In a significant move to bolster rural health care systems, North Carolina has introduced three innovative programs aimed at enhancing digital health infrastructure. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) have teamed up to implement these initiatives under the NC’s Rural Health Transformation Program, backed by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Governor Josh Stein emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “All North Carolinians should have access to quality health care, no matter where they live.” This partnership, according to Stein, is a vital step toward ensuring equitable health care access across every community in the state.
Secretary Dev Sangvai of the NC Health and Human Services expressed gratitude for the collaboration, highlighting its potential to bridge health care gaps in underserved areas. “We are bridging gaps in underserved communities and modernizing services so everyone gets the care they need, when and where they need it,” Sangvai noted.
Echoing these sentiments, NC Department of Information Technology Secretary Nate Denny remarked, “Through this partnership, we are putting the state’s technology expertise to work for North Carolina’s rural communities.” Denny outlined the strategic focus on enhancing health information exchange, investing in new digital tools, and expanding digital health literacy to improve coordinated care and patient navigation.
The collaboration has led to the introduction of the Rural Health Innovation Fund, expanded connectivity through NC HealthConnex, and improved digital health literacy initiatives. These efforts are collectively aimed at modernizing rural health care, expanding access to technology, and increasing digital competency among providers and patients.
Rural Health Innovation Fund
This newly established fund will distribute $20 million annually over five years to help rural health providers assess their digital needs and upgrade their infrastructure. Set to launch this fall, the fund aims to test and scale new digital solutions, streamline workflows, and boost patient engagement.
Health Information Exchange and Training
The program enhances connectivity for rural providers to the NC Health Information Exchange Network (NC HealthConnex). It provides comprehensive support to establish and sustain these connections, ensuring quick and secure access to medical records for improved care coordination. By fostering these connections, rural providers can leverage advanced technology for better clinical decision-making and data-driven care.
Expanding Digital Health Literacy
Focusing on digital health literacy, this program offers online, phone-based, and in-person support to rural residents. Building on the NC 211 Digital Navigation Program, it aims to enhance digital skills through multilingual assistance and one-on-one training. From July 1, 2026, residents dialing 211 can access support from Digital Health Navigators to help them engage more effectively in digital health care.
For further 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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