North Carolina Expands Rural Health Access with New Initiative
In a significant move to bolster healthcare access for rural communities, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has designated several organizations as regional leads for the North Carolina Rural Organizations Orchestrating Transformation for Sustainability (ROOTS) Hub. These organizations will collaborate within the Rural Health Transformation Program (NCRHTP), aiming to connect medical, behavioral health, and social support networks throughout the state.
“Ensuring communities, providers, and stakeholders continue to be at the forefront of our efforts to transform the health and well-being of the more than 3.5 million rural residents in North Carolina is crucial,” stated NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “By investing in strong regional partnerships, we are creating a healthier, more connected rural health system that serves North Carolinians when and where they need it.”
Organizations Leading the Charge
The selected NC ROOTS Hub Leads are locally governed networks representing each of the North Carolina Medicaid regions. Their role will be to coordinate care and implement NCRHTP initiatives. The awarded organizations include:
- Impact Health – Region 1
- Trillium Health Resources – Region 2 and 5
- Vaya Health – Region 3
- University of North Carolina Hospitals – Region 4
- Access East, Inc. – Region 6
These organizations were chosen through a competitive process based on their expertise, infrastructure, and capacity to lead both programmatically and fiscally. They are expected to finalize contracts with NCDHHS by June 1, 2026.
Goals and Objectives
Following a thorough assessment of regional needs, these leads will establish local networks to fortify rural healthcare infrastructure. Over the next five years, tailored to regional needs, the NC ROOTS Hubs aim to:
- Enhance behavioral health and substance use services
- Improve care coordination across regions
- Utilize digital tools to boost outcomes
- Expand access to primary care
- Strengthen healthcare through workforce development
“Where you live should not determine your access to high-quality care,” emphasized NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for Health Debra Farrington. “Our selected NC ROOTS Hub Leads will bring together voices from across the state to deliver coordinated, impactful services that foster better outcomes and address the unique challenges our rural communities face.”
Program Funding and Impact
This initiative aligns with the ongoing implementation of the NCRHTP, as NCDHHS progresses with its first-year strategy to establish the necessary infrastructure. Funded by a $213,008,356.47 investment from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, this program is designed to enhance health outcomes and ensure sustainable access to care for over 400 rural health facilities across North Carolina.
North Carolina, which boasts the second-largest rural population in the United States, is committed to innovative strategies that promote high-quality healthcare for all its residents. Further details are available on the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program website.
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 percent 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.
Read More Here
Comments are closed.