Maine RHTP Community Health Worker (CHW) Initiative RFA (Rural Community Health Worker Expansion)

Summary

Maine's Rural Health Transformation Program funds the Community Health Worker (CHW) Initiative to expand the number of CHWs integrated, trained, deployed and sustained in healthcare and social service delivery models that reach rural populations. The University of New England (UNE) administers the funds through contracts on behalf of Maine DHHS. The anticipated amount per award is $110,000 for the nine-month Year 1 period (January 1 - September 30, 2027); contracts may be renewed annually for 12 months through September 30, 2031, depending on continued RHTP funding. UNE anticipates at least three awards per geographic public health district, including at least one community-based organization and at least one healthcare provider in each district. The RFA was released November 2, 2026; applications are due 5 pm ET November 30, 2026 through UNE's REDCap application form. CHW expansion in Maine's five Tribal communities happens outside this RFA.

Eligibility

Organizations, not individuals: community-based organizations, healthcare providers and other organizations proposing CHW services for rural Maine populations in one of Maine's geographic public health districts (Aroostook, Central, Cumberland, Downeast, Mid Coast, Penquis, Western, York). Applicants in a partially rural county (Androscoggin, Cumberland, Penobscot or York) must ensure the CHW will serve rural patients, per Maine RHTP's rural definition. An organization applying in more than one district submits a separate application for each. RHTP funds may not supplant existing State, Federal, Tribal, local or private funding.

Requirements Checklist

• Applicants must submit a separate application for each geographic public health district where CHW services will be provided. The application addresses applicant/district selection, applicant organization, population need and vision, CHW role and scope, feasibility/integration/partnerships, training and certification needs, impact measurement, sustainability, budget, and applicant confirmation. Awardees are expected to ensure CHWs complete, at minimum, recognized CHW Core Competency Training or obtain CHW certification consistent with Maine workforce standards. MCD Global Health's 80-hour CHW Core Competency Training, CHW Supervisor Training, and eligible MECHWI CHW certification fees are funded through Maine RHTP and should not be included in the applicant budget. Applicants must use the Excel budget template from the UNE proposal website, upload it as an Excel file, and may not use RHTP funds to supplant existing State, Federal, Tribal, local, or private funding.