HHS Region 7 · Iowa Health and Human Services — Healthy Hometowns
Program Overview
The Iowa Rural Health Transformation Program utilizes federal funding and interactive dashboards to guide implementation and evaluate outcomes across rural communities. Currently in pilot and early award phases, it emphasizes hub-and-spoke care models, provider partnerships, and workforce recruitment through expanded rural residencies, along with initiatives in health information exchange, EMS-led mobile integrated health, and development of health hubs for cancer and service co-location. The program operates under five principal initiatives—Hometown Connections, Combat Cancer, Communities of Care, Health Information Exchange, and EMS Community Care Mobile—with progress tracked through structured initiatives and strategic goals. Current structured plan tracks 10 key initiatives and 10 strategic goals.
Updated
County-level estimates averaged across Iowa — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (99)
| County | Pop | Poverty | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polk County | 503,175 | 10.3% | 7.1% |
| Linn County | 230,004 | 9.4% | 6.2% |
| Scott County | 174,608 | 11.5% | 7.3% |
| Johnson County | 156,639 | 17.1% | 7.2% |
| Black Hawk County | 131,049 | 14.9% | 9.0% |
| Dallas County | 107,968 | 6.3% | 4.8% |
| Woodbury County | 106,247 | 14.0% | 10.7% |
| Story County | 100,466 | 18.2% | 5.6% |
| Dubuque County | 99,030 | 9.7% | 5.8% |
| Pottawattamie County | 93,424 | 12.1% | 8.0% |
| Warren County | 54,409 | 5.1% | 2.7% |
| Clinton County | 46,268 | 13.2% | 8.6% |
AI source: IA - 2026 - Direct file link
AI auto-updated Jun 11, 2026
API refreshed May 7, 2026
Key signals are summarized here. Open the source for the supporting detail.
Grouped files
8 related documents
IA - 2025 - Iowa RHTP (Healthy Hometowns)
Supporting source: Iowa Project Narrative
1,232,642 rural residents
Iowa continues to implement its Rural Health Transformation Program, Healthy Hometowns, with ongoing procurements to rural providers statewide. Multiple major RFPs for cancer care hubs, rural residency programs, mobile integrated health, maternal health hub-and-spoke networks, and high-risk OB/neonatal transport remain active or have recently closed. Public dashboards, funding postings, and scheduled reporting demonstrate sustained engagement and rollout. Funding opportunities list $112.6M, supporting programs in telehealth, maternal health, and care access priorities. State opportunities: 3 active (2 open, 1 upcoming, 8 past/closed), $112.6M listed funding. Key opportunities: Iowa Cardiovascular Health Hub and Spoke Networks (RFP COMPADM26007); Iowa School Based Services (RFP MEDIOMC26023); REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL # PHTHOET27001. Strategy alignment: supports telehealth, maternal health priorities.
Iowa’s RHTP Healthy Hometowns initiative sustains rural health transformation through a hub-and-spoke model that connects rural providers, EMS, co-location sites, and specialty care networks statewide. The strategy continues to prioritize integrated care delivery—including expansion of cancer and maternal health hubs, communities of care co-location pilots, and health information exchange—while scaling innovative workforce and mobile care models to support rural access and provider sustainability. Active procurements reinforce cross-sector partnerships, real-time data sharing, and transparent outcome measurement through FY2031.
Model
Statewide hub-and-spoke model linking rural hospitals, clinics, EMS and mobile integrated health, health IT systems, co-location service hubs, and dedicated maternal, oncology, cardiovascular, and emergency transport networks to provide integrated, patient-centered care and coordinated population health management.
Key Initiatives (10)
Timeline: RHTP implementation is set for FY2026–2031, with primary RFPs issued July–September 2026 and contract awards beginning October 31, 2026; initial services launched by 2027, contract period through September 2031.
Combat Cancer is a key initiative focused on preventing and treating cancer in rural communities.
Initiatives like Hometown Connections and Health Information Exchange aim to improve rural healthcare connectivity and coordination.
EMS Community Care Mobile works to expand emergency medical services tailored for rural community needs.
IA - 2025 - RHTP – Healthy Hometowns
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IA - 2026 - Healthy Hometowns (e7db6c)
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IA - 2026 - Healthy Hometowns
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IA - 2025 - Iowa RHTP (Healthy Hometowns) (15e303)
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IA - 2025 - Healthy Hometowns Iowa’s RHTP
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IA - 2025 - Vision for Iowa: Transforming Health Care in Iowa
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IA - 2026 - Best and Brightest – Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment
Best and Brightest - Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment (Notice of Intent to Award)
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Due Oct 1, 2026
3 related documents
IA - 2026 - Cardiovascular Health Hub and Spoke networks
Notice of Intent to Release — Cardiovascular Health Hub and Spokes (RFP COMPADM26007)
IA - 2026 - Request for Information Healthy Hometowns Cardiovascular Health Hub and Spoke Networks of Care
Supporting source: Iowa Cardiovascular RFI and submission guidance
IA - 2026 - RFI# COMPADM26007 Regarding Healthy Hometowns Cardiovascular Health Hub and Spoke Networks of Care
Reference source: How to Submit in Response to RFI# COMPADM26007
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Due Oct 1, 2026
1 related document
IA - 2026 - Notice of Intent to Release RFP PHTHOPD27001 - Public Health Lead Entities
Official Iowa HHS Notice of Intent
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Due Sep 30, 2026
1 related document
IA - 2026 - Notice of Intent to Release for School Based Services
| FY↓ | Awardee↕ | Amount↕ | Activity↕ | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Adair County Memorial Hospital Supports recruitment of MD/DO physician for rural hospital healthcare workforce. | Not disclosed | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Avera Holy Family Hospital Funds rural recruitment of family practice physician (MD/DO) in Emmet County. | Not disclosed | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Boone County Hospital Supports hiring of physician assistant and primary care physician for Boone County Hospital. | Not disclosed | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Cass County Memorial Hospital DBA Cass Health Funds recruitment of physician (MD/DO) or ARNP for rural hospital. | Not disclosed | Workforce | |
| 2026 | CHI Health Mercy Corning Supports recruitment of internal medicine physician and registered nurses for Adams and Taylor Counties. | Not disclosed | Workforce | |
| 2026 | Central Iowa Hospital Corporation Centers of Excellence (RFP PHTHORC26008) | Not disclosed | Centers of Excellence | |
| 2026 | Decatur County Hospital Centers of Excellence (RFP PHTHORC26008) | Not disclosed | Centers of Excellence | |
| 2026 | Guttenberg Municipal Hospital Centers of Excellence (RFP PHTHORC26008) | Not disclosed | Centers of Excellence | |
| 2026 | Iowa Specialty Hospital Centers of Excellence (RFP PHTHORC26008) | Not disclosed | Centers of Excellence | |
| 2026 | Jennie Edmundson Memorial Hospital Centers of Excellence (RFP PHTHORC26008) | Not disclosed | Centers of Excellence |
Local news reported Senator Grassley discussed the Rural Health Transformation Program in Carroll County, IA. No specific award or recipient named. Event schedule: - Announcement - 07/09/2026 - Carroll County, IA
Event Schedule
This is a supporting file for the Iowa RHTP: Combat Cancer Health Hubs RFP opportunity. The intended program will establish health hubs to address cancer and related health disparities in rural communities. Event schedule: - Final Application Deadline: , 2026 12:00 PM - Jun 17 - 9:36 AM - Status Closed - Posted Date , 2026 9:36 AM - May 8 - Award Amount Range Not Applicable - , 2026 - May 8 - Letter of Intent (Mandatory) - , 2026 - June 3 - 4:00 PM - Written Questions and Responses - , 2026, by 4:00 PM - May 20 - 4:00 PM - Round 2 Questions Due: - , 2026 - May 27 - 4:00 PM - Round 2 Questions Due: - , 2026, by 4:00 PM - June 3 - 12:00 PM - Applications Due - , 2026 - June 10 - 12:00 PM - Applications Due
Event Schedule
Iowa HHS is issuing an RFP for up to $10.5 million to fund the development or expansion of rural residencies and rural tracks in selected medical specialties statewide, excluding counties above 150,000 population with university main campuses. Eligible applicants include Iowa hospitals, health systems, GME consortia, and non-profits, with the goal of expanding the rural physician workforce. Awards will support planning, design, and program implementation for ACGME-accredited residencies in obstetrics/gynecology, internal medicine, psychiatry, and general surgery. Key contacts: Mike Drotzt Michael.drotzt@hhs.iowa.gov Event schedule: - RFP Issued - 07/24/2026 - CT - Round 1 Questions Due - 07/30/2026 - CT - Responses Posted By (Round 1) - 08/07/2026 - CT - Final Questions Due - 08/14/2026 - CT - Responses Posted By (Final) - 08/19/2026 - CT - Applications Due - 08/24/2026 - 4:00 PM CT - https://www.iowagrants.gov/ - Release of Applicants - 08/27/2026 - CT - Notice of Intent to Award Posted - 09/24/2026 - CT - https://hhs.iowa.gov/about/funding-opportunities/notice-intent-award
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Iowa plans to release an RFP in mid-2026 to develop a rural residency program in Internal Medicine or Obstetrics/Gynecology. This initiative focuses on building rural healthcare workforce capacity through accredited residencies. Event schedule: - Question and answer period - July 2026 - Deadline for bid proposals - July 2026 - Award contract(s) - August 2026
Iowa’s RHTP focuses on innovative partnerships, enhanced workforce programs, and expanded use of health information technology to transform rural health access and outcomes. Multi-pronged initiatives target maternal/child health, cancer, chronic disease, EMS integration, and provider recruitment and retention. The program expects significant infrastructure upgrades, robust telehealth deployment, and technical assistance for rural providers.
Healthy Hometowns is Iowa’s ambitious rural health transformation plan proposing up to $1 billion over 5 years from CMS Rural Health Transformation Program focused on building Health Hubs, workforce expansion, cancer care, health information exchange, community care, and EMS mobile telehealth services.
Core Initiatives
The Healthy Hometowns program aims to reduce avoidable emergency department visits, increase local care and telehealth services, and improve provider-to-population ratios in rural Iowa. It includes multiple initiatives focusing on network development, workforce recruitment, cancer prevention, chronic disease management, health information exchange, and EMS integration.
Core Initiatives
Governor Reynolds shares a vision for improving health care quality and accessibility in Iowa, emphasizing the Rural Health Transformation Program funding of $209 million in year one. Healthy Hometowns is the cornerstone initiative, focusing on rural health care accessibility, connectivity, and patient focus, with significant investments in cancer prevention and treatment. Event schedule: - Cancer research project start - 07/01/2025 - Cancer research project end - 06/30/2026
Core Initiatives
This application outlines Iowa's strategy to leverage the Rural Health Transformation Program for significant improvements in rural health care. Key initiatives include care coordination, specialty access, workforce recruitment, cancer prevention and treatment, telehealth investments, health information exchange expansion, and EMS innovation. The plan targets measurable improvements in access, local service availability, care coordination, and rural health outcomes.
Reference: Carroll County, Local News. RHTP. On Thursday, July 9, Sen. Charles Link: https://www.1380kcim.com/2026/07/11/senator-grassley-takes-question-on-rural-health-transformation-program/
Reference: Article 8c252439 15ce 4408 A628 E6335ad44335 Link: https://www.kimt.com/news/iowa-pca-hosts-forest-city-sessions-on-rural-healthcare-access/article_8c252439-15ce-4408-a628-e6335ad44335.html
IA RHTP site updated — 1 new doc(s)
IA RHTP site updated — 4 new doc(s)
IA RHTP site updated — 3 new doc(s)
IA canonical state summary updated: progressSummary updated · transformationStrategy updated · strategicGoals updated (×2, Jun 16–Jun 17)
IA canonical state summary updated: progressSummary updated · transformationStrategy updated · strategicGoals updated
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed.
IA - 2026 - Carroll County, Local News. RHTP. On Thursday, July 9, Sen. Charles
IA - 2026 - Article 8c252439 15ce 4408 A628 E6335ad44335
Key contacts: Ryan Roovaart reconsiderationrequest@hhs.iowa.gov Event schedule: - Legislation Enacted (House File 972 establishes Healthy Hometowns Program) - 2025-07-01 - America/Chicago - Iowa - Anticipated start/execution of Co-Location Site Lead contracts - 2026-10-31 - America/Chicago - Iowa - Deadline to complete minor renovations and begin services at Co-Location Site - 2027-12-31 - America/Chicago - Iowa - Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) Report Due - 2026-10-31 - CST - Insurance Certificate Due - CST - Monthly Progress Report Due (15th working day after month) - CST - Quarterly Report Due - 2027-01-15 - CST - Quarterly Report Due - 2027-04-15 - CST
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Key contacts: Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Event schedule: - Contract Year 1 Start - 2026-10-31 - Central - Contract Year 1 End - 2027-10-30 - Central - Contract Year 2 Start - 2027-10-31 - Central - Contract Year 2 End - 2028-10-30 - Central - Contract Year 3 Start - 2028-10-31 - Central - Contract Year 3 End - 2029-10-30 - Central - Contract Year 4 Start - 2029-10-31 - Central - Contract Year 4 End - 2030-10-30 - Central
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives
The Iowa Rural Health Transformation Program (Healthy Hometowns) application outlines comprehensive strategies to address chronic disease, cancer, workforce gaps, EMS, and health information exchange inequities facing rural Iowa. Data tables document substantial disparities in access, health outcomes, workforce distribution, and system performance between rural and urban areas. The technical alignment matrix details multi-sector integrated approaches, including hub-and-spoke models, technology adoption, community partnerships, and targeted workforce initiatives.
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has issued a Notice of Intent to Award for the 'Best and Brightest Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment' proposal. Multiple community health centers, hospitals, and clinics across rural Iowa are named as apparent successful bidders, pending execution of contracts. The program aims to augment healthcare access and workforce capacity in rural regions. Key contacts: reconsiderationrequest@hhs.iowa.gov; HHSOpenRecords@hhs.iowa.gov; Julie Jones julie.jones@hhs.iowa.gov Event schedule: - Notice Date - 06/18/2026 - CT - Iowa Department of Health and Human Services - Reconsideration Request Deadline
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
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