pm - , 2026, 11:59 pm Increasing Tenant and Homeowner Environmental Health Literacy Mini–Grant Request for Application - October 15 - 11:59 pm - Wisconsin Agencies - , 2026, 11:59 pm Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) Request for Application - October 22 - 11:59 pm - Wisconsin Agencies - , 2026, 11:59 pm Parent Peer Professional Led Workforce Development Request for Application - October 28 - 11:59 pm - Wisconsin Agencies - , 2026, 11:59 pm Family Centered Treatment-Recovery Implementation Request for Application - December 14 - Wisconsin Agencies - Last revised , 2026 - April 29 - Wisconsin Agencies

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.

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.