In a significant move towards enhancing healthcare access and services in rural North Carolina, the Department of Health and Human Services has appointed Maggie Woods as the Director of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). This initiative is expected to impact over 3.5 million residents in the state’s rural regions.
Woods, who has a rich background in public service, currently directs the N.C. Department of Information Technology’s Office of Digital Opportunity. Her efforts have been pivotal in bridging the digital divide across the state, ensuring that North Carolinians have the technology and skills needed to access online resources and services effectively.
“RHTP is a vital investment in rural communities in North Carolina,” stated NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “We are excited to welcome Director Woods to the team as we work quickly to get these federal dollars out the door to the communities that need them the most and ensure we have a structure in place for local decision-making.”
Reflecting on her new role, Maggie Woods expressed, “I am honored to join NCDHHS and work with the team to build a stronger, more connected health system that meets the needs of today while preparing for the future. I grew up in rural America, and I understand first-hand many of the healthcare challenges facing rural communities. This program represents an opportunity to strengthen health systems, expand access to care and ensure that everyone across our state has the opportunity to achieve their best health.”
NCRHTP, backed by $213 million in federal funding approved by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, aims to tackle enduring challenges such as workforce shortages, hospital sustainability, and limited access to mental health and primary care services. The program will bolster over 400 rural health facilities and is set to infuse hundreds of millions of dollars into the state over the next five years.
Debra Farrington, NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for Health, remarked, “We are happy to have Director Woods join our team, and we look forward to continuing our work together to improve health care in our rural communities. We recognize how important this program is for all North Carolinians, and having leadership with experience and knowledge of rural communities across our state is critical.”
The NCRHTP is implementing a broad range of strategies to fortify rural health systems and enhance outcomes. A notable aspect is the introduction of locally governed NC ROOTS (Rural Organizations Orchestrating Transformation for Sustainability) Hubs, which will function as regional networks linking medical, behavioral health, and social supports.
Furthermore, the program will broaden access to preventive services, chronic disease management, and nutrition programs while increasing the availability of mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Investments in and support for providers transitioning to value-based care models will lead to more efficient care delivery and bolster sustainability in the rural health workforce.
North Carolinians are encouraged to learn more about the NCRHTP by visiting ncdhhs.gov/rhtp.
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