Program Overview
The South Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program is currently offering infrastructure and capacity-building grants through four targeted initiatives: Connections to Care, Wellness Within Reach, Leveling Up, and Shoring Up to Sustainability. The program emphasizes expanding digital infrastructure, scaling care delivery innovations, supporting workforce development, and strengthening behavioral and maternal health services in rural communities, with applications due June 1, 2026. Implementation is underway, as subrecipient agreements are being distributed and oversight responsibilities established, aligned to CMS strategic goals and federal regulations. Current structured plan tracks 11 key initiatives and 9 strategic goals.
Updated
County-level estimates averaged across South Carolina — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (46)
| County | Pop | Poverty | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville County | 548,166 | 10.8% | 7.7% |
| Richland County | 422,117 | 17.2% | 11.5% |
| Charleston County | 420,264 | 11.3% | 7.0% |
| Horry County | 383,016 | 13.2% | 9.1% |
| Spartanburg County | 347,852 | 14.5% | 10.8% |
| Lexington County | 304,887 | 11.1% | 8.5% |
| York County | 293,673 | 8.4% | 6.2% |
| Berkeley County | 246,802 | 9.9% | 7.5% |
| Anderson County | 210,478 | 14.6% | 11.5% |
| Beaufort County | 195,289 | 9.6% | 7.1% |
| Aiken County | 174,160 | 14.3% | 10.1% |
| Dorchester County | 167,201 | 11.4% | 8.1% |
AI source: SC - 2025 - South Carolina RHTP Year 1 Awards
AI auto-updated Sep 16, 2026
API refreshed May 7, 2026
Key signals are summarized here. Open the source for the supporting detail.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Grouped files
9 related documents
SC - 2025 - Frequently Asked Questions – RHTP Application Guidance
728,561 rural residents
As of July 31, 2026, South Carolina has issued a Request for Applications and begun executing subrecipient agreements for RHTP funds. The executed agreements indicate that active implementation has started, with projects running from July 31, 2026 through September 30, 2027. State and subrecipient compliance, reporting, and audit processes are in place, and operational rollout is underway. Current opportunities are closed and awards are being finalized, confirming that the program is actively under implementation. State opportunities: 7 total (7 past/closed), $87.7M listed funding. Key opportunities: RHTP: Shoring Up to Sustainability Initiative; RHTP: Wellness Within Reach Initiative; Connections to Care – Modernize Health IT. Strategy alignment: supports workforce, prevention, care access priorities.
South Carolina's RHTP continues to deploy targeted, high-impact investments led by SCDHHS, using integrated, outcome-driven initiatives and broad collaboration to modernize rural health infrastructure, advance digital capacity, strengthen care delivery, and eliminate access barriers. The strategy centers on scaling proven pilots, expanding mobile services, supporting workforce and facility sustainability, catalyzing digital innovation, and maintaining compliance with federal goals. Program focus remains on chronic disease, behavioral health, maternal health, cancer screening, and health equity, with recent emphasis on expanded capital infrastructure grants and crisis stabilization.
Model
Targeted infrastructure and workforce transformation leveraging digital innovation, mobile care delivery, statewide scaling of impactful pilot programs, and financial stabilization, coordinated through outcome-driven, time-limited grants and public-private partnerships under rigorous compliance and reporting requirements.
Key Initiatives (11)
Timeline: Primary grant application window closes June 1, 2026. Rural Enhancement Grant, Cancer Screening Initiative, and Act 301 infrastructure deadlines are July 31, 2026. Additional timelines for Tech Catalyst Fund, Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Services, and ongoing initiatives will be announced in subsequent phases. Subrecipient agreements require quarterly and monthly reporting, with five-year facility sustainability for infrastructure grants.
Focus on improving cancer screening rates in rural clinics across South Carolina through quality improvement and learning collaboratives.
Focus on expanding digital infrastructure, mobile health units, chronic disease management, and workforce development in rural areas.
Focused efforts to improve healthcare access and coordination through digital infrastructure and mobile health units to serve underserved rural populations.
SC - 2025 - Budget Narrative
SC - 2025 - Transforming Rural Healthcare in South Carolina
SC - 2026 - Welcome! The meeting will begin shortly…
Auto-grouped context match (52%)
SC - 2025 - South Carolina RHTP Application
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SC - 2028 - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services RHTP
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SC - 2025 - South Carolina RHTP
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SC - 2025 - OMB Number: 4040-0019 Expiration Date: 06/30/2028
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SC - 2026 - RHTP Grant Overview
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South Carolina Office of Rural Health (SCORH)
Due Jul 31, 2026
2 related documents
SC - 2026 - 2026 Rural Enhancement Grant and Cancer Screening Improvement Initiative Funding Opportunities
SCORH funding opportunities PDF
SC - 2026 - Funding Opportunities - SC Office of Rural Health
Primary source
South Carolina Office of Rural Health (SCORH)
Due Jul 31, 2026
2 related documents
SC - 2026 - 2026 Rural Enhancement Grant and Cancer Screening Improvement Initiative Funding Opportunities
SCORH funding opportunities PDF
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Due Jun 1, 2026
1 related document
SC - 2026 - RHTP: Wellness Within Reach Initiative
Source listing page
| FY↓ | Awardee↕ | Amount↕ | Activity↕ | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Self Regional Healthcare (Lakelands Region) Connections to Care — Modernize Health IT Infrastructure | $1.3M | RHTP_SUBAWARD | |
| 2026 | Self Regional Healthcare (Lakelands Region) Connections to Care — Modernize Health IT Infrastructure | $8.3M | RHTP_SUBAWARD | |
| 2026 | Self Regional Healthcare (Lakelands Region) Connections to Care — Modernize Health IT Infrastructure | $630K | RHTP_SUBAWARD | |
| 2026 | Self Regional Healthcare (Lakelands Region) Shoring Up to Sustainability — Facility Enhancements | $140K | RHTP_SUBAWARD | |
| 2026 | Self Regional Healthcare (Lakelands Region) Wellness Within Reach — Expanding Community Care Sites | $125K | RHTP_SUBAWARD | |
| 2026 | Self Regional Healthcare (Lakelands Region) Shoring Up to Sustainability — Healthcare Workforce | $1.7M | RHTP_SUBAWARD | |
| 2026 | Self Regional Healthcare (Lakelands Region) Wellness Within Reach — Expanding Community Care Sites | $200K | RHTP_SUBAWARD | |
| 2026 | Self Regional Healthcare (Lakelands Region) Shoring Up to Sustainability — Facility Enhancements | $1.3M | RHTP_SUBAWARD | |
| 2026 | Self Regional Healthcare (Lakelands Region) Connections to Care — Modernize Health IT Infrastructure | $340K | RHTP_SUBAWARD | |
| 2026 | Self Regional Healthcare (Lakelands Region) Connections to Care — Expand Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) & Assistive Technology | $677K | RHTP_SUBAWARD |
South Carolina is offering multiple grant opportunities through its Rural Health Transformation Program, including Connections to Care, Leveling Up, Wellness Within Reach, Shoring Up to Sustainability, and a forthcoming Tech Catalyst Fund. Past infrastructure grants have issued significant funding to healthcare providers for facility creation and improvement in rural and medically underserved areas. Grant cycles and deadlines are actively managed, and federal goals reflect sustainable access, workforce development, and healthcare technology innovation. Event schedule: - Posting Date - April 2, 2026 - Questions Due - April 16, 2026 - Application Due - June 1, 2026 - Anticipated Notice of Award - July 31, 2026
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
South Carolina DHEC is conducting a public input survey to gather feedback from health care providers, professionals, and residents connected to rural health. This survey is to inform future RHTP funding decisions and priorities for the state. Event schedule: - Survey closing date - 10/02/2026
South Carolina's RHTP awarded dozens of grants to rural hospitals, clinics, and community health programs in 2025. Funding supports facility upgrades, telehealth, workforce training, and chronic disease expansion. Multiple major and local recipients address gaps in rural access and technology.
Core Initiatives
Governor Henry McMaster announced recipients of RHTP funding in South Carolina at a September 11, 2026 press conference in Columbia, SC. Event schedule: - Press Conference - 09/11/2026 - Columbia, S.C.
Event Schedule
The program offers targeted grant funding to rural providers for technology upgrades, continuing education, and quality improvement activities. Two specific active funding opportunities include the 2026 Rural Enhancement Grant and the Cancer Screening Improvement Initiative, both with application deadlines on July 31, 2026. Notifications are expected in August 2026 with funding distributions following. Event schedule: - 2026 Rural Enhancement Grant Application Deadline - July 31, 2026 - Cancer Screening Improvement Initiative Application Deadline - July 31, 2026 - Notification of Grant Awards - August 2026
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) is soliciting applications for up to $15 million in one-time grant funding to build or improve rural and medically underserved area health facilities. No match is required. Focus areas include expanding access to essential health services, improving health equity, and supporting sustainable facility operations.
The Rural Health Transformation Program in South Carolina will fund four major initiatives for rural populations, totaling $169 million in federal investment. Awards focus on health IT, chronic disease, pop-up clinics, workforce, and technology innovation; applications are open for rural providers. Timeline milestones include application deadlines in June 2026 and completion by September 2027. Key contacts: SCORH Team info@scorh.net Event schedule: - Applications Due - 06/01/2026 - Award Notices - 07/31/2026 - Project Completion - 09/30/2027
Contacts
Core Initiatives
South Carolina submitted a comprehensive RHT plan addressing rural health disparities with five integrated initiatives including digital infrastructure, mobile health units, and workforce strengthening. The state requests $1 billion federal funding to modernize rural healthcare, expand access, and build sustainability.
South Carolina's RHTP application requests $1 billion over five years to transform rural health outcomes via robust state-level initiatives. Funding will be competitively distributed through multiple programs including health IT modernization, mobile crisis response, facility upgrades, workforce incentives, and rural care expansion. Extensive oversight, compliance, and outcomes tracking are integral to the state's stewardship plan.
South Carolina proposes an ambitious, data-driven Rural Health Transformation plan centered on expanding digital health infrastructure (EHR, remote monitoring, telehealth), workforce initiatives, and financial stabilization for rural hospitals. Strategic efforts target improved access and chronic disease management for 1.75 million rural residents, with emphases on care coordination, maternal health, and cross-sector partnerships. Five flagship initiatives (e.g., Connections to Care) will modernize rural health systems and equip communities for sustainable transformation.
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
South Carolina is distributing $35 million in one-time infrastructure grants to hospitals for creating specialized emergency units for mental health crisis stabilization. The program aims to add 56 new crisis beds and 111 spaces to address emergency psychiatric needs. Funding is limited to infrastructure and does not cover staffing or service provision.
Core Initiatives
The document outlines an $800 million award over four years dedicated to transforming rural healthcare in South Carolina. Budget details include personnel, fringe benefits, travel, supplies, and substantial contractual expenditures.
The program focuses on integrating behavioral health services, expanding maternal health care, and increasing access to quality medical services in rural and medically underserved areas. Significant funding has been allocated for healthcare infrastructure improvements and support for rural communities. South Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services leads these transformation efforts. Event schedule: - Tuesday, , 2025 - December 30 - South Carolina Awarded $200 Million in Rural Health Transformation Program Funding - Monday, , 2025 - June 30 - Federal and State Officials Announce Efforts to Crack Down on Healthcare Fraud Schemes - Thursday, , 2025 - May 1 - SCDHHS Announces Relocation of Richland County Medicaid Office - Thursday, , 2025 - January 16 - SCDHHS Awarded $7.2 Million to Improve Integration of Behavioral Health Services - Tuesday, , 2025 - January 14 - DPH, DDSN and SCDHHS Encourage Support and Services During Birth Defects Awareness Month - Wednesday, , 2025 - January 8 - SCDHHS Receives Grant to Invest in Maternal Health Care - Tuesday, , 2024 - February 20 - SCDHHS Awards $48.2 Million in Healthcare Infrastructure Funds to Improve Access to Quality Medical Services in Rural and Medically Underserved Areas - Thursday, , 2024 - January 25 - Gov. McMaster, SCDHHS Announce Number of School-based Mental Health Counselors Doubles in South Carolina
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
The program includes the Act 301 Capital Expenditure Infrastructure Funding Opportunity for FY 2026–2027, as well as grants focused on rural and medically underserved areas and behavioral health crisis stabilization services. The program is administered with resources such as the State Plan and Contract Library available online.
Event Schedule
South Carolina DHEC is soliciting public input via a statewide survey to guide future funding decisions for the Rural Health Transformation Program. The survey aims to identify rural health priorities and gather feedback on existing RHTP-funded projects to better target resources for years two through five. Key contacts: grants@scdhhs.gov Event schedule: - Survey Close Date - 10/02/2026
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Reference: Funding. September 11, 2026. COLUMBIA, S.C. - Governor Henry McMaster Link: https://governor.sc.gov/news/2026-09/gov-mcmaster-hold-press-conference-announce-recipients-rhtp-funding
SC RHTP site updated — 2 new, 0 existing source(s) refreshed
SC RHTP site updated — 1 new, 0 existing source(s) refreshed
SC RHTP site updated — 1 new doc(s)
SC RHTP site updated — 7 new doc(s)
SC RHTP site updated — 6 new doc(s)
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed. Showing the 40 most recent of 45.
SC - 2026 - Grants | SCDHHS
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SC - 2026 - Funding. September 11, 2026. COLUMBIA, S.C. - Governor Henry McMaster
SC - 2026 - Notice of Privacy Practices
2026 · PDF
SC - 2020 - – RHC COVID Testing Process Step by Step October 2020
SC - 2020 - RHC COVID test reporting: Step-by-step guide
SC - 2020 - SC HOPES mental health and addictions support line
SC - 2020 - Screening Patients for Food Insecurity and Linking them to Nutritious Food Resources During COVID-19
SC - 2026 - t Budget Template
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SCDHHS Replacement MMIS RFI 4
SCDHHS Replacement MMIS Notification 4
SC - 2026 - Draft Replacement MMIS Pricing Tables
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SC - 2026 - Incentive Payment Example
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SC - 2015 - For questions related to Medicaid contract forms, contact 803-898-0376.
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SCPro Procurement System Overview
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Purchase Procurement Code Books
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2021 South Carolina Model School District Procurement Code
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Retired Clauses and Documents
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Research Resources Bibliography and Legal Materials on South Carolina Procurement Code
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Standard Clauses & Provisions, Compendium Version 3.0 (May 2024)
2024 · HTML
South Carolina Procurement Code and Regulations - Legal Reference
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Audit & Certification Audit Reports and Procurement Regulations Overview
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SCPro South Carolina Procurement System Overview
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2021 Model School District Procurement Code and Large Districts Procurement Overview
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Purchase Procurement Code Books
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Retired Clauses and Documents | procurement.sc.gov
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Research Resources Bibliography and Procurement Code Amendments Reference
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Procurements Reported By State Agencies
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Standard Clauses and Provisions – South Carolina Division of Procurement Services (Compendium Version 3.0, May 2024)
2024 · HTML
South Carolina Procurement Code & Regulations Overview and Amendments
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SC - 2026 - Risk Assessment of Automated Data Processing Systems
2010 · PDF
SC - 2015 - Debarment Form 1-2015
SC - 2026 - Adapting Pay-for-Success (PFS) Methods to Managed Care Incentives
2017 · PDF
SC - 2026 - SCDHHS MES Modernization Future State Assessment Summary Report
2024 · PDF
SC - 2025 - Where to Go For Help | SCDHHS
2025 · HTML
SC - 2025 - Healthy Connections Medicaid Managed Care | SCDHHS
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SC - 2025 - Tax Information | SCDHHS
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SC - 2025 - Resources | SCDHHS
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SC - 2025 - Provider Information | SCDHHS
2025 · HTML
Form 3400-01 Portuguese
2016 · PDF
Download Healthy Connections Application Form (PDF)
SC - 2026 - Funding Opportunities - SC Office of Rural Health
Primary source
Event Schedule
SCDHHS was awarded $17 million from CMS over ten years to improve maternal health care for Medicaid enrollees through the Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model. Key priorities include reducing maternal mortality and extending postpartum Medicaid coverage. The effort is supported by a coalition of state and national health partners and builds on previous initiatives such as the Birth Outcomes Initiative. Key contacts: Jeff Leieritz Communications@scdhhs.gov Event schedule: - Grant Award Announcement - 01/08/2025 - ET - Columbia, SC
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Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives
This document is a FY2026 Request for Applications (RFA) for the Rural Health Transformation Program: Shoring Up to Sustainability Initiative in South Carolina, under a $40M federal cooperative agreement from CMS. It aims to fund rural facility infrastructure enhancements, workforce recruitment/retention, and provider operational resilience through subawards to rural-serving entities. Three project tracks—facility enhancements, masterclass training, and workforce incentives—address key rural health barriers, building the sustainability of South Carolina’s rural healthcare delivery system.
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Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives
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Core Initiatives
South Carolina is launching its Wellness Within Reach Initiative as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program, making $27.7M available to rural-serving organizations through subawards. The initiative focuses on expanding mobile crisis response and community care sites to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes in rural areas. Projects must demonstrate measurable impact and directly benefit rural residents.
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Core Initiatives
South Carolina is submitting an application to CMS for the Rural Health Transformation Program, with Governor and SCDHHS leadership committed as the lead administrator and convener. The plan prioritizes stakeholder engagement, chronic disease management, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable care models in rural areas. Extensive coordination aims to leverage existing resources, avoid duplication with current federal and state rural health funding, and maximize health outcomes for rural residents.
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Core Initiatives
This document is a model subrecipient award template for South Carolina’s implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program. It outlines operational, communication, reporting, and compliance requirements for subrecipients under RHTP, with references to CMS strategic goals and federal regulations. The agreement signals implementation and oversight responsibilities for distributing rural transformation funds. Key contacts: Eunice Medina Event schedule: - Agreement Effective Date - 07/31/2026 - Agreement End Date - 09/30/2027 - Quarterly Reporting Deadline - Monthly Project Plan Status Update - Execution of Subrecipient Agreement - 2026-07-31 - South Carolina
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives