North Carolina Advances Rural Health Care with New Funding and Initiatives
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has unveiled a comprehensive dashboard detailing the projects funded by the Rural Health Transformation Program in its inaugural year. This initiative, aimed at enhancing health care in rural areas, received a significant boost as the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) allocated $100 million for the program’s second year, with more support anticipated.
Governor Josh Stein emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We will continue to put these dollars to work for rural North Carolinians. Every North Carolinian should have access to high-quality health care close to where they live. By investing in the people, services, and technology that rural communities need, we can make it easier for families to get the care they need.”
In its first year, the program established the infrastructure necessary for a five-year transformation plan, swiftly channeling resources into rural communities. The second year aims to transition from planning to active implementation across the state.
With over 3.5 million residents, North Carolina boasts the second-largest rural population in the U.S. However, these communities face significant health care challenges, including provider shortages, potential hospital closures, and high rates of chronic conditions.
NCDHHS has effectively utilized all the funds allocated for the first year, focusing on strengthening the health care workforce, enhancing technology, and connecting communities with essential care. For more details, the NCDHHS has released an Annual Report summarizing the program’s achievements in its first year.
NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai reiterated the department’s commitment, saying, “Our work is rooted in reaching people where they are. In our rural communities, that means using our Rural Health Transformation Program funding to make sure people can get what they need to be healthy close to home. The NCRHTP work is in direct alignment with the department’s goal to transform rural health in North Carolina.”
The NC ROOTS Hubs are set to continue their pivotal role in implementing these changes. Over recent months, they have collaborated with local health care providers and community organizations to assess regional needs. Soon, they will initiate funding for projects tailored to address specific local health care challenges.
During the initial four months of implementation, North Carolina made significant strides in executing Year 1 programming. Information on available funding opportunities for the NCRHTP can be accessed on the grant opportunities website.
The federal Rural Health Transformation Program, designed to bolster rural health care infrastructure, awarded North Carolina over $213 million in its first year, with funding expected to continue for five years. However, the program’s federal law, H.R. 1, also results in reduced Medicaid funding, potentially impacting the state’s health care resources.
Stevens Amendment Disclosure: This press release is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $213,008,356.47 with 100% funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CMS/HHS or the U.S. Government.
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