HHS Region 3 · Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Program Overview
The Pennsylvania Rural Health Transformation Program is currently active, providing direct funding to rural healthcare providers and facilities to stabilize and enhance rural health access, primarily through non-capital projects. Major focus areas remain technology modernization, behavioral health, EMS, maternal health, aging access, opioid crisis response, and workforce development, with implementation guided by the Rapid Response Stabilization Program and regional Rural Care Collaboratives. Funding is administered via structured state mechanisms with defined eligibility and regional distribution criteria, requiring applicants to address targeted initiatives. Application windows and spending deadlines are set through July 2027, aligned with a five-year plan and federal commitments. Current structured plan tracks 15 key initiatives and 12 strategic goals.
Updated
County-level estimates averaged across Pennsylvania — % of adults 18+ unless noted. Delta vs US county average shown in red/green.
pp = percentage points vs US county average
County Drilldown (67)
| County | Pop | Poverty | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia County | 1,579,706 | 21.4% | 17.0% |
| Allegheny County | 1,238,177 | 11.5% | 7.3% |
| Montgomery County | 867,573 | 6.5% | 4.1% |
| Bucks County | 647,461 | 6.1% | 3.9% |
| Delaware County | 579,222 | 10.2% | 7.4% |
| Lancaster County | 557,931 | 8.2% | 5.4% |
| Chester County | 547,840 | 6.0% | 3.7% |
| York County | 462,924 | 8.4% | 6.1% |
| Berks County | 433,015 | 12.2% | 8.7% |
| Lehigh County | 378,792 | 11.6% | 7.9% |
| Westmoreland County | 352,500 | 10.3% | 6.6% |
| Luzerne County | 327,675 | 15.3% | 11.3% |
AI source: PA - 2026 - rural health
AI auto-updated Oct 18, 2026
API refreshed May 7, 2026
Key signals are summarized here. Open the source for the supporting detail.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Grouped files
5 related documents
PA - 2025 - Pennsylvania’s RHT Plan
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1,775,199 rural residents
Pennsylvania's Rural Health Transformation Program is actively being implemented, with millions awarded to rural hospitals and health centers for infrastructure, equipment, and expanded services such as behavioral and maternal health care. Funding rounds are active or upcoming, with ongoing disbursement of payments and new opportunities in workforce, technology, and EMS. Statewide investments are supporting long-term care, digital health, and provider incentives, with awarded projects underway to improve access and quality. Five state funding opportunities have been issued and concluded, and current opportunities remain open to eligible entities. State opportunities: 5 total (5 past/closed), $2.5M listed funding. Key opportunities: Pennsylvania Rural Health Transformation Plan Rapid Response Stabilization Payments; Pennsylvania Rural Health Transformation Plan Rapid Response Stabilization Payments — Round 2; Pennsylvania lines up FQHC & FQHC Look-Alikes - Modernizing Healthcare Technology and Enabling Interoperability opportunity. Strategy alignment: supports workforce, telehealth, ems priorities.
Pennsylvania’s RHTP sustains a multifaceted strategy for rapid stabilization and modernization of rural health services, anchored in targeted direct payments, rigorous eligibility and regional caps, and annual milestone reviews. Core investments emphasize Aging and Access, Behavioral Health, EMS/Transportation, Maternal Health, Technology and Infrastructure, and Workforce, shaped by regional input and robust stakeholder engagement. Regional Care Collaboratives, technology upgrades, and workforce expansion remain central, with outcome tracking and community-driven priorities guiding all program components.
Model
Hybrid Statewide-Regional Model: combines stakeholder-driven planning, direct payments with eligibility/region caps, Regional Care Collaboratives, and technology-enabled infrastructure tracked by annual milestones and local input.
Key Initiatives (15)
Timeline: Rapid Response payments and eligibility certifications began May–June 2026; EHR/HIO onboarding and infrastructure payments must conclude by June 30, 2027; workforce, regional, and EMS/maternal health initiatives launch 2026 and scale through FY31 with annual milestones and reviews. FQHC & FQHC Look-Alike technology funding application window: July 27–August 7, 2026; EHR & HIO onboarding application window: July 27–August 14, 2026. Rapid Response Stabilization Round 2 application window: August 17–August 24, 2026; funds must be expended by July 31, 2027.
Many rural communities face challenges including hospital closures, provider shortages, and long travel times to receive care; telehealth and local partnerships are key opportunities to improve access.
Many rural communities face limited access due to fewer hospitals, providers, and long travel times, but telehealth and partnerships aim to improve this.
Many rural communities face hospital closures, doctor shortages, and long travel times; telehealth and partnerships are key solution strategies.
PA - 2025 - Department of Human Services | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
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PA - 2026 - RHTP Public Webinar, March 31, 2026
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PA - 2026 - Executive Policy Specialist 1 - Northwest
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PA - 2026 - PA RHT Plan (RHTP) Eligible Projects and Awards FY2026-2030
Rural Health Selected Projects (Authorized Project Awards)
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Long-Term Care Transformation Office
Due Oct 1, 2026
2 related documents
PA - 2026 - Quality Investment Program (QIP) — Strengthening Long‑Term Care Workforce, Infrastructure, and Resident Well‑Being
Auto-grouped context match (48%)
PA - 2026 - Quality Investment Program (QIP) Flyer
QIP Flyer
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Due Aug 24, 2026
6 related documents
PA - 2026 - Availability of RHTP Payments; Rapid Response Stabilization
Auto-linked by context
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Due Aug 14, 2026
7 related documents
PA - 2026 - RHTP Modernizing Healthcare Technology and Enabling Interoperability Program Request and Eligibility Certification
Program Payment Certification Form
| FY↓ | Awardee↕ | Amount↕ | Activity↕ | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-2030 | Barnes-Kasson County Hospital The hospital’s operating room (OR) air handling system has experienced complete failure and is no longer operational. The system has exceeded its useful life, and repair is no longer feasible. As a result, the operating room cannot be safely used for surgical procedures, required environmental controls cannot be maintained, and infection prevention standards cannot be met. This failure has made the operating room non-functional. Replacement of the failed operating room air handling system is an urgent, one-time infrastructure investment necessary to stabilize a distressed Critical Access Hospital and preserve access to essential rural health services. Region: Northern Tier. Initiative: Tech & Infrastructure. | $1.0M | Health IT | |
| 2026-2030 | Corry Memorial Hospital dba LECOM Health Corry Memorial Hospital Corry Memorial Hospital will use funding to upgrade critical technology and infrastructure supporting both Radiology services and Inpatient Critical Care. This includes a new radiology system, ventilator, cardiac monitoring system, call bell system, and Baxter IV pumps. Region: Northwest. Initiative: Tech & Infrastructure. | $1.0M | Health IT | |
| 2026-2030 | Darway Rehabilitation and Healthcare LLC dba Darway Rehabilitation and Healthcare This program payment will fund a renovation and structural improvement project at Darway Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, a 67-bed skilled nursing facility in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania. The project will renovate the facility's six resident-care areas (Main Lobby/Entrance Corridor, Resident Room Corridor, Resident Rooms, Resident Bathrooms, Dining Room, and Gym/Physical Therapy Room) to address resident safety, infection control, life-safety compliance, and rehabilitation capacity needs. Region: Northern Tier. Initiative: Tech & Infrastructure. | $1.0M | Health IT | |
| 2026-2030 | Epworth Rehabilitation and Healthcare LLC dba Cedarwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center This program payment will fund a renovation and structural improvement project at Epworth Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, a 102-bed skilled nursing facility in Blair County, Pennsylvania. The project will renovate the facility's six resident-care areas (Main Lobby/Entrance Corridor, Resident Room Corridor, Resident Rooms, Resident Bathrooms, Dining Room, and Gym/Physical Therapy Room) to address resident safety, infection control, life-safety compliance, and rehabilitation capacity needs. Region: Southern Alleghenies. Initiative: Tech & Infrastructure. | $1.0M | Health IT | |
| 2026-2030 | Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital Program payments will be used to support this technology and infrastructure project focused on expanding availability of advanced diagnostic imaging through the deployment of a portable Computed Tomography (CT) unit at Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital (GJSH) which serves rural and underserved communities across the region. Portable CT scanners can be utilized in various locations within a hospital, including bedside imaging in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), operating rooms, emergency departments, and specialty care suites. Region: Central. Initiative: Tech & Infrastructure. | $1.0M | Health IT | |
| 2026-2030 | Geisinger Lewistown Hospital Funding will support the purchase, deployment, and installation of a CT imaging unit to ensure consistent, local access to advanced diagnostic imaging services. This investment will allow the community to maintain uninterrupted access to CT services, reducing reliance on external facilities and minimizing delays caused by equipment outages. Region: Central. Initiative: Tech & Infrastructure. | $1.0M | Health IT | |
| 2026-2030 | Geisinger Medical Center This project is an access and technology project aimed at ensuring rural Montour and surrounding counties maintain access to an advanced pharmacy. Funding will be used to purchase and install a new modular compounding suite, upgrade and replace the pharmacy’s HVAC system, add non-sterile hazardous drug compounding capacity, and improve the overall workflow layout of the facility. Region: Central. Initiative: Tech & Infrastructure. | $1.0M | Health IT | |
| 2026-2030 | Meadow View Rehabilitation and Healthcare LLC dba Meadowview Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center This program payment will fund a renovation and structural improvement project at Meadow View Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, a 63-bed skilled nursing facility in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. The project will renovate the facility's six resident-care areas (Main Lobby/Entrance Corridor, Resident Room Corridor, Resident Rooms, Resident Bathrooms, Dining Room, and Gym/Physical Therapy Room) to address resident safety, infection control, life-safety compliance, and rehabilitation capacity needs. Region: Northern Tier. Initiative: Tech & Infrastructure. | $1.0M | Health IT | |
| 2026-2030 | Robert Packer Hospital The upgrade of the cogeneration engine at Robert Packer Hospital (RPH) is a critical infrastructure investment necessary to ensure uninterrupted access to essential healthcare services across a rural, multi-campus system. The existing cogeneration unit is quickly approaching the manufacturerrecommended threshold for major overhaul, at approximately 80,000 run-time hours, which is anticipated to be reached by April 2027. Region: Northern Tier. Initiative: Tech & Infrastructure. | $1.0M | Health IT | |
| 2026-2030 | St. Luke's Hospital of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania dba St. Luke's Hospital - Lehighton Campus, formerly Blue Mountain Hospital St. Luke’s Hospital - Lehighton Campusis seeking a one-time payment to support the replacement of the roof at the Campus, a rural mental health hospital providing essential inpatient and outpatient behavioral health and medical services. This investment will ensure the Campus’ continued operation that provides inpatient psychiatric care for approximately 1,000 patients annually, delivers tens of thousands of outpatient medical and behavioral health visits, and serves as a lifeline for adults, older adults, and veterans at elevated risk for mental health crises.The investment will help safeguard the physical infrastructure necessary to maintain uninterrupted access to these essential services. Region: Northeast. Initiative: Tech & Infrastructure. | $1.0M | Health IT |
DHS released FAQs for the upcoming Rural Health Transformation Program funding opportunity in Pennsylvania. Wellspan Health was awarded $2.8 million to strengthen care at rural hospitals.
Pennsylvania is highlighting its efforts to support rural health care, referencing activities or program support related to rural hospitals or rural Medicaid. No funding or recipient details are provided in the announcement.
PA RHTP has awarded over $70 million to rural hospitals and providers to modernize technology, improve infrastructure, expand EMS transportation, and enhance behavioral, maternal, and aging care services throughout Pennsylvania. Projects were shaped by local input and emphasize regional collaboration and accountability. Awards support both capital improvements and operational upgrades to directly impact access and quality in rural health care.
Core Initiatives
PA's RHTP awarded $43M across rural hospitals, clinics, and EMS to upgrade critical infrastructure, technology, equipment, and transport. Projects span maternal care, behavioral health, modern EMS, diagnostics, aging/senior care, and workforce support.
This is a non-competitive initial funding opportunity for rural hospitals, health care providers, and rural health facilities in Pennsylvania, offering direct program payments for the purchase of supplies and equipment to stabilize rural health access. Eligible projects must address one of six RHTP initiatives and avoid duplication with prior rapid response awards. The total available funding is capped at $35 million, with specific per-location limits and regional distribution criteria. Key contacts: RA-HHRRLHLTHTRNSPLAN@pa.gov Event schedule: - Questions Deadline - 08/07/2026 - 12:00 PM ET - Application Open - 08/17/2026 - 8:00 AM ET - Application Close - 08/24/2026 - 11:59 PM ET - Funds Must Be Expended By - 07/31/2027
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
This document provides compliance guidance for rural entities on upgrading to CEHRT-certified electronic health record systems in accordance with RHTP requirements. It details critical EHR functional gaps, federal standards, and regulatory criteria, clarifying how entities must address deficiencies to qualify for RHTP funding.
Core Initiatives
Pennsylvania's RHTP strategy leverages statewide vision and regional implementation to transform rural health systems through workforce investments, digital and AI-driven infrastructure, quality and access improvements, and new collaborative care models. Specific initiatives target maternal health, EMS, behavioral health, data interoperability, and long-term sustainability. The program aims to strengthen service delivery, workforce resilience, clinical outcomes, and care access for the third-largest rural population in the US. Event schedule: - Project Narrative Revision Date - 02/04/2026 - Overall Implementation Timeline - FY26-FY31
Core Initiatives
Pennsylvania's RHTP proposes $1B over five years for regionally-led collaboratives, workforce expansion, technology integration, and innovative care delivery models. The plan is grounded in extensive community input and targets key priorities like maternity care, behavioral health, dental, and workforce shortages. Initiatives include up-front workforce investments, digital tools, and alternative payment models to strengthen rural health capacity and access.
Core Initiatives
- and Transportation, Maternal Health, Technology and Infrastructure, and Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wuwuz9YrCw0
This testimony analyzes RHTP implementation in Pennsylvania, emphasizing the mismatch between federal funding allocation and rural health needs. It recommends greater local control and governance over RHTP resources, and the use of outcome measures covering both health access and broader economic conditions. The testimony identifies Pennsylvania as uniquely disadvantaged under the current federal formula due to its large rural population. Event schedule: - Testimony Delivered - May 6, 2026 - Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors Public Hearing
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
This agenda outlines a rural health summit focused on Pennsylvania's rural health transformation efforts, featuring state and local leaders. Sessions include data review, keynote, panel discussions, and workgroup activities to support rural health planning. Event schedule: - NEPA Rural Health Summit - May 29, 2026 - 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM - King’s College Sheehy-Farmer Building 3rd Floor
This guide provides Pennsylvania-specific resources, policies, and FAQs for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), including capital expenditure limits, eligible projects, and post-award compliance guidance. It emphasizes the five-year rural service commitment required of clinicians supported by RHTP funding.
Core Initiatives
Analysis shows no clear relationship between state funding levels and rural population sizes. States with lower rural mortality received more funding per rural resident. Economic decline is a major factor in hospital closures, indicating the need for broader economic strengthening efforts. Event schedule: - , 2026 - May 6 - --- Page Break ---
06/30/2027
HIO Onboarding Deadline
07/27/2026
Submission Open
08/14/2026
Submission Close
PA RHTP site updated — 1 new, 1 existing source(s) refreshed
PA RHTP site updated — 1 new, 0 existing source(s) refreshed
PA RHTP site updated — 1 new doc(s)
PA RHTP site updated — 6 new doc(s)
PA RHTP site updated — 1 new doc(s)
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed. Showing the 40 most recent of 84.
PA - 2026 - RHTP Public Webinar, March 31, 2026 (events)
2026 · HTML
PA - 2026 - housing financing funding
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PA - 2026 - Pennsylvania Opens $27M in RHTP Grants for Rural Providers
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PA - 2026 - PA DHS Releases FAQs for 2026 RHTP Funding Opportunity
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PA - 2026 - PA Awards $42M for Rural Health Transformation Projects
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FormCertification
Appeal Form
Rtktradesecretsproprietaryinfo
AORO Guidebook
PA - 2021 - Pt I Ch 21 Small and Diverse Business
M615 3
PA - 2002 - Pt III Ch 02 Reserved
PA - 2035 - Pt II Ch 35 Surcharge Program
PA - 2032 - Pt II Ch 32 Reserved
PA - 2031 - Pt II Ch 31 Reserved
PA - 2030 - Pt II Ch 30 Reserved
PA - 2029 - Pt II Ch 29 Reserved
PA - 2027 - Pt II Ch 27 Reserved
PA - 2025 - Pt II Ch 25 Copier Lease Purchase Order Adjustments
PA - 2023 - Pt II Ch 23 Invitation for Bid IFB Corrections
PA - 2002 - Pt II Ch 02 Reserved
PA - 2001 - Pt II Ch 01 Small No-Bid Procurements
PA - 2043 - Pt I Ch 43 Contract Provisions
PA - 2035 - Pt I Ch 35 Contract Identification Numbers
PA - 2005 - Pt I Ch 05 Contracting Process
PA - 2026 - Skip to agency navigation Skip to main content Official website
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PA - 2026 - Attachment 5 Funding Disclosure Table
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PA - 2026 - Attachment 3 RHTP Payment Budget Worksheet
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PA - 2026 - Attachment 1 Entity Location List
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PA - 2026 - Wellspan Health Awarded 2 8 Million to Strengthen Care at Rural Hospitals
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PA - 2026 - Funding Disclosure Table
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PA - 2026 - EHR.HIO Entity Location List
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PA - 2026 - RHTP Budget Worksheet
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PA - 2026 - Funding Disclosure Table
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PA - 2026 - FQHC Entity Location List
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Pennsylvania Code 2026 Supplement Schedule
PENNSYLVANIA BULLETIN 2026 Publication Schedule
StyleManual 6thEdition
Pennsylvania Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) RHTP Reference
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PA - 2026 - Housing Financing and Funding Resources
PA - 2026 - Pennsylvania RHTP Rapid Response Stabilization Program Request and Eligibility Certification
Auto-linked by context
PA - 2026 - RHTP Rapid Response Stabilization Program – Round 2 Program Request and Eligibility Certification (2026-08-07-rapid-response-stabilization-program-payment-certification-round-2)
Primary source
PA - 2026 - RHTP Rapid Response Stabilization Program – Round 2 Program Request and Eligibility Certification
Round 2 Program Request and Eligibility Certification
PA - 2026 - Attachment 1 Entity Location List
Required Attachment: Entity Location List
PA - 2026 - RHT Plan (RHTP) Project Budget Narrative Template
Attachment 2: RHTP Payment Budget Narrative Template
PA - 2026 - EHR.HIO Entity Location List
Required Attachment: Entity Location List
PA - 2026 - Modernizing Healthcare Technology and Enabling Interoperability Frequently Asked Questions
PA - 2026 - CEHRT System to be Implemented
Required Attachment: CEHRT Worksheet
PA - 2027 - RHT Plan (RHTP) Project Budget Narrative
Required Attachment 3: Budget Narrative
PA - 2026 - RHTP Payment Budget Worksheet
Required Attachment 4: Budget Worksheet
PA - 2026 - Funding Disclosure Table
Required Attachment 5: Public Funding Table
Pennsylvania announces availability of up to $25 million in Rural Health Transformation Program payments to qualified rural hospitals and health care providers. Each payment is limited to $1 million and aims to stabilize and enhance rural health care access across eight regions, with initial regional payment limits easing after June 1, 2026. Event schedule: - Eligibility Certification Acceptance Start - 05/01/2026 - Pennsylvania Department of Human Services - Eligibility Certification Acceptance End - 06/01/2026 - Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives
Pennsylvania has secured $193 million in federal RHTP funding for 2025 to support its Rural Health Transformation Plan. The plan prioritizes innovation, rural workforce development, quality improvements, behavioral and maternal health, and EMS/transportation upgrades. Regional Care Collaboratives and Rapid Response Access Stabilization grants will launch as part of the program's first initiatives. Key contacts: Ali Fogarty ra-pwdhspressoffice@pa.gov; Brandon Cwalina ra-pwdhspressoffice@pa.gov Event schedule: - Federal award announcement - 12/30/2025 - Harrisburg, PA
Event Schedule
Contacts
Core Initiatives
This is the second round of the Pennsylvania RHTP Rapid Response Stabilization Program, providing up to $35 million for rural health entities to purchase supplies and equipment that stabilize and enhance rural healthcare. Funding is awarded on a per-location basis, up to $1,000,000 per site, with an initial regional limit; all applicants must meet detailed eligibility, certification, and documentation requirements. Six program initiatives are targeted: Aging and Access, Behavioral Health, Maternal Health, EMS and Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure, and Workforce. Key contacts: RA-HHRRLHLTHTRNSPLAN@pa.gov Event schedule: - Submission Window Opens - 08/17/2026 - 8:00 AM ET - Submission Window Closes - 08/24/2026 - 11:59 PM ET - Questions Deadline - August 7, 2026 - 12:00 PM ET - Funds must be expended by - 07/31/2027
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Core Initiatives
This is an application and eligibility certification for the initial round of Pennsylvania RHTP Technology and Infrastructure funding, with a funding cap of $25,000,000. Payments are for onboarding rural providers to state-certified HIOs and implementing Certified EHR Technology, with maximum per-site awards by provider type and activity. Applications are accepted by electronic submission and payments are authorized as completed applications are received. Key contacts: RA-HHRRLHLTHTRNSPLAN@pa.gov Event schedule: - Questions Due - 07/17/2026 - 11:59 PM ET - RA-HHRRLHLTHTRNSPLAN@pa.gov - Application Period Opens - 07/27/2026 - 8:00 AM ET - Online form/email - Application Period Closes - 08/14/2026 - 11:59 PM ET - Online form/email
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Core Initiatives
This document provides instructions for preparing the project budget narrative as part of the Rural Health Transformation Plan. It details how to justify expenses, link them to project activities, and ensure consistency with the budget worksheet. Event schedule: - All expenses must be incurred by , 2027. - June 30 - Entity Name: _________________________Total Funding Requested: _________________________
Event Schedule
This document provides step-by-step guidance for completing a project budget narrative as part of the RHTP application process. It specifies requirements for justifying all expenses, details expected consultant/contractual budget information, and instructs applicants on the linkage between narrative elements and the budget worksheet. Event schedule: - All expenses must be incurred by , 2027. - June 30 - Entity Name: _________________________Total Funding Requested: _________________________
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Event Schedule
Core Initiatives
The Shapiro Administration is soliciting feedback from rural health stakeholders to shape Pennsylvania's Rural Health Transformation Plan, emphasizing strategic goals to strengthen rural infrastructure and access. Key focus areas include maternal health, behavioral health, aging, EMS/transportation, workforce, and the opioid crisis. Stakeholder input via an online form is open until August 29, 2025. Key contacts: Ali Fogarty; Brandon Cwalina Event schedule: - Feedback Submission Deadline - 08/29/2025 - Online (via form)
Event Schedule
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Core Initiatives