North Carolina's Rural Health Transformation Program is advancing toward implementation, with the establishment of six regional NC ROOTS Hubs led by designated organizations to coordinate rural health transformation initiatives across 85 counties. Major current focus areas include integrating medical, behavioral, and social health services through regionally governed hubs, expanding chronic disease prevention and maternal health care, workforce development, provider support for value-based care, and digital health innovation. Program activities are coordinated by NC DHHS in partnership with multiple state agencies and community partners, overseen by a statewide steering committee prioritizing transparency and stakeholder engagement. Current structured plan tracks 14 key initiatives and 14 strategic goals.
4Increase access to comprehensive, integrated medical, behavioral, maternal, and social care services across rural regions
5Expand access to integrated physical and behavioral health care for youth in rural areas via school-based health centers, prioritizing underserved areas
6Strengthen rural health care infrastructure, workforce development, and provider retention
7Promote financial sustainability and value-based transformation for rural providers
8Modernize rural health care operations and infrastructure through health IT and Health Information Exchange expansion
9Reduce rural health disparities and advance equity for historically marginalized and high-need populations
10Strengthen behavioral health crisis response and reduce preventable hospital and emergency department utilization, including MIH and CP expansions
Worth to Notice / Recent Updates (23)
Key signals are summarized here. Open the source for the supporting detail.
NC - 2026 - North Carolina RHTP Award Announcement
Auto-grouped context match (37%)
Supporting
Rural population21.0%
2,196,327 rural residents
Current Progress
Implementing
North Carolina continues implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program. As of September 2026, six NC ROOTS Hub Leads are operating, over 420 stakeholders have been engaged statewide, and multiple regional competitive RFAs are active in workforce, maternal health, and nutrition interventions. Local organizations are submitting applications and Regional Advisory Boards have closed their selection process, with awards anticipated soon. Regional needs assessments, action planning, and program launch support ongoing funded implementation in all Medicaid regions. State opportunities: 12 total (12 past/closed), $1.0B listed funding. Key opportunities: NC ROOTS — Trillium: Food is Medicine Program Expansion (Regions 2 & 5); Expanding School Health Centers to Rural Areas Funding Opportunity; Expanding School Health Centers to Rural Areas Funding Opportunity. Strategy alignment: supports workforce, prevention, care access priorities.
RHTP Strategy
North Carolina’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) utilizes regionally governed NC ROOTS Hubs to advance rural health access, equity, and infrastructure through locally coordinated partner networks, targeted grant funding, and community-driven needs assessments. The program focuses on evidence-based diabetes prevention, chronic disease management, maternal and postpartum care, school-based health center expansion, digital health modernization, and behavioral health support. ROOTS Hub Leads oversee competitive grants, needs assessments, advisory boards, and robust statewide initiatives, ensuring strategies are responsive to each Medicaid region’s distinct needs. Ongoing stakeholder engagement via quarterly Advisory Committee meetings and regional advisory boards supports continuous program refinement.
Model
Regionally governed NC ROOTS Hubs act as backbone entities connecting primary care, behavioral health, workforce development, digital health, and value-based reimbursement in each NC Medicaid region. Hub Leads manage governance, subgranting, and partner networks aligned to locally assessed needs and state priorities, with oversight from regional advisory boards and the statewide RHTP Advisory Committee.
Key Initiatives (14)
1Establish and fund NC ROOTS Hub Leads in each Medicaid region to coordinate rural health transformation and conduct regional needs assessments
2Build regional partner networks to enhance care coordination, workforce development, and infrastructure, tailored to local needs
3Expand NC Minority Diabetes Prevention Program and chronic disease management initiatives via targeted sub-awards and regional deployment
Timeline: Five-year phased implementation: ROOTS Hub contracts and regional needs assessments (2026–2027); sequential statewide rollout of program initiatives and digital health expansion (2026–2031); quarterly RHTP Advisory Committee meetings and formal regional advisory boards beginning in 2026 to guide ongoing program refinement.
11Support sustainable, transparent, regionally governed partnerships and accountability, including formal advisory boards
12Foster inclusive stakeholder and community engagement through quarterly RHTP Advisory Committee meetings and regional advisory boards
13Increase adoption and effective use of NCCARE360 for coordinated health and social care referrals
14Establish data-driven maternal, neonatal, and chronic disease care baselines and inform regional network development
Health Priority
Access to Comprehensive Rural Healthcare
Focus on connecting medical, behavioral health, and social services through locally governed NC ROOTS Hubs.
rural North Carolinaall 100 counties
Sep 5, 2026
Health Priority
Chronic Disease Management and Prevention
Expanding programs for diabetes, hypertension, cancer screening, maternal health, and nutrition support including food as medicine.
rural North Carolina
Sep 5, 2026
Health Priority
Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Services
Growing services via new clinics, mobile crisis teams, school programs, and primary care integration.
rural North Carolina
Sep 5, 2026
OTHER
2026
Budget: $213.0M
NC - 2026 - NCRHTP Holds First Advisory Committee Meeting
Award to expand access to evidence-based diabetes prevention education and lifestyle-change support for minority populations across nine counties in southeastern North Carolina.
$195K
Population Health
Announcement Documents (19)
📄
AnnouncementNEWSep 3, 2026PDFPast2026
This meeting announcement outlines the agenda and objectives for the NC Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Committee, focusing on program strategy, public engagement, and integration of the ROOTS Hub Initiative. The session includes opportunities for public comment both in-person and virtually, as well as involvement from a diverse set of stakeholders and partners. Key contacts: Maggie Woods; Dev Sangvai; Debra Farrington; Alice Pollard
Event schedule:
- Advisory Committee Meeting - 08/05/2026 - 2:30-4:30 PM ET - 1915 Health Services Way, Raleigh, NC 27607, Training Room A&B; Virtual: YouTube livestream
NETWORK_DEVELOPMENT · QUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · POPULATION_HEALTH · OTHER
Event Schedule
Advisory Committee Meeting - 08/05/2026 - 2:30-4:30 PM ET - 1915 Health Services Way, Raleigh, NC 27607, Training Room A&B; Virtual: YouTube livestream
Contacts
Maggie Woods - Director, NC Rural Health Transformation Program - Statewide
Dev Sangvai - NC Health and Human Services Secretary (Committee Chair) - Statewide
Debra Farrington - NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for Health (Committee Co-Chair) - Statewide
Show all contacts (4)
Maggie Woods - Director, NC Rural Health Transformation Program - Statewide
Dev Sangvai - NC Health and Human Services Secretary (Committee Chair) - Statewide
Debra Farrington - NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for Health (Committee Co-Chair) - Statewide
Alice Pollard - NCRHTP Deputy Director - Statewide
Core Initiatives
Strengthen rural hospital and Medicaid support
Engage the public and stakeholders in rural health planning
Establish and integrate ROOTS Hub Initiative into program
North Carolina has been awarded $213 million by CMS for the Rural Health Transformation Program for 2026. The NC RHTP aims to improve health care in rural communities through strategies including the launch of NC ROOTS hubs, workforce investments, technological innovation, and transitions to value-based care. This funding will support more than 3 million rural residents and over 400 rural health facilities, leveraging a broad coalition of state, community, and academic partners.
Event schedule:
- NC RHTP Virtual Event - 01/16/2026 - Online
Expand the reach of statewide rural health initiatives supporting sustainability.
Increase access to high-quality, patient-centered, affordable care in rural communities.
Support innovations such as NC ROOTS hubs and value-based care models.
Show all initiatives (5)
Expand the reach of statewide rural health initiatives supporting sustainability.
Increase access to high-quality, patient-centered, affordable care in rural communities.
Support innovations such as NC ROOTS hubs and value-based care models.
Invest in workforce, technology, and prevention to address rural health disparities.
Strengthen cross-sector partnerships to address root causes of disease.
🌐
Award AnnouncementJul 29, 2026HTMLPast2025FederalOpportunity ↗
🌐
Award AnnouncementApr 15, 2026HTMLFederalOpportunity ↗
North Carolina was awarded more than $213 million in federal funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program. The state has the second-largest rural population in the U.S., with nearly 3 million people living in rural areas.
This RFA seeks applications from qualified organizations in NC Medicaid Region 5 to expand food system infrastructure, nutrition education, and workforce for Food Is Medicine programs under the NC Rural Health Transformation Program. Targeted areas include underserved and rural counties with significant health disparities and high chronic disease burden. Grantees will champion NCCARE360 adoption for closed-loop referrals and must demonstrate capacity for rapid implementation and long-term sustainability. Key contacts: Region5NCRootsHub@TrilliumNC.org; Region5NCRootsHub@trilliumnc.org
Event schedule:
- RFA Issued - 07/30/2026
- Written Questions Deadline - 08/06/2026 - 5:00 PM EDT
- Application Submission Deadline - 08/31/2026 - 4:00 PM EDT
- Applications due - 2026-08-31 - 16:00 EDT
POPULATION_HEALTH · WORKFORCE · NETWORK_DEVELOPMENT · OTHER
Event Schedule
RFA Issued - 07/30/2026
Written Questions Deadline - 08/06/2026 - 5:00 PM EDT
Region 5 covers 15 counties in North Carolina and includes initiatives such as NCCARE360 Adoption, Food is Medicine training and program expansion, LOCATe Implementation, and I Gave Birth Implementation. The NC ROOTS Advisory Board provides guidance for the regional action plan with a focus on equitable, community-driven outcomes to sustain and expand rural health transformation. Key contacts: Region5NCRootsHub@TrilliumNC.org
Event schedule:
- NC ROOTS Regional Kickoff Meeting - June 1, 2026 - Region 5
Event Schedule
NC ROOTS Regional Kickoff Meeting - June 1, 2026 - Region 5
Contacts
<Region5NCRootsHub@TrilliumNC.org> - Region 5, NC
Core Initiatives
Strengthen rural health systems
Support healthier communities through equitable, community-driven initiatives
The NC Department of Health and Human Services Strategic Plan for 2024-2026 outlines Medicaid expansion, behavioral health investments, and a commitment to whole-person health. The plan envisions cross-departmental coordination, operational excellence, and workforce development to address rural and urban health disparities. Strategic initiatives focus on child and family well-being, crisis services, data-driven improvement, and supporting partner capacity statewide.
Event schedule:
- Medicaid Expansion Law Signed - 03/27/2023 - North Carolina
Medicaid Expansion Law Signed - 03/27/2023 - North Carolina
Core Initiatives
Advance health by increasing opportunity and outcomes for people facing greater health and situational challenges
Promote child and family well-being
Support behavioral health and resilience
Show all initiatives (5)
Advance health by increasing opportunity and outcomes for people facing greater health and situational challenges
Promote child and family well-being
Support behavioral health and resilience
Build a strong and inclusive workforce
Achieve operational excellence
🌐
StrategyJun 24, 2026HTML2026
NCRHTP Initiative Six focuses on enhancing digital health and technology in rural areas, including partnerships to advance health information exchange and AI deployment. The aim is to boost digital literacy, enable remote patient monitoring, and improve chronic care management for rural residents.
HEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY · OTHER
Summary Documents (2)
📄
SummaryJun 11, 2026PDF2027-2031
The NCRHTP plans to invest $1 billion over five years to improve health outcomes and access for nearly 3 million rural residents in 85 of North Carolina's 100 counties. Six integrated initiatives target the creation of local care hubs, enhanced chronic disease management, behavioral health expansion, workforce development, value-based payment adoption, and health technology innovation.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, enrolling nearly 500,000 people in the first nine months. The state secured $835 million investment for behavioral health and resilience, with strategic goals including whole-person health and closing gaps among historically marginalized groups. The report identifies prioritized disparities across chronic disease, mental health, communicable disease, and maternal health, emphasizing actionable strategies for stakeholders statewide. Key contacts: Dawn Verret; Beth Blaise; Cheryl Speight
Event schedule:
- Medicaid Expansion Launch - 12/01/2023 - ET - Statewide North Carolina
- Report Release - 09/05/2024 - ET - North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
- Healthy Opportunities Pilots launched - 2022-03 - America/New_York - North Carolina, 33 rural counties
- Healthy Opportunities Pilots services as of April 2024 - 2024-04 - America/New_York - North Carolina (33 counties)
- Medicaid Expansion effective date - 2023-12-01 - America/New_York - North Carolina
- Richmond County MAP Q1 milestone - 2023-03-31 - America/New_York - Richmond County, NC
Award: $835.0MPOPULATION_HEALTH · QUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · WORKFORCE · NETWORK_DEVELOPMENT · OTHER
Event Schedule
Medicaid Expansion Launch - 12/01/2023 - ET - Statewide North Carolina
Report Release - 09/05/2024 - ET - North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Healthy Opportunities Pilots launched - 2022-03 - America/New_York - North Carolina, 33 rural counties
Show all schedule items (6)
Medicaid Expansion Launch - 12/01/2023 - ET - Statewide North Carolina
Report Release - 09/05/2024 - ET - North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Healthy Opportunities Pilots launched - 2022-03 - America/New_York - North Carolina, 33 rural counties
Healthy Opportunities Pilots services as of April 2024 - 2024-04 - America/New_York - North Carolina (33 counties)
Medicaid Expansion effective date - 2023-12-01 - America/New_York - North Carolina
Richmond County MAP Q1 milestone - 2023-03-31 - America/New_York - Richmond County, NC
Contacts
Dawn Verret - Medicaid enrollee, beneficiary of Healthy Opportunities Pilot - Western North Carolina
Beth Blaise - Rural Health Operations Specialist - Richmond County
Cheryl Speight - Director, Richmond County Health Department - Richmond County
Core Initiatives
Reduce health disparities and promote whole-person health
Increase equitable access to health and behavioral health care
Strengthen and expand healthcare and caregiving workforce
Show all initiatives (20)
Reduce health disparities and promote whole-person health
Increase equitable access to health and behavioral health care
Strengthen and expand healthcare and caregiving workforce
Improve crisis and behavioral health systems
Engage communities in partner-driven health initiatives
Reduce health disparities among racial, ethnic, socio-economic, and disability populations in North Carolina.
Improve access to quality education, housing, and health care to promote healthier lives.
Expand broadband internet access and nutrition security statewide.
Support financial stability and community investment for historically marginalized populations.
Expand and evaluate evidence-based non-medical interventions to high-needs Medicaid enrollees.
Improve neighborhood and environmental conditions to support population health.
Promote health literacy and remove barriers to accessible and equitable health care.
Expand and track Medicaid waivers and services for people with disabilities.
Increase access to health care for underserved populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities.
Reduce health care access and quality disparities by gender, sexual identity, race, ethnicity, and disability status.
Address and reduce chronic disease disparities through culturally and socially appropriate care and targeted interventions.
Reference Documents (11)
🌐
ReferenceNEWSep 3, 2026HTML2024-2029
NC ROOTS Hubs have been established as regional networks to coordinate, implement, and strengthen primary care, behavioral health, workforce development, value-based payment, and digital health strategies tailored to the unique needs of rural communities. Five organizations have been designated as ROOTS Hub Leads across North Carolina Medicaid regions. Funding opportunities for these regions are available, and detailed contact information has been provided. Key contacts: Tamara Smith t.smith@impacthealth.org; Region2NCRootsHub@trilliumnc.org; Region5NCRootsHub@trilliumnc.org; RHTP@vayahealth.com
Tamara Smith - <t.smith@impacthealth.org> - ROOTS Hub Lead - Region 1
<Region2NCRootsHub@trilliumnc.org> - ROOTS Hub Lead - Region 2
<Region5NCRootsHub@trilliumnc.org> - ROOTS Hub Lead - Region 5
Show all contacts (6)
Tamara Smith - <t.smith@impacthealth.org> - ROOTS Hub Lead - Region 1
<Region2NCRootsHub@trilliumnc.org> - ROOTS Hub Lead - Region 2
<Region5NCRootsHub@trilliumnc.org> - ROOTS Hub Lead - Region 5
<RHTP@vayahealth.com> - ROOTS Hub Lead - Region 3
<NCROOTSRegion4@unchealth.unc.edu> - ROOTS Hub Lead - Region 4
<rhtp@accesseast.org> - ROOTS Hub Lead - Region 6
Core Initiatives
Strengthen rural health care infrastructure across regions
Enhance care coordination
Leverage digital tools to improve outcomes
Show all initiatives (4)
Strengthen rural health care infrastructure across regions
Enhance care coordination
Leverage digital tools to improve outcomes
Expand access to primary care
🌐
ReferenceJul 31, 2026OTHER
Reference: RHTP CSC Program Lead JR 121057
Link: https://nc.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/NC_Careers/job/Wake-County-NC/RHTP-CSC-Program-Lead_JR-121057
📄
ReferenceJul 30, 2026PDF2023
Other Documents (2)
✉️
OtherJul 31, 2026TXT
This document highlights a job posting for the RHTP CSC Program Lead position for North Carolina.
OTHER
🌐
OtherApr 15, 2026HTMLPast
NCRHTP addresses rural health challenges with six initiatives including community-rooted care networks, behavioral health expansion, workforce development, and financial sustainability. The program engages over 420 stakeholders and serves more than 3 million rural residents across 85 counties, supported by at least $200 million annually for five years. It is coordinated by NCDHHS in partnership with multiple state agencies and community partners.
Event Schedule
NC Rural Health Transformation Program Webinar: Progress Update and ROOTS Hub Introduction - June 24, 2026 - webinar
Finalization of Contracts with NC ROOTS Hub Leads - early June 2026
Core Initiatives
Establish community-rooted care networks
Expand prevention and chronic disease management
Grow behavioral health services
Show all initiatives (6)
Establish community-rooted care networks
Expand prevention and chronic disease management
Grow behavioral health services
Develop rural healthcare workforce
Achieve financial sustainability through value-based payment models
Leverage technology and innovation to enhance care
NC - 2026 - Providers: We Need Your Insight to Shape Rural Health Technology Innovation in NC
Extracted
Jul 29, 2026 20:46
·Email
NC - 2026 - NCRHTP June Webinar Recap
Extracted
Jul 10, 2026 17:28
·Email
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NC - 2026 - RFA No. THR-ROOTS2-2026-004 NC ROOTS Region 2 I Gave Birth Implementation
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NC - 2026 - RFA No. THR-ROOTS5-2026-004 NC ROOTS Region 5 I Gave Birth Implementation
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NC - 2026 - RFA No. THR-ROOTS5-2026-002 Levels Of Care Assessment Tool (LOCATe) Implementation
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NC - 2026 - Request For Application RFA No. Thr-Roots2-2026-002 Levels Of Care Assessment Tool (LOCATe) Implementation Nc Roots Region 2 Initiative 2
NCRHTP held its first Advisory Committee meeting with participation from over 40 community stakeholders. A $195,000 award was made to the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina to support diabetes prevention programs across nine rural counties. The newsletter also spotlights ongoing federal funding, rural network development via ROOTS Hubs, launching of workforce resource directories, and efforts to modernize rural health technology. Key contacts: Impact Health; Trillium Health Resources; Vaya Health; UNC Health
Event schedule:
- First Advisory Committee Meeting - 08/05/2026 - ET - NCDHHS Headquarters, Raleigh
First Advisory Committee Meeting - 08/05/2026 - ET - NCDHHS Headquarters, Raleigh
Contacts
Impact Health - ROOTS Hub Lead - Region 1
Trillium Health Resources - ROOTS Hub Lead - Region 2 and 5
Vaya Health - ROOTS Hub Lead - Region 3
Show all contacts (5)
Impact Health - ROOTS Hub Lead - Region 1
Trillium Health Resources - ROOTS Hub Lead - Region 2 and 5
Vaya Health - ROOTS Hub Lead - Region 3
UNC Health - ROOTS Hub Lead - Region 4
Access East, Inc. - ROOTS Hub Lead - Region 6
Core Initiatives
Improve access to care in rural North Carolina
Strengthen collaboration among community organizations, health care providers, and partners
Advance digital health modernization and technology adoption
Show all initiatives (4)
Improve access to care in rural North Carolina
Strengthen collaboration among community organizations, health care providers, and partners
Advance digital health modernization and technology adoption
Expand and support the rural health workforce
North Carolina announced several RHTP grant opportunities including school health center expansions, diabetes prevention in eastern NC, mobile integrated health grants, and regional ROOTS Hub Lead designations. Priority is placed on rural and underserved areas. Awards aim to transform care delivery systems and improve health outcomes for rural residents. Key contacts: OMHHD@dhhs.nc.gov
Event schedule:
- School Health Centers Questions Due - 07/29/2026
- School Health Centers Application Due - 08/12/2026 - 5:00 PM
- NC Minority Diabetes Prevention Program Application Due - 07/17/2026 - 5:00 PM ET
- NC MDPP RFA Webinar - 07/02/2026
- Mobile Integrated Health Application Due - 05/20/2026 - 11:59 PM
- NC ROOTS Hub Lead Application Period Ended - 04/02/2026
School Health Centers Application Due - 08/12/2026 - 5:00 PM
NC Minority Diabetes Prevention Program Application Due - 07/17/2026 - 5:00 PM ET
Show all schedule items (6)
School Health Centers Questions Due - 07/29/2026
School Health Centers Application Due - 08/12/2026 - 5:00 PM
NC Minority Diabetes Prevention Program Application Due - 07/17/2026 - 5:00 PM ET
NC MDPP RFA Webinar - 07/02/2026
Mobile Integrated Health Application Due - 05/20/2026 - 11:59 PM
NC ROOTS Hub Lead Application Period Ended - 04/02/2026
Contacts
<OMHHD@dhhs.nc.gov> - Region 8 (NC Minority Diabetes Prevention Program)
Core Initiatives
Expand access to integrated physical and behavioral health care for youth in rural North Carolina
Reduce diabetes and health disparities in rural minority populations
Strengthen behavioral health crisis response and reduce emergency department utilization in rural communities
Show all initiatives (5)
Expand access to integrated physical and behavioral health care for youth in rural North Carolina
Reduce diabetes and health disparities in rural minority populations
Strengthen behavioral health crisis response and reduce emergency department utilization in rural communities
Transform rural health care delivery and strengthen local systems
Build sustainable, regional networks to coordinate rural health initiatives
North Carolina was awarded over $213 million by CMS in December 2025 to launch its Rural Health Transformation Program, supporting over 3 million rural residents and more than 400 rural health facilities statewide. The state is deploying a comprehensive strategy with six main initiatives, including community-rooted care hubs, expanded behavioral and chronic disease services, workforce development, financial innovation, and technology upgrades. Implementation involves more than 420 engaged stakeholders with regular updates and participation opportunities.
Event schedule:
- CMS Federal Award Announced - 12/29/2025
- NC ROOTS Hub Contracts Finalized (expected) - June 2026
- Webinar: Progress Update and ROOTS Hub Introduction - June 24, 2026
NC ROOTS Hub Contracts Finalized (expected) - June 2026
Webinar: Progress Update and ROOTS Hub Introduction - June 24, 2026
Core Initiatives
Strengthen healthcare infrastructure in rural communities
Improve access to and quality of care for rural North Carolinians
Expand behavioral health and chronic disease management services
Show all initiatives (5)
Strengthen healthcare infrastructure in rural communities
Improve access to and quality of care for rural North Carolinians
Expand behavioral health and chronic disease management services
Support financial sustainability of rural health systems
Advance technological and data-sharing capabilities for rural providers
This RFA solicits applications to implement the 'I Gave Birth' postpartum program throughout Region 5 of North Carolina as part of the CMS-funded Rural Health Transformation Program. Targeted at rural, high-disparity communities, the program will train birthing facility teams, EMS, and community partners to improve postpartum outcomes for underserved mothers. The RFA places strong emphasis on engaging tribal, Black, and Hispanic/Latino communities, as well as on robust data collection, workforce training, and regional collaboration. Key contacts: Region5NCRootsHub@TrilliumNC.org; Region5NCRootsHub@trilliumnc.org
Event schedule:
- RFA Issued - 07/30/2026
- Written Questions Deadline - 08/06/2026 - 5:00 PM ET
- Written Responses to Questions Posted - 08/18/2026
- Application Submission Deadline - 08/31/2026 - 4:00 PM ET
- Applications due - 2026-08-31 - 16:00 EDT
Written Questions Deadline - 08/06/2026 - 5:00 PM ET
Written Responses to Questions Posted - 08/18/2026
Show all schedule items (5)
RFA Issued - 07/30/2026
Written Questions Deadline - 08/06/2026 - 5:00 PM ET
Written Responses to Questions Posted - 08/18/2026
Application Submission Deadline - 08/31/2026 - 4:00 PM ET
Applications due - 2026-08-31 - 16:00 EDT
Contacts
<Region5NCRootsHub@TrilliumNC.org> - Application Submission & General Inquiries - NC ROOTS Hub Region 5
<Region5NCRootsHub@trilliumnc.org> - NC ROOTS Hub Lead - Region 5
Core Initiatives
Reduce preventable postpartum complications in rural North Carolina.
Improve health outcomes for birthing/postpartum individuals in rural and underserved populations.
Strengthen rural health care infrastructure and provider capacity.
Show all initiatives (4)
Reduce preventable postpartum complications in rural North Carolina.
Improve health outcomes for birthing/postpartum individuals in rural and underserved populations.
Strengthen rural health care infrastructure and provider capacity.
Advance health equity by targeting disparities among racial, ethnic, and tribal populations.
This RFA solicits a lead agency to implement the CDC LOCATe tool across 15 diverse counties in southeastern North Carolina as part of NCRHTP Initiative 2, focusing on perinatal health improvement and hospital capacity assessment. Region 5 faces significant rural maternal health deserts, high chronic disease and behavioral health burdens, and severe provider shortages. The resulting assessment and stakeholder engagement will guide multi-year rural maternal health transformation efforts and future investment decisions in the region. Key contacts: Region5NCRootsHub@TrilliumNC.org; Region5NCRootsHub@trilliumnc.org
Event schedule:
- RFA Issued - 07/30/2026 - ET
- Written Questions Deadline - 08/06/2026 - 5:00 PM ET
- Response to Questions Issued - 08/17/2026 - ET
- Application Submission Deadline - 08/31/2026 - 4:00 PM ET
- Intent to Award Notification - September/October 2026 - ET
- Applications due - 2026-08-31 - 16:00 EDT
QUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · NETWORK_DEVELOPMENT · POPULATION_HEALTH · WORKFORCE · OTHER
Event Schedule
RFA Issued - 07/30/2026 - ET
Written Questions Deadline - 08/06/2026 - 5:00 PM ET
Response to Questions Issued - 08/17/2026 - ET
Show all schedule items (6)
RFA Issued - 07/30/2026 - ET
Written Questions Deadline - 08/06/2026 - 5:00 PM ET
Response to Questions Issued - 08/17/2026 - ET
Application Submission Deadline - 08/31/2026 - 4:00 PM ET
Intent to Award Notification - September/October 2026 - ET
Applications due - 2026-08-31 - 16:00 EDT
Contacts
<Region5NCRootsHub@TrilliumNC.org> - Application inquiries and submission - NC ROOTS Region 5
<Region5NCRootsHub@trilliumnc.org> - Region 5
Core Initiatives
Strengthen rural health infrastructure and hospital capacity
Improve maternal and perinatal health outcomes and reduce disparities
Establish a standardized baseline of maternal and neonatal care across Region 5 hospitals
Show all initiatives (4)
Strengthen rural health infrastructure and hospital capacity
Improve maternal and perinatal health outcomes and reduce disparities
Establish a standardized baseline of maternal and neonatal care across Region 5 hospitals
Inform rural hospital network development and future investments
Region 2 includes 13 counties and supports multiple RFA opportunities focused on initiatives such as NCCARE360 adoption, Food is Medicine community training, LOCATe implementation, I Gave Birth implementation, and Food is Medicine program expansion. The NC ROOTS Advisory Board for Region 2 comprises 21 members representing diverse communities and sectors to guide rural health transformation and equity efforts. Key contacts: Region2NCRootsHub@TrilliumNC.org
Event schedule:
- Page last verified on , 2026 - September 01 - See something that needs to be updated?
Event Schedule
Page last verified on , 2026 - September 01 - See something that needs to be updated?
Contacts
<Region2NCRootsHub@TrilliumNC.org> - Region 2, NC
Core Initiatives
Strengthen rural health systems
Support healthier communities
Expand access to whole person care
Show all initiatives (4)
Strengthen rural health systems
Support healthier communities
Expand access to whole person care
Improve health equity
This document describes the Digital Health initiative within North Carolina's Rural Health Transformation Program, including a future Rural Health Innovation Fund to modernize rural provider infrastructure through health IT investments, support for rural adoption of AI and digital health, expanded digital health literacy programming, increased rural provider participation in the statewide health information exchange, and integration of remote patient monitoring and chronic care management. Application opportunities for funding will begin in September 2026. The program will work with multiple partners to offer technical assistance, training, and infrastructure improvements for rural health providers and residents.
Event schedule:
- Rural Health Innovation Fund application process begins - September 2026 - Rural Health Transformation Program Grant Opportunities webpage
- Digital health literacy program support available - July 1, 2026 - Statewide
HEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY · QUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · POPULATION_HEALTH · WORKFORCE · OTHER
Event Schedule
Rural Health Innovation Fund application process begins - September 2026 - Rural Health Transformation Program Grant Opportunities webpage
Digital health literacy program support available - July 1, 2026 - Statewide
Core Initiatives
Modernize rural health care operations and infrastructure.
Increase participation of rural providers in health information exchange.
Improve rural residents' digital health literacy.
Show all initiatives (5)
Modernize rural health care operations and infrastructure.
Increase participation of rural providers in health information exchange.
Improve rural residents' digital health literacy.
Integrate remote patient monitoring and chronic care management.
Support adoption of AI and emerging digital technologies in rural settings.
Core Initiatives
Improve health information sharing
Deploy advanced digital technologies including AI
Ensure digital literacy for rural residents
North Carolina is preparing an RHTP application leveraging its large and diverse rural population, strong safety net, and history of rural innovation. Strategic principles emphasize measurable impact, rigorous stakeholder engagement, sustainability, and maximizing federal funding potential. Priority areas include diabetes, behavioral health, maternal health, provider shortages, digital health, and sustainable regional provider networks.
Event schedule:
- Stakeholder inputs period closed - 10/10/2025
- NCDHHS submitted application - 11/03/2025
- CMS application deadline - 11/05/2025
- Target CMS approval of application - 12/31/2025
- More guidance to partners regarding fund application - Early 2026
More guidance to partners regarding fund application - Early 2026
Core Initiatives
Advance innovative solutions that foster independence, improve health, and promote well-being for all North Carolinians
Build rural capacity in primary care, chronic care, and behavioral health
Expand and strengthen collaborative, community-led, regionally anchored networks
Show all initiatives (5)
Advance innovative solutions that foster independence, improve health, and promote well-being for all North Carolinians
Build rural capacity in primary care, chronic care, and behavioral health
Expand and strengthen collaborative, community-led, regionally anchored networks
Ensure fiscal sustainability of rural health providers
Modernize rural health through technology, data-driven solutions, and integrated care team models
Strengthen partnerships and community-based approaches to address health inequities and chronic/communicable diseases.
Promote and support the retention and distribution of the health professional workforce, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Reduce health disparities in communicable diseases by race, ethnicity, region, gender, and sexual orientation
Control and prevent the spread of communicable diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections
North Carolina expanded Medicaid effective December 1, 2023, allowing adults ages 19-64 with low income to enroll. The expansion increases access to comprehensive health coverage, including behavioral health and maternity care, at no or low cost. Expansion aims to prevent rural hospital closures, strengthen the workforce, and improve health outcomes across the state.
Event schedule:
- Medicaid Expansion Coverage Begins - 12/01/2023 - North Carolina
- Marketplace Open Enrollment - November 1, 2023 - January 16, 2024 - Online
POPULATION_HEALTH · OTHER
Event Schedule
Medicaid Expansion Coverage Begins - 12/01/2023 - North Carolina
Marketplace Open Enrollment - November 1, 2023 - January 16, 2024 - Online
Contacts
Local Medicaid assistance - Local DSS Office
NC Medicaid Help Line - Statewide
Core Initiatives
Expand Medicaid coverage to low-income North Carolinians ages 19-64.
Increase access to comprehensive health care including behavioral health and preventive services.
Improve health outcomes and reduce uninsured rates.
Show all initiatives (4)
Expand Medicaid coverage to low-income North Carolinians ages 19-64.
Increase access to comprehensive health care including behavioral health and preventive services.
Improve health outcomes and reduce uninsured rates.
Strengthen the health care workforce and prevent rural hospital closures.
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