Wisconsin

Wisconsin hospitals tied for the most five-star patient experience ratings in the latest CMS assessment, with several rural CAHs featured among the top 250. The Wisconsin Office of Rural Health has launched its new Flex grant year, with statewide funding and improvement opportunities opening for rural hospitals, including quality, finance, operations, and behavioral health integration. The newsletter also spotlights new workforce training programs, Medicaid change preparations, and National Rural Health Day activities. Key contacts: Samantha Peck info@worh.org Event schedule: - CAH Quality Inventory Assessment application due - 11/20/2026 - Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation Community Grants application due - October 15, 2026 - Dental Trade Alliance Foundation Grants application due - November 30, 2026 - NOSORH Workforce+ Rural Healthcare Workforce Certification cohort launch - October 8, 2026 - Online - National Rural Health Day 2026 - November 19, 2026 - RWHC Nurse Residency Cohort 1 starts - October 2026 - RWHC Office & Training Center, 880 Independence Lane, Sauk City, WI - RWHC Nurse Residency Cohort 2 starts - February 2027 - RWHC Office & Training Center, 880 Independence Lane, Sauk City, WI - WORH EMS Operations and Management Course Session 1 - January 7, 2027 - 6:30 PM - Zoom

Wisconsin was awarded $203.7 million in federal funds for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) from FY2026-FY2030. The program focuses on workforce development, technology transformation, care coordination, behavioral health innovations, and Medicaid reforms for rural populations. DHS will distribute funding through competitive grants to communities, facilities, and educational institutions, with initial projects launching in 2026. Event schedule: - Advisory Council Application Due - 02/27/2026 - Advisory Council Appointments Made - April 2026

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is seeking applications from training providers to develop, deliver, and evaluate high-quality training for community health workers and their supervisors, supporting statewide rural workforce sustainability. This RHTP-supported initiative aims to improve access to care in rural regions by investing in workforce training and professional development. The application requires evidence of curriculum design, organizational capacity, sustainability planning, and alignment with state and national CHW standards. Event schedule: - Application release - 07/31/2026 - Application submission due - 08/21/2026 - Estimated award notification - October 2026

This guidance sets detailed rules for RHTP subgrant recipients on allowable costs for workforce, training, student support, equipment, and administrative expenses in rural health transformation initiatives. Guidance closely links eligible spending to needs assessment, with explicit federal compliance citations and state-specific requirements. The document clarifies what activities are permissible, such as curriculum development, technical training, career pathway support, and supply/equipment purchases, and includes caps for capital costs. Event schedule: - Last Update: , 2026 - October 14 - The following information is intended to provide subgrant recipients with the information needed to budget funds in compliance with applicable rules and regulations. Local education...

This rubric provides guidance on the evaluation criteria for applicants to the WIG: HEART Program, which focuses on healthcare workforce challenges and transformational strategies for rural communities. It outlines scoring for project need, target area rurality, innovative approaches, and partnership engagement. The program targets rural and semi-rural populations to develop sustainable workforce solutions.

Wisconsin's Rural Health Transformation Plan proposes a $1 billion investment targeting rural workforce, digital modernization, and population health infrastructure, with 94% of funds committed to rural communities. The plan involves extensive stakeholder engagement, regional coalition grants, and partnerships across state agencies and academic institutions. Dedicated funding will go to each Tribal Nation to support rural health goals. Key contacts: Tony Evers

Wisconsin RHTP is funding major regional workforce grants totaling $22M to expand healthcare training and clinical rotations in rural areas. Technology and care coordination grants are also underway. Evaluation structures involve DHS, state partners and CMS reporting. Key contacts: Rory Tikalsky PSCStateBroadbandOffice@wisconsin.gov; Dani Cook Event schedule: - DHS CMS Site Visit - 06/15/2026 - All day CT - Madison, Cashton, Black River Falls - Community Health Worker Grant Deadline - 08/07/2026 - All day CT - Online submission - WIG: HEART Grant Deadline - 08/17/2026 - All day CT - www.dwd.wisconsin.gov/det/HEART - Care Coordination Grant Deadline - 08/21/2026 - All day CT - Online submission

Wisconsin’s Workforce Innovation Grant program awarded $128 million ARPA dollars to 27 projects targeting workforce shortages in health care, especially nursing and supporting roles. Key innovations included clinical training partnerships, simulations, tuition and wraparound supports for low-income students, and new educational tracks to address rural health needs. The programs expanded nursing program capacity, increased the number of graduates, and created replicable models for rural workforce development. Key contacts: Carmen Manning; Mike Carney; Amy Loeffelholz; Jenna Liphart Rhoads

The program offers multiple RFAs aimed at enhancing rural health workforce, technology, dental care access, and care coordination across Wisconsin. Funding opportunities target improvements in health services and innovation in rural healthcare delivery. Event schedule: - , 2026, 5:00 pm - November 9 - 5:00 pm - Wisconsin Title V MCH Adolescent Mental Health Youth Engagement Expansion Funding - , 2026, 5:00 pm - November 13 - 11:59 pm - Asthma Education Services Provider Capacity Building - , 2026, 11:59 pm - November 13 - 11:59 pm - Reproductive Health and Family Planning Grants - , 2026, 11:59 pm - November 13 - 11:59 pm - Southern Region Children’s Resource Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Funding - , 2026, 11:59 pm - November 24 - 4:00 pm - Family-Centered Approach to Substance Use Disorders - , 2026, 4:00 pm - December 9 - 11:59 pm - Wisconsin Hospital Preparedness Program: Preparedness and Readiness - , 2026, 11:59 pm - December 11 - 11:59 pm - Reentry Navigation Support and Training Assistance Center Funding Application - , 2026, 11:59 pm - December 14 - 11:59 pm - Family Centered Treatment-Recovery Implementation

The Tribal Rural Health Transformation Project receives $5,500,000 in federal funding for contract year 2027 to support rural health transformation for Wisconsin's tribal communities. This funding is targeted at improving health care delivery networks and capacity in rural areas. The table provides a transparent breakdown of state and federal awards across programs.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) reported the first infant death related to a measles outbreak in southwestern Wisconsin since 1990. As of November 3, 2026, there have been 431 measles cases in 13 counties, with nine hospitalizations. The DHS is coordinating with local, tribal, and healthcare partners on response efforts including vaccination, testing, and information sharing. DHS emphasizes the importance of MMR vaccination as the most effective prevention.

Rural men ages 25 and older in Wisconsin experience disproportionately high rates of suicide and self-harm. In 2024, there were 243 suicide deaths and over 500 non-fatal ED visits for suspected self-harm injuries among this population, with increases seen in spring and summer. Community strength and connections are identified as key protective factors, and resources such as the 988 Lifeline and the Farmer Wellness Helpline are promoted.