Tennessee

Tennessee Department of Health announces multiple Rural Health Transformation Program and Rural Healthcare Access Modernization Program grant and procurement opportunities for hospitals, health systems, and community organizations. Over $104 million is allocated to support rural capital investment, grant extensions, and primary care seed grants as part of the transformation effort. Opportunities include funding for quality improvement, telehealth, workforce stability, technology upgrades, and innovative care delivery in rural communities. Key contacts: Jessica James Competitive.Health@tn.gov Event schedule: - MaRTHA Competitive Grant Opportunity Closes - 08/03/2026 - HRP: Health Technology and Innovation Opportunity Closes - 08/03/2026 - Rural Fetal and Infant Wellness Initiative Opportunity Closes - 08/06/2026

CMS Administrator Oz participated with governors and the NGA to promote rural health transformation and Medicaid integrity efforts in Tennessee and other states.

The announcement reports on Rural Health Transformation grants benefiting Sevier County, Tennessee. It highlights federal investment supporting rural health improvements in the region.

This announcement highlights Tennessee's first recipients of the Rural Health Transformation Program grants, marking initial investments by the state to transform rural health care access and quality.

The Tennessee Department of Health announces the first recipients of Rural Health Transformation Program grants, marking the initial funding phase in the state for improving rural health services.

The program provides funding through an RFA for CHW Infrastructure Project, emphasizing sustainable CHW program development aligned with program standards and serving TennCare members, especially in rural areas. Applicants must complete a TennCare Blackout Period Attestation. Initial funding is for one year with potential extension based on performance. Event schedule: - Posting Date: , 2026 - September 1 - Summary: - Release Date: , 2026 - June 26 - Summary: - Release Date: , 2026 - July 15 - Summary:

This document is an amendment to the Request for Grant Proposal for Tennessee's Rural Fetal and Infant Health Initiative. It clarifies the schedule, key dates, and logistical questions regarding the procurement process. The amendment does not modify substantive program requirements. Event schedule: - Pre-proposal Teleconference - 07/13/2026 - 2:00 PM CT - Webex - Written Questions & Comments Deadline - 07/23/2026 - 2:00 PM CT - State Response to Written Questions & Comments - 07/27/2026 - Proposal Deadline - 08/06/2026 - 2:00 PM CT - State Completion of Organizational & Technical Grant Proposal Evaluations - 08/20/2026 - 2:00 PM CT - State Scoring of Grant Budgets - 08/20/2026 - 3:00 PM CT - Evaluation Notice Released - 08/21/2026 - Contractor Contract Signature Deadline - 09/16/2026

Event schedule: - Tennessee to Release 1st Grant Funding Opportunity of Rural Health Transformation Program Skip to Main Content Go to TN.gov Go to TN.gov Section Go to Health Calendar Careers Contact Department Licensure Local Maternal Health Innovation Maternal Mortality Review Print This Page Print This Page Go to Search Information About the New Website for the Tennessee Department of Health Tennessee to Release 1st Grant Funding Opportunity of Rural Health Transformation Program Friday, May 15, 2026 - 11:00am NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health ( TDH ) released the first funding opportunity today of the Rural Health Transformation Program ( RHTP ). This begins a roll-out of competitive grant programs to deliver long-term, sustainable improvements in Tennessee’s rural health systems. “Tennessee is committed to strengthening rural health care and ensuring every resident has access to high-quality services, no matter where they live,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said. “Through the Rural Health Transformation Program, we are responding to rural community needs by investing in structural solutions that will improve outcomes for rural families.” A link to the RHTP grant application portal, with funding materials and submission instructions, is available on both the RHTP homepage and in its Opportunities content section . Today’s release marks the first in a series of 2026 funding opportunities, with TDH aiming to commit its first year of funding to rural health projects by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) deadline of Oct. 30, 2026. The inaugural funding opportunity, for a Perinatal and Pediatric Behavioral Health Teleconsultation and Education Project , will support the use of technology to expand access to behavioral health education and consultation services. The initiative is designed to improve health outcomes for women, infants and children in rural communities. Additionally, upcoming RHTP competitive grant opportunities, with release dates and application deadlines, include: Perinatal and Pediatric Behavioral Health Teleconsultation and Education May 15 to June 15, 2026 Healthy Active Rural Tennessee (HART) May 22 to June 22, 2026 Healthcare Resiliency Program (HRP): Maternal Child Health May 29 to June 29, 2026 Chronic Disease Prevention June 5 to July 6, 2026 HRP: Service Line and Co-Location June 12 to July 13, 2026 Memory Care Assessment Network (MCAN) June 19 to July 20, 2026 Health Tech Innovation June 26 to July 27, 2026 HRP: Make Rural Tennessee Healthy Again (MaRTHA) July 3 to Aug. 3, 2026 County Health Council CARE Grants July 10 to Aug. 10, 2026 “Tennessee’s RHTP grants represent a strategic investment in the health of our rural communities,” Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. John Dunn said. “By expanding access to specialized care and supporting local providers, we are working to improve health outcomes and create sustainable solutions across the state.” Potential RHTP applicants can sign up to receive email notifications and be informed when the department announces new project funding and grant opportunities. CMS awarded Tennessee $206,888,882 in late 2025 through the federal RHTP grant program, a nationwide, five-year commitment of $50 billion dedicated to improving access to care, quality, and health outcomes in rural communities nationwide. The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all people in Tennessee. Learn more on the TDH website about department programs and services , and to find location information for Tennessee’s local health departments . This project 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 $206,888,882.11 with 100 percent 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. Social Media facebook twitter youtube linkedin Food & Nutrition Commodity Food Program Nutrition Programs Pick TN Products Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Tennessee WIC Families & Kids Adopt a Child CoverKids Education Resources KidCentralTN Tennessee Disability Pathfinder State Government Resources Driver Services MyTN State Directory State Services Lookup Transparent Tennessee Get Outside Free TN Vacation Guide Outdoor Recreation State Historic Sites TN Natural Areas Tennessee State Parks Department of Health John R. Dunn, DVM, PhD, EMBA-SL Commissioner 710 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243 tn.health@tn.gov Contact Us Flag Status Chat Help Translate Font Size a- Normal A+ TN.gov Services TN.gov Directory Transparent TN Web Policies Mobile App About Tennessee Title VI Accessibility Help & Contact Survey Close

This 2023 Task Force report offers actionable recommendations to improve rural access to care, workforce development, and social drivers of health in Tennessee. Strategic initiatives include a Center of Excellence, care access and telehealth pilots, expanded apprenticeship and training programs, and support for county health councils through grants and partnerships. Recommendations emphasize leveraging both public and private resources.

The Tennessee Maternal Health Strategic Plan (MHSP) 2025-2030 is a comprehensive approach to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in Tennessee through quality improvement, workforce strengthening, and addressing social determinants of health. The plan is supported by a $2.17 million HRSA award and includes clear performance targets and indicators. Key strategies target rural, high-need, and at-risk populations with a cross-sector partnership approach.

Reference: Article 37f32e60 35ff 5c4c 9ff9 Eb73ddffe2b5 Link: https://www.themountainpress.com/news/sen-southerland-announces-rural-health-transformation-grants-benefiting-sevier-county/article_37f32e60-35ff-5c4c-9ff9-eb73ddffe2b5.html

Reference: Article 8f883f20 60a7 5ea3 B003 Bc2ff6ccd589 Link: https://www.themountainpress.com/roane/roane/news/state_of_tennessee/tennessee-department-of-health-announces-first-recipients-of-rural-health-transformation-program-grants/article_8f883f20-60a7-5ea3-b003-bc2ff6ccd589.html

Reference: Tennessee Department of Health Announces 1ST Recipients of Rural Health Transformation Program Grants Link: https://www.tn.gov/health/news/2026/9/3/tennessee-department-of-health-announces-1st-recipients-of-rural-health-transformation-program-grants.html