Delaware’s Rural Health Transformation Program is actively implementing a structured, multi-year strategy, with initial RFPs released for a four-year medical school, expanding school-based health centers in rural Sussex County, developing Food Is Medicine infrastructure, and deploying rural health hubs with mobile health unit networks. The program maintains focus on rural care disparities by prioritizing workforce development, prevention, access, nutrition-integrated care, telehealth, and partnership-driven capacity building. Current efforts track defined initiatives and strategic goals to support measurable outcomes, with additional RFPs planned to advance program objectives. Current structured plan tracks 21 key initiatives and 10 strategic goals.
County-level estimates averaged across Delaware — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
9.5%
-1.9pp
Uninsured (18–64)
12.3%
-0.1pp
Diabetes
37%
-0.5pp
Obesity
13.2%
-2.9pp
Current smoking
36.5%
+0.4pp
High blood pressure
27.6%
-0.1pp
Physical inactivity
6.3%
-0.6pp
Heart disease
3.5%
-0.2pp
Stroke
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (3)
County
Pop
Poverty
Uninsured
New Castle County
577,961
10.1%
6.7%
Sussex County
255,626
10.9%
7.5%
Kent County
187,604
10.6%
7.9%
Rural population24.0%
237,378 rural residents
Demographics
Total population
1.0MCensus ACS5 2024
Rural population
237KUSDA ERS RUCC 2023
Rural population %
24.0%USDA ERS RUCC 2023
Poverty rate
10.4%Census ACS5 2024
Median household income
$84,954Census ACS5 2024
Uninsured rate
7.2%Census ACS5 2024
CAH count
0AI extracted
Rural hospital facilities
3AI extracted
Primary care HPSA
3HRSA Data Warehouse (GIS)
Dental HPSA
3HRSA Data Warehouse (GIS)
Mental health HPSA
3HRSA Data Warehouse (GIS)
MUA count
7HRSA Data Warehouse (GIS)
MUP count
1HRSA Data Warehouse (GIS)
FQHC facilities
13HRSA Data Warehouse (GIS)
AI source: DE - 2026 - Unveiling of New State Historical Marker Honoring Wheeler’s Park
AI auto-updated Sep 26, 2026
API refreshed May 7, 2026
RHTP Strategic Goals
1Expand and integrate rural access points for preventive, primary, behavioral, and specialty care
2Build and retain a sustainable rural healthcare workforce through targeted education, training, recruitment, and placement
3Modernize rural facility infrastructure, health IT, and delivery models
4Lower rural healthcare costs and improve population health outcomes
5Advance chronic disease, diabetes, and maternal and child health management, prevention, and equity, in alignment with the State Health Improvement Plan
6Reduce health disparities and address social determinants of health in rural Kent and Sussex Counties
7Expand health information exchange access and real-time insurance verification for payers and providers
8Increase stakeholder awareness of RHTP funding and resources
9Ensure program-wide coordination, monitoring, and reporting for all RHTP initiatives
10Promote value-based and technology-enabled innovation to improve care delivery in rural settings
Worth to Notice / Recent Updates (43)
Key signals are summarized here. Open the source for the supporting detail.
DE - 2025 - Delaware RHTP Executive Budget Summary (Final-RHTP-Revised-Budget-1.30.26)
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
Current Progress
Implementing
Delaware awarded nearly $23 million in Rural Health Transformation Program funds directly to its three FQHCs with detailed project plans for EMR modernization, care coordination, and rural outreach. Recipients are beginning implementation of Epic systems, mobile units, and expanded services. This reflects launch of active capabilities-building for rural transformation at the provider level. Multiple provider-driven initiatives are underway, with RFPs supporting additional rural health expansion efforts. State opportunities: 10 total (10 past/closed), $197.7M listed funding. Key opportunities: Delaware Medical School Partnership – Rural Health Transformation Program; Delaware Rural 'Hope Center' Initiative; School-Based Health Center Expansion Initiative – Kent and Sussex Counties. Strategy alignment: supports workforce, care access priorities.
RHTP Strategy
Delaware’s RHTP is transforming rural health by targeting investments toward integrated provider-driven innovations, including new Hope Centers, modernized FQHCs, and expansion of mobile health units and community care hubs. The strategy emphasizes value-based care, digital health modernization, and workforce development through the launch of a four-year medical school and incentives targeting rural providers. Recent RHTP awards focus on strengthening infrastructure and primary/behavioral/dental care integration, particularly in Sussex and Kent counties, while aligning all efforts to measurable outcomes and the State Health Improvement Plan.
Model
An integrated rural health system anchored by rural Hope Centers, health hubs with mobile units, a new four-year medical school, expanded school- and library-based care access points, Food Is Medicine infrastructure, capital and telehealth grants, workforce loan repayment and visa waivers, pathway and training programs, and modernized health IT and data systems to advance value-based care and reduce rural disparities.
Key Initiatives (21)
1Establish Hope Centers in Sussex and Kent Counties for integrated health, behavioral health, housing, and employment services
2Open Delaware's first four-year medical school to build rural primary care and workforce pipeline
3Award and implement Epic EMR system rollout at FQHCs and integrate primary, behavioral, and dental services
Timeline: Initial RFPs released February 2026; Hope Center needs assessments and site selection by Q2 2026; four new Sussex school-based health centers announced July 2026; first Hope Center launch by September 2026; medical school steering committee and dean appointment by end of 2026; school-based health and clinical support pathway program contracts by Q3 2027; rural library access point rollout begins late 2026; community health hub and mobile unit expansion ongoing through 2030; HIT modernization rollouts and HIE/payer access upgrades 2026-2028; program coordination and reporting monthly and quarterly per contract requirements.
Health Priority
Access to Care
Delaware aims to improve primary care availability and reduce emergency room wait times in rural Kent and Sussex counties where nearly 40% of residents live.
Kent CountySussex County
Sep 26, 2026
Health Priority
Workforce Development
Initiatives include establishing a medical school and providing financial incentives to train and retain healthcare professionals in rural areas.
Statewide
Sep 26, 2026
Health Priority
Chronic Disease Management and Nutrition
Integrating nutrition-based interventions through Food Is Medicine programs to improve outcomes for residents managing chronic diseases in rural areas.
The Rural Health Transformation Program funds are awarded to FQHCs in Delaware to improve rural health delivery and access. This award aims to support quality improvement and transformation efforts for rural health providers.
$23.0M
Quality Improvement
2026
Westside Family Healthcare
Award supports modernization of clinical and operational infrastructure including Epic electronic medical record implementation, expanded care coordination, population health and chronic disease technology, cybersecurity, workforce needs, two mobile health units, and a passenger van to serve rural and agricultural communities.
$11.3M
Health IT
2026
La Red Health Center
Award funds value-based care infrastructure, Epic Community Connect implementation, care coordination, remote patient monitoring, chronic disease management, cybersecurity, transportation, and upgrades to technology and data infrastructure, plus integrated medical, behavioral health, dental, and specialty care for underserved patients in Sussex County.
$10.1M
Health IT
2026
Henrietta Johnson Medical Center
Award expands care team and supports chronic disease management and patient access, population health and data tools, cybersecurity, technology for care delivery and remote patient monitoring, with focus on underserved populations.
$1.3M
Health IT
2026
Beebe Healthcare – Georgetown Middle School
Establishes a school-based health center operated by Beebe Healthcare at Georgetown Middle School to provide direct health services to rural students.
Not disclosed
Population Health
2026
Beebe Healthcare – Sussex Central Middle School
Supports Beebe Healthcare in launching a school-based health center at Sussex Central Middle School, expanding access to care in rural Sussex County.
Not disclosed
Population Health
2026
Nemours Children’s Health – Seaford Middle School
Establishes a new school-based health center at Seaford Middle School to provide preventive, primary, and behavioral health services to rural Sussex County students.
Not disclosed
Population Health
2026
TidalHealth – Selbyville Middle School
Funds the creation of a new school-based health center at Selbyville Middle School to deliver preventive, primary, and behavioral health services for rural students.
Not disclosed
Population Health
2025
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
Fund competitive procurement for FQHCs and organizations to deploy mobile health units in rural Sussex and Kent Counties, expanding preventive, chronic disease, behavioral, and specialty care access where local provider shortages persist.
$20.0M
Population Health
2025
Delaware DHSS / Mobile Health Hubs Grantee Pool
Competitive grants to FQHCs and qualified organizations to deploy at least 8 new mobile health units for preventive and chronic disease care, behavioral health, and specialty services to high-need rural communities across Sussex and Kent counties.
$20.0M
EMS Development
Announcement Documents (4)
🌐
AnnouncementNEWSep 25, 2026OTHER
The announcement outlines nearly $23 million in federal funding aiming to modernize rural health centers and expand mobile care centers. Delaware's RHTP strategy focuses on expanding access, strengthening the rural healthcare workforce, and supporting sustainable care.
Delaware is expanding access to health information exchange platforms under RHTP, enabling providers and payers to collaborate more effectively. The initiative is intended to improve care coordination and benefit rural hospitals and Medicaid beneficiaries.
HEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY
Award Announcement Documents (7)
🌐
Award AnnouncementNEWSep 25, 2026HTML2026Federal
Delaware awarded nearly $23 million from the Rural Health Transformation Program to its three FQHCs. Funding focuses on health information technology, care coordination, chronic disease management, and workforce to improve rural health care delivery and access for underserved communities. Projects include implementation of Epic EMR, expansion of mobile health units, integrated medical and behavioral health services, and infrastructure upgrades.
Event schedule:
- Award Announcement - 09/24/2026 - Georgetown, Delaware
This RFP solicits proposals to develop and implement evidence- and practice-based interventions to improve health equity among Delawareans with or at risk for diabetes, in alignment with Delaware’s chronic disease prevention strategies. Applicants must propose comprehensive approaches addressing prevention and management of diabetes, guided by data showing high prevalence, racial disparities, and comorbidities such as obesity and disability. Funding ties to RHTP transformation objectives and CDC strategies for equity in diabetes and chronic disease. Key contacts: Maurica Sampson Maurica.sampson@delaware.gov; Eddie Mui DHSS_DMS_dmsprocure@delaware.gov; Maurica Sampson Maurica.sampson@delaware.gov; Shebra Hall Shebra.hall@delaware.gov
Event schedule:
- Public Notice - 02/09/2026 - ET
- Deadline for Questions - 03/02/2026 - 4:30 PM ET
- Response to Questions Posted - 03/16/2026 - ET
- Deadline for Receipt of Proposals - 03/30/2026 - 1:00 PM ET - https://dhss.bonfirehub.com/
- Estimated Notification of Award - 05/29/2026 - ET
- Estimated Project Begin Date - 08/01/2026 - ET
- Contract Notice Contact - Division of Public Health, 417 Federal Street Dover, DE 19901
Shebra Hall - <Shebra.hall@delaware.gov> - Contract Officer/Usage Report Contact - State of Delaware
Core Initiatives
Advance health equity for populations with or at risk for diabetes.
Implement evidence-based and innovative strategies for diabetes prevention and management.
Support and align with statewide chronic disease mitigation plans including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, and asthma.
Show all initiatives (10)
Advance health equity for populations with or at risk for diabetes.
Implement evidence-based and innovative strategies for diabetes prevention and management.
Support and align with statewide chronic disease mitigation plans including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, and asthma.
Facilitate Delaware's vision to become the healthiest state in the nation.
Strengthen self-care practices by improving access, appropriateness, and feasibility of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services for priority populations
Increase access to and participation in complementary diabetes support programs and services.
Expand availability of ADA-recognized and ADCES-accredited DSMES services as a covered health benefit for Medicaid beneficiaries and employees with diabetes.
Improve acceptability and quality of care for priority populations with diabetes.
Increase enrollment and retention of priority populations in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) lifestyle intervention and the MDPP by improving access, appropriateness, and feasibility of the programs.
Expand availability of the National DPP lifestyle intervention as a covered health benefit for Medicaid beneficiaries and/or employees and covered dependents at high risk for type 2 diabetes.
The State of Delaware has issued an open solicitation for the Rural Library-Based Health Access program, aiming to leverage libraries to improve health access in rural areas. Applications are due in April 2026, and contact details are provided for further information. Key contacts: Ricky Williamson ricky.williamson@delaware.gov
Event schedule:
- Solicitation Ad Date - 02/12/2026
- Deadline for Bid Responses - 04/17/2026 - 1:00 PM ET
This document provides a standardized template to guide applicants in preparing a workplan for the Delaware Rural Health Transformation Program Support Services RFP. It outlines required elements such as objectives, monitoring approach, targets, and responsible parties to ensure structured responses. No award or budget information is included.
Strategy Documents (2)
📄
StrategyJun 21, 2026PDF2026
This House Joint Resolution directs a state-led study on creating a healthcare apprenticeship degree program with paid clinical placements to tackle rural workforce shortages. The initiative aims to leverage and align with the Rural Health Transformation Program award and future competitive DHSS subawards. The study's report and recommendations are due to state leadership by May 1, 2027.
Event schedule:
- Report Due Date - 05/01/2027 - Governor's Office, Delaware General Assembly
WORKFORCE
Event Schedule
Report Due Date - 05/01/2027 - Governor's Office, Delaware General Assembly
Core Initiatives
Address rural healthcare workforce shortages through development of apprenticeship pathways.
Align apprenticeship and credentialing programs with high school and postsecondary pathways.
Leverage federal Rural Health Transformation Program funds for healthcare workforce initiatives.
The Delaware RHTP unites 15 integrated initiatives focused on access, workforce, technology modernization, and population health, directly serving 400,000 rural residents across Sussex and Kent Counties. Major investments include renovation of state-owned buildings for Hope Centers, workforce expansion, telehealth infrastructure, and community hub services. The total program cost is $786,970,081.95, with a 9.1% indirect rate to ensure statewide administrative and compliance oversight. Key contacts: Delaware Division of Libraries; Delaware Health Care Commission; Delaware Health Care Commission (DHCC) Program Manager
Event schedule:
- CMS Rural Health Transformation Summit - 03/18/2026 - ET - Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD
- Initiative Period of Performance Start - 2025-12-29
- Initiative Period of Performance End - 2026-10-30
- Period of Performance Start - 2025-12-29 - America/New_York - Delaware
- Period of Performance End - 2026-10-30 - America/New_York - Delaware
- Rural Medical Residency Recruitment Program Period of Performance - 2025-12-29 - Eastern Time - Delaware
- Rural Medical Residency Recruitment Program End Date - 2026-10-30 - Eastern Time - Delaware
- Training Programs for Clinical Support Roles in Rural Areas Period of Performance - 2025-12-29 - Eastern Time - Delaware
House Bill 305 proposes a three-year diabetes wellness pilot program within the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, funded by the Federal Rural Health Transformation Program. The pilot aims to improve diabetes management by shifting from reactive sick care to proactive well care, leveraging technology and incentives. Outcomes will be tracked via data analysis to determine the pilot's effectiveness and inform potential renewal or expansion.
Event schedule:
- Introduced in House - 03/05/2026
- Assigned to Senate Health & Social Services - 06/16/2026
POPULATION_HEALTH · HEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY
Event Schedule
Introduced in House - 03/05/2026
Assigned to Senate Health & Social Services - 06/16/2026
Core Initiatives
Improve health outcomes for Delawareans with diabetes
Change standard healthcare from reactive sick care to proactive well care
Reduce healthcare costs through improved chronic disease management
Reference: Delaware Expands Payer and Provider HIE Access Under Rhtp
Link: https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/delaware-expands-payer-and-provider-hie-access-under-rhtp
Key contacts: Rick Williamson Ricky.Williamson@delaware.gov; Katherine Hughes Katherine.Hughes@delaware.gov
Event schedule:
- Notice to State of Delaware under the contract - Rick Williamson, Management Analyst III, Ricky.Williamson@delaware.gov
- Monthly Usage Report due - monthly by 15th - Eastern Time - Submit electronically to Katherine.Hughes@delaware.gov
- Quarterly Subcontracting 2nd Tier Report due - quarterly by 15th after quarter end - Eastern Time - Submit electronically to osd@delaware.gov
Key contacts: Kaitlyn Arthur kaitlyn.arthur@delaware.gov
Event schedule:
- Initial Contract Term End Date - 2027-09-30 - America/New_York
- Maximum Possible Contract End Date (with extensions) - 2031-09-30 - America/New_York
Media (5)
Delaware Rural Healthcare Facilities map
delaware rural health facilities
RHTP Milestones
03/31/2027
Launch Outreach Campaign for Licensure Compacts
12/31/2027
Publish Compact Utilization Reports
09/30/2026
Draft Certificate of Need reform legislation
09/30/2026
Draft Scope of Practice expansion legislation
Site Activity (3)
DE - 2026 - Trump Administration Announces Nearly 23 Million Modernize Rural Health Centers Expand Mobile Care Centers
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DE - 2026 - Unveiling of New State Historical Marker Honoring Wheeler’s Park
2026 · HTML
DE - 2026 - Unveiling of New State Historical Marker Honoring Wheeler’s Park
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DE - 2041 - An official State of Delaware site.
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DE - 2026 - An official State of Delaware site.
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DE - 2024 - delaware
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DE - 2025 - Rural HealthTopics & StatesState GuidesDelaware Delaware Models and Innovations
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DE - 2026 - funding
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DE - 2026 - visit delaware and 1440 film co win telly award for back of house video series
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DE - 2026 - Delaware Rural Health Facility Table
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DE - 2026 - Delaware Expands Payer and Provider HIE Access Under Rhtp
DE - 2026 - HSS26075 CPPCLINSUPP pba
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DE - 2026 - HSS26078 RHTPSS AppC
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DE - 2026 - HSS26075 CPPCLINSUPP AppE
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State of Delaware Voter Registration Form
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020687s022lbl
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DE - 2026 - Delaware Dental HPSA Designations
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Sample Professional Services Agreement Template – State of Delaware
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State of Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Professional Services Agreement Template
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State of Delaware Professional Services Agreement Template
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DE - 2026 - Department of Elections Announces Primary Election Party Change Deadline, Friday, May 29, 2026, 11:59 pm - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - Delaware Takes New Approach to Improve Breeding Success for Endangered Beach-Nesting Least Terns - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - Delaware Trauma System of Care Recognized for 30 Years of Saving Lives - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - Historic School House Opens at Bellevue State Park - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - DNREC Communications Team Earns Multiple First-Place Awards from Delaware Press Association - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - DATE Arrests Townsend Woman on Drug Charges - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - New DOC publication provides a look inside rehabilitative programs that drive reentry success - State of Delaware News
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DE - 2026 - comment letter
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Raymond Et Al Comparative Safety
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DE - 2026 - Rural Health Resources for States from the Rural Health Information Hub
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DE - 2026 - Rural Health Resources by Topic and State - Rural Health Information Hub
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DE - 2026 - Rural Health Resources - Rural Health Information Hub
DE - 2026 - Hss-26-075 - Career Pathway Programs For Clinical Support Roles Addendum #1 – Public Q&a
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DE - 2026 - HSS26075 CPPCLINSUPP AppC
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DE - 2026 - APPENDIX D Templates/Sample Agreements These Templates/Sample Agreements will be used to negotiate the final version of the Contract between Vendor and the State of Delaware. These are ONLY Samples and as Placeholders
Agreement Template (Appendix D)
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Pre-bid Attendance
Delaware announced the launch of a statewide initiative to upgrade its health information technology infrastructure. The program aims to provide real-time insurance verification and prior authorization capabilities for providers, with a focus on improving access and reducing administrative burden in rural areas. This announcement introduces technical enhancements relevant to Medicaid and rural hospital transformation.
HEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY
Core Initiatives
Enhance statewide HIT infrastructure
Enable real-time insurance verification and prior authorizations for providers
Increase efficiency and reduce barriers in rural health delivery
Core Initiatives
Expand health information exchange access for payers and providers
Delaware has received a $157 million federal award for its Rural Health Transformation Program, focusing on 15 targeted projects to expand access, address chronic disease, build workforce capacity, and modernize health systems in rural communities. The program includes innovative initiatives such as a new medical school, Hope Centers for the homeless, value-based care transformation, and infrastructure investment for telehealth. These efforts aim to reduce disparities and improve outcomes across rural areas, particularly Sussex County. Key contacts: dhssinfo@delaware.gov
<dhssinfo@delaware.gov> - General inquiries - Delaware (statewide)
Core Initiatives
Expand access to care for rural communities
Lower health care costs statewide
Increase and diversify Delaware’s health care workforce
Show all initiatives (4)
Expand access to care for rural communities
Lower health care costs statewide
Increase and diversify Delaware’s health care workforce
Improve health outcomes for all Delawareans
Delaware announced nearly $23 million in awards to Federally Qualified Health Centers through the Rural Health Transformation Program. These funds are intended to improve quality and access in rural health care delivery. Specific FQHC sub-recipients were not named in the public release.
Event schedule:
- Date Posted: , 2026 - September 25 - AG Jennings announces $2.3 million multistate settlement with Labcorp over AMCA Data Breach
- Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - DOC launches ID verification to strengthen security of electronic communications
- Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - Governor Meyer Awards Nearly $23 Million to FQHCs Through Rural Health Transformation Program
- Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - GACEC & Dover YMCA Host Disability Awareness Resource Fair
- Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - October First Saturday Program at the Archives Focuses on Preserving Family Records
- Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - Delaware Department of Insurance Announces Sentencing of Former Insurance Agent for Theft of Client Funds
- Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - AG Jennings defeats Trump Administration’s illegal attempts to defund Head Start and other programs
- Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - AG Jennings secures court order blocking Trump Administration’s unlawful demand of CDL drivers’ personal information
Award: $23.0MQUALITY_IMPROVEMENT
Event Schedule
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 25 - AG Jennings announces $2.3 million multistate settlement with Labcorp over AMCA Data Breach
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - DOC launches ID verification to strengthen security of electronic communications
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - Governor Meyer Awards Nearly $23 Million to FQHCs Through Rural Health Transformation Program
Show all schedule items (8)
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 25 - AG Jennings announces $2.3 million multistate settlement with Labcorp over AMCA Data Breach
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - DOC launches ID verification to strengthen security of electronic communications
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - Governor Meyer Awards Nearly $23 Million to FQHCs Through Rural Health Transformation Program
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - GACEC & Dover YMCA Host Disability Awareness Resource Fair
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - October First Saturday Program at the Archives Focuses on Preserving Family Records
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - Delaware Department of Insurance Announces Sentencing of Former Insurance Agent for Theft of Client Funds
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - AG Jennings defeats Trump Administration’s illegal attempts to defund Head Start and other programs
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - AG Jennings secures court order blocking Trump Administration’s unlawful demand of CDL drivers’ personal information
Core Initiatives
Improve access to quality rural health services
Support sustainable transformation of rural healthcare delivery
Enhance the capacity of rural providers to serve Medicaid populations
POPULATION_HEALTH · NETWORK_DEVELOPMENT · OTHER
Event Schedule
Solicitation Ad Date - 02/12/2026
Deadline for Bid Responses - 04/17/2026 - 1:00 PM ET
Expand access to health services in rural communities
Leverage local libraries as health access hubs
Foster partnerships between libraries, providers, and rural Medicaid stakeholders
Delaware's RHTP tackles severe rural health disparities and workforce shortage by establishing new Hope Centers, deploying mobile health units, and expanding school-based health centers in Sussex and Kent Counties. The plan is backed by unified legislative and provider support, prioritizes technological innovation, value-based care, and robust data tracking, and includes concrete policy commitments to reform certificate of need, scope of practice, and telehealth reimbursement. Target outcomes include reductions in ED visits, expanded preventive care, increased rural provider access, and improved chronic disease management. Key contacts: Dr. Kara Odom Walker; Kate Brookins; William A. Bowser; Delaware DHSS
Event schedule:
- Executive Order for School Fitness Test - 12/31/2028
- Nutrition CME regulation amendments drafted - 03/31/2028
- Board approval for Nutrition CME - 09/30/2028
- Certificate of Need reform legislation brought to vote - 06/30/2027
- Scope of Practice legislation brought to vote - 06/30/2027
- Annual Licensure Compact Report publication - 12/31/2027
- Medical school enrollment begins (Fall) - 2028-09-01 - America/New_York - Delaware Medical School (to be determined)
- Establish governance structure, stakeholder engagement plan, pilot site selection and baseline assessment - 2026-09-30
Medical school enrollment begins (Fall) - 2028-09-01 - America/New_York - Delaware Medical School (to be determined)
Establish governance structure, stakeholder engagement plan, pilot site selection and baseline assessment - 2026-09-30
Deploy core infrastructure, engage 5 hospital pilot, and integrate with Medicaid - 2027-03-30
Connect 10 facilities, process 10,000 prior authorizations, and engage 25,000 patients - 2027-09-30
Connect Sussex and Kent County rural facilities, connect all commercial payers, and launch patient portal - 2028-03-31
Connect rural facilities and integrate all payers, with 95% provider adoption and self-sustained operations - 2029-12-31
Contacts
Dr. Kara Odom Walker - Secretary, DHSS - Delaware Statewide
Kate Brookins - Director, Division of Public Health - Sussex County
William A. Bowser - Director, Division of Social Services - Kent County
Show all contacts (9)
Dr. Kara Odom Walker - Secretary, DHSS - Delaware Statewide
Kate Brookins - Director, Division of Public Health - Sussex County
William A. Bowser - Director, Division of Social Services - Kent County
Delaware DHSS - Lead for Food is Medicine Infrastructure Initiative, Rural Provider/FQHC Value-Based Care Readiness, Catalyst Fund for Telehealth and Remote Monitoring - Kent County, Sussex County
Division of Public Health (DPH) - Key stakeholder partnership - Kent County, Sussex County
Delaware Health Information Network (DHIN) - Lead for Diabetes Wellness Pilot Program - Sussex County
DE Division of Libraries - Lead for Rural Libraries Health Access Initiative - Kent County, Sussex County
Delaware Health Care Commission - Medical School Rural Workforce Development Program, Delaware Medical School - Kent County, Sussex County
Governor’s Office - Oversight/partner in Delaware Medical School establishment - Kent County, Sussex County
Core Initiatives
Expand equitable access to care for rural Delawareans
Strengthen the rural health workforce pipeline
Modernize facility operations and payment models
Show all initiatives (22)
Expand equitable access to care for rural Delawareans
Strengthen the rural health workforce pipeline
Modernize facility operations and payment models
Improve population health and chronic disease outcomes
Foster technology adoption to support value-based care
Reduce preventable ED utilization
Eliminate regulatory barriers for new provider facilities
Advance rural health equity by addressing social determinants
Make America Healthy Again
Make Rural America Healthy Again
Innovative Care
Tech Innovation
Sustainable Access
Workforce Development
Establish governance structure
Stakeholder engagement plan
Pilot site selection and baseline assessment
Deploy core infrastructure
Engage hospital pilot and integrate with Medicaid
Connect facilities and expand prior authorizations and patient engagement
Connect rural facilities, all commercial payers, and launch patient portal
Integrate all payers with rural facilities and achieve provider adoption and self-sustained operations
Recruit and retain medical residents and clinical support staff to practice in Delaware's rural areas.
Support education, housing, and relocation to incentivize rural healthcare workforce expansion.
Expand training capacity and apprenticeship opportunities for non-physician practitioners and clinical support roles.
The Delaware Rural Health Transformation strategy unites 15 initiatives to expand access, strengthen the workforce, modernize technology, and improve population health in rural Sussex and Kent Counties. Over $786 million is budgeted, with direct investments in clinical infrastructure, technology, and new models like Rural Hope Centers. The plan features robust performance tracking, stakeholder partnerships, and an emphasis on sustainable capacity building. Key contacts: Katherine Hughes; Chelsea Kammermeier; Christopher Masten; Lakeesha Johns
Event schedule:
- CMS Rural Health Transformation Summit - March 18, 2026 - Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD
- Period of Performance for Community Health Hubs - 2025-12-29 to 2026-10-30 - Rural communities in Kent and Sussex Counties
- Period of Performance for Program Marketing - 2025-12-29 to 2026-10-30 - Kent and Sussex Counties
- Period of Performance for Technical Assistance & Training - 2025-12-29 to 2026-10-30 - Kent and Sussex Counties
- Period of Performance for External Evaluation & Reporting - 2025-12-29 to 2026-10-30 - Kent and Sussex Counties
- Period of Performance for EMR System Implementation & Integration - 2025-12-29 to 2026-10-30 - Kent and Sussex Counties
- Period of Performance for School-Based Health Center Vendor - Rural Sussex and Kent elementary and middle schools
- Period of Performance for Food is Medicine Infrastructure Initiative - 2025-12-29 to 2026-10-30 - Kent and Sussex Counties
Katherine Hughes - Project Director/Principal Investigator, Public Health Administrator I - Statewide
Chelsea Kammermeier - Program Administrator, Public Health Treatment Administrator - Statewide
Christopher Masten - Fiscal Analyst, Management Analyst III - Statewide
Show all contacts (5)
Katherine Hughes - Project Director/Principal Investigator, Public Health Administrator I - Statewide
Chelsea Kammermeier - Program Administrator, Public Health Treatment Administrator - Statewide
Christopher Masten - Fiscal Analyst, Management Analyst III - Statewide
Lakeesha Johns - Clinic Manager - Statewide
Susan Watson Holloway - Program Director, Public Health Administrator II - Statewide
Core Initiatives
Expand access to comprehensive rural healthcare and behavioral health services.
Develop a sustainable workforce pipeline through new medical and clinical education programs.
Leverage technology for telehealth, data integration, and care coordination.
Show all initiatives (13)
Expand access to comprehensive rural healthcare and behavioral health services.
Develop a sustainable workforce pipeline through new medical and clinical education programs.
Leverage technology for telehealth, data integration, and care coordination.
Reduce chronic disease and improve population health in rural Delaware.
Deploy mobile health units throughout rural areas to deliver preventive care, chronic disease management, and specialty services directly to underserved communities
Expand the network of school-based health centers in rural Sussex and Kent elementary and middle schools to provide comprehensive physical, behavioral, and preventive health services
Develop sustainable payment mechanisms, deploy integrated technology platforms, and train rural healthcare practitioners to deliver evidence-based nutrition interventions
Expand health services at nine rural libraries by adding staff and extending hours to provide telehealth support, health navigation, and benefits enrollment assistance
Support rural providers and FQHCs with cost-based, allowable infrastructure investments, including technology investments, expanded care teams, and strategic planning activities to transition to value-based payment models
Create a competitive fund to support health technology vendors in developing and deploying consumer-facing remote monitoring and digital health solutions for rural populations
Launch a three-year pilot providing continuous glucose monitors and intensive care management to 500 rural diabetes patients to improve health outcomes
Establish Delaware's first medical school with a Primary Care-Rural Health track to train physicians committed to serving rural communities
Provide comprehensive financial awards to medical students who commit to five years of rural practice in Delaware after graduation
The program includes competitive funding opportunities through RFPs for initiatives such as Delaware's first four-year medical school, school-based health centers, Food Is Medicine infrastructure, and rural community health hubs. These initiatives aim to build lasting healthcare capacity by integrating prevention, chronic disease management, and workforce development with a goal of expanding services and access in rural areas.
Event schedule:
- Date Posted: , 2026 - September 25 - AG Jennings announces $2.3 million multistate settlement with Labcorp over AMCA Data Breach
- Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - DOC launches ID verification to strengthen security of electronic communications
- Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - Governor Meyer Awards Nearly $23 Million to FQHCs Through Rural Health Transformation Program
- Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - GACEC & Dover YMCA Host Disability Awareness Resource Fair
- Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - October First Saturday Program at the Archives Focuses on Preserving Family Records
- Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - Delaware Department of Insurance Announces Sentencing of Former Insurance Agent for Theft of Client Funds
- Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - AG Jennings defeats Trump Administration’s illegal attempts to defund Head Start and other programs
- Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - AG Jennings secures court order blocking Trump Administration’s unlawful demand of CDL drivers’ personal information
Event Schedule
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 25 - AG Jennings announces $2.3 million multistate settlement with Labcorp over AMCA Data Breach
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - DOC launches ID verification to strengthen security of electronic communications
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - Governor Meyer Awards Nearly $23 Million to FQHCs Through Rural Health Transformation Program
Show all schedule items (8)
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 25 - AG Jennings announces $2.3 million multistate settlement with Labcorp over AMCA Data Breach
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - DOC launches ID verification to strengthen security of electronic communications
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - Governor Meyer Awards Nearly $23 Million to FQHCs Through Rural Health Transformation Program
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - GACEC & Dover YMCA Host Disability Awareness Resource Fair
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - October First Saturday Program at the Archives Focuses on Preserving Family Records
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - Delaware Department of Insurance Announces Sentencing of Former Insurance Agent for Theft of Client Funds
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - AG Jennings defeats Trump Administration’s illegal attempts to defund Head Start and other programs
Date Posted: , 2026 - September 24 - AG Jennings secures court order blocking Trump Administration’s unlawful demand of CDL drivers’ personal information
Core Initiatives
Expand access to care in rural communities
Lower healthcare costs
Grow the medical workforce with a focus on rural practice
WORKFORCE · QUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · POPULATION_HEALTH · OTHER
Event Schedule
Initial Contract Term End Date - 2027-09-30 - America/New_York
Maximum Possible Contract End Date (with extensions) - 2031-09-30 - America/New_York
Contacts
Kaitlyn Arthur - <kaitlyn.arthur@delaware.gov> - Contract Contact/Notice Recipient - Delaware
Core Initiatives
Develop and deliver new training programs, expand existing programs, and build career pathways for non-physician healthcare professionals serving rural and underserved communities in Delaware.
Create a sustainable pipeline of qualified healthcare professionals ready to serve Delaware’s rural areas and other underserved populations.
Address critical service gaps in rural communities through targeted training programs.