Oregon

Oregon Health Authority is preparing to award about $2 million in RHTP funding to support clinical supervision and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner preceptorships at rural community mental health programs. The funding aims to expand access to care, build provider skills, and support workforce retention in rural regions. Specific sub-award information and recipient details will be released when finalized. Event schedule: - Announcement Date - 09/30/2026

Wallowa Memorial Hospital and Medical Clinics secured more than $5.4 million in federal RHTP funds for comprehensive rural healthcare improvements. Awards will expand maternal/newborn services, add critical diagnostic technology like MRI, CT, and mammography, and establish new specialty programs including Mohs dermatology and enhanced surgical services. The grant package represents a significant investment in rural health system modernization, local workforce, and access to high-quality, local care for Wallowa County.

Governor Tina Kotek submits Oregon's official application for the Rural Health Transformation Program, designating the Oregon Health Authority to oversee implementation and coordination. The application reflects strong stakeholder, Tribal, and public engagement, and commits to transparent governance through the Rural Health Coordinating Council. Funds will be targeted to rural and frontier areas, impacting rural hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. Event schedule: - Oregon Tribal Consultation/Urban Indian Health Program Meeting - 10/10/2025 - Oregon (OHA, Nine Tribes, Tribal Affairs Office)

Oregon Health Authority has released an RFGP (RFGP 6244) to solicit proposals for the 2027 RHTP Catalyst Grants. These grants will fund community-driven projects in rural and remote Oregon to improve health care access, chronic disease outcomes, workforce, and health technology. The solicitation includes amendments, information session dates, detailed application forms, and evaluation rubrics. Key contacts: John Gardner john.f.gardner@odhsoha.oregon.gov Event schedule: - Bid Opening Date - 05/26/2026 - 03:00:00 PM PT - Oregon Health Authority, Health Policy & Analytics, Portland, OR - Information Sessions Window - April 14-May 21, 2026 - Webinar (see program URL for details) - Available Date - 04/10/2026 - 03:00:07 PM PT

Oregon was one of the first states to receive federal RHTP funding, with a $197.3 million award for 2026. The state is distributing funds through three pathways: Catalyst Awards (competitive grants for ready-to-go projects), Immediate Impact Awards (directed by the state), and Regional Sustainability Awards (technical assistance and network development). Funded initiatives focus on prevention, workforce, technology, behavioral health, and regional partnerships, targeting maternal health, chronic disease, behavioral health, and aging populations in rural and frontier areas. Key contacts: RHTP@oha.oregon.gov Event schedule: - Oregon application to CMS submitted - 11/04/2025 - Federal Notice of Award to Oregon - 12/29/2025 - RFGP release (Oregon Catalyst Awards) - Spring 2026 - RFGP response deadlines - Early Summer 2026 - RFGP awardee decisions announced - Mid 2026 - Federal Fiscal Year 2026 RHTP distribution usage deadline - September 30, 2027 - RHTP program end - September 30, 2031

This detailed budget narrative outlines Oregon's plan for distributing RHTP funds across five major initiatives, including regional partnerships, healthy communities, workforce resilience, technology/data modernization, and tribal interventions. The program will proceed in two phases, utilizing Catalyst Awards, Immediate Impact grants, and Regional Sustainability funding in Phase 1, and competitive Catalyst Awards plus sustained funding in Phase 2. A structured RFA process will be used to select sub-grantees, with a focus on rapid deployment and community-directed innovation for priority populations and health challenges.

Oregon's 2025–27 budget includes a $345.2 million federal funds allocation and 35 positions for the Rural Health Transformation Program, more than doubling its budget compared to the prior cycle. These funds are intended to be distributed as grants to rural communities. Budget adjustments addressed Medicaid caseloads, with no cuts to existing positions or core programming.

Oregon is awarded $197.3M for RHTP in fiscal year 2026 as the initial year of a five-year CMS rural transformation initiative. The state strategy includes five major initiatives—regional partnerships, healthy communities, workforce development, technology/data modernization, and a tribal-specific initiative. Implementation will use both competitive (Catalyst Awards) and direct (Immediate Impact Awards) approaches, with public engagement and rigorous oversight. Key contacts: rhtp@oha.oregon.gov Event schedule: - CMS announced Oregon RHTP award - 12/29/2025 - OHA submitted revised budget - 01/30/2026 - CMS approved revised budget - 02/18/2026 - Catalyst Awards RFGP Opening (Target) - 04/01/2026 - Immediate Impact Awards Announcement (Expected) - Annual Report to CMS #1 Due - 08/30/2026 - Quarterly Report #1 Due to CMS - 11/29/2026 - Vendor Roadshow at Rural Health Conference - 10/01/2026 - Oregon (exact date/venue TBA)

Oregon’s RHTP strategy aligns with CMS strategic goals to promote innovation, workforce, access, and technology for rural health transformation. $100 million federal annual allocation is projected if awarded, supporting a portfolio of initiatives in prevention, workforce, technology, partnerships, and systems. Public comment and ongoing tribal consultation are shaping priorities, with strong focus on regional tailoring, immediate impact and sustainability, and addressing critical access, workforce, technology, behavioral health, and maternal health needs.

This FAQ document provides comprehensive guidance on award types, expectations, reporting, budgets, and compliance for the Oregon Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). It outlines the process for immediate impact awards, catalyst awards, and transformation funds for Local Public Health Authorities. Key strategic outcomes include expanding rural health and social services, increasing home visiting and telehealth access, and advancing mental health care in rural Oregon. The document clarifies subrecipient oversight, budget approval, procurement, and program milestones for all eligible awardees. Key contacts: Veronica Herrera Veronica.Herrera2@oha.oregon.gov; Oregon RHTP Team RHTP@oha.oregon.gov Event schedule: - 2026 Oregon Rural Health Conference - October 7–9, 2026 - Bend, OR

Oregon’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) awarded Immediate Impact funding to Healthcare Safety Solutions to expand hands-on simulation training and readiness planning for rural EMS providers. The program delivers tailored emergency trainings across the state, with a focus on pediatric, maternal, and neonatal emergencies, responding to needs driven by maternity unit closures. Trainings are developed in partnership with local agencies, simulate real-world environments, and are followed by readiness planning to address both educational and operational gaps. The initiative has already led to discoveries of equipment and protocol needs, demonstrating measurable programmatic improvements.