In a bid to revamp rural health care across North Carolina, state authorities have rolled out three innovative programs aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure. This strategic move, driven by a collaboration between the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT), seeks to leverage digital tools and solutions to modernize rural health services.
These initiatives are part of the broader NC’s Rural Health Transformation Program (NCRHTP) digital health and technology initiative, which is supported by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Governor Josh Stein emphasized the significance of these developments, stating, “All North Carolinians should have access to quality health care, no matter where they live. Technology has immense potential to deliver, and thanks to the strong partnership between DIT and DHHS, we are moving closer to building a North Carolina that is healthier in every single community.”
Additionally, NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai remarked, “I am grateful for the partnership with NCDIT that will increase access to care for millions of people in rural North Carolina. We are bridging gaps in underserved communities and modernizing services so everyone gets the care they need, when and where they need it.”
NC Department of Information Technology Secretary Nate Denny also shared his thoughts: “Through this partnership, we are putting the state’s technology expertise to work for North Carolina’s rural communities. By strengthening health information exchange, investing in new digital solutions and tools, and expanding digital health literacy, we are making it easier for providers to deliver high-quality, coordinated care and for people to confidently navigate their health online. These investments ensure that no matter where you live in North Carolina, you can benefit from modern, secure, and connected health care.”
New Initiatives for Rural Health Care
The collaboration between NCDHHS and NCDIT introduces the Rural Health Innovation Fund, expands provider agreements with NC HealthConnex, and enhances digital health literacy. These efforts collectively aim to modernize health care delivery in rural areas, enhance digital health capabilities, and broaden access to new technologies.
Rural Health Innovation Fund
This initiative establishes a new statewide investment fund, set to distribute $20 million annually over five years. The fund will assist rural providers in assessing digital needs and updating infrastructure. Launching this fall, it will offer opportunities to test and scale new digital solutions, improve patient care, streamline workflows, and boost patient engagement.
Health Information Exchange Connectivity and Training
This program focuses on connecting rural health care providers to the NC Health Information Exchange Network (NC HealthConnex), offering operational, technical, and financial support. This secure network allows medical professionals to quickly share and access patient records, enhancing care coordination and decision-making. The program aims to improve statewide data quality and facilitate the adoption of cutting-edge technology for information exchange.
Digital Health Literacy
To enhance digital health literacy among rural residents, this program builds on the NC 211 Digital Navigation Program. This initiative offers multilingual assistance, personalized training, and digital skills resources. By July 1, 2026, callers can connect to a Digital Health Navigator via the 211 hotline for support from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The program aims to empower rural residents to access and engage with online healthcare resources effectively.
For additional details, visit the NC Rural Health Transformation Program website and the NCRHTP Initiative Six webpage.
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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