Wisconsin

Wisconsin hospitals tied for the most five-star patient experience ratings in the latest CMS assessment, with several rural CAHs featured among the top 250. The Wisconsin Office of Rural Health has launched its new Flex grant year, with statewide funding and improvement opportunities opening for rural hospitals, including quality, finance, operations, and behavioral health integration. The newsletter also spotlights new workforce training programs, Medicaid change preparations, and National Rural Health Day activities. Key contacts: Samantha Peck info@worh.org Event schedule: - CAH Quality Inventory Assessment application due - 11/20/2026 - Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation Community Grants application due - October 15, 2026 - Dental Trade Alliance Foundation Grants application due - November 30, 2026 - NOSORH Workforce+ Rural Healthcare Workforce Certification cohort launch - October 8, 2026 - Online - National Rural Health Day 2026 - November 19, 2026 - RWHC Nurse Residency Cohort 1 starts - October 2026 - RWHC Office & Training Center, 880 Independence Lane, Sauk City, WI - RWHC Nurse Residency Cohort 2 starts - February 2027 - RWHC Office & Training Center, 880 Independence Lane, Sauk City, WI - WORH EMS Operations and Management Course Session 1 - January 7, 2027 - 6:30 PM - Zoom

Wisconsin was awarded $203.7 million in federal funds for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) from FY2026-FY2030. The program focuses on workforce development, technology transformation, care coordination, behavioral health innovations, and Medicaid reforms for rural populations. DHS will distribute funding through competitive grants to communities, facilities, and educational institutions, with initial projects launching in 2026. Event schedule: - Advisory Council Application Due - 02/27/2026 - Advisory Council Appointments Made - April 2026

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is seeking applications from training providers to develop, deliver, and evaluate high-quality training for community health workers and their supervisors, supporting statewide rural workforce sustainability. This RHTP-supported initiative aims to improve access to care in rural regions by investing in workforce training and professional development. The application requires evidence of curriculum design, organizational capacity, sustainability planning, and alignment with state and national CHW standards. Event schedule: - Application release - 07/31/2026 - Application submission due - 08/21/2026 - Estimated award notification - October 2026

Wisconsin's RHTP initiative is launching with 21 rural LEAs receiving nearly $820K in subawards for Year 1 to build healthcare and human services career pathways. The DPI provides guidance, support, and oversight, emphasizing measurable student outcomes and sustainable program infrastructure. Activities include new CTE courses, dual enrollment, industry-recognized credentials, work-based learning, and regional partnerships with employers. Key contacts: Maguita Stroud Maguita.Stroud@dpi.wi.gov; Keith Wartzenluft Keith.Wartzenluft@dpi.wi.gov Event schedule: - Year 1 Baseline Report: Career Pathway Elements - 09/25/2026 - Action Plan with Aligned Budget - 09/30/2026 - Detailed Budget in WISEgrants - 10/30/2026 - Mid-Year Report - 01/30/2027 - End-of-Year Report + Action-Step Revisions, Budget amendments - 06/30/2027 - Final Financial Claims - 09/30/2027 - RHTP Summit - 03/02/2027

This rubric provides guidance on the evaluation criteria for applicants to the WIG: HEART Program, which focuses on healthcare workforce challenges and transformational strategies for rural communities. It outlines scoring for project need, target area rurality, innovative approaches, and partnership engagement. The program targets rural and semi-rural populations to develop sustainable workforce solutions.

The WIG:HEART program is a Wisconsin workforce innovation grant aimed at transforming rural healthcare employment and access. This announcement provides details on eligibility, application process, allowable activities, and program guidance to support rural healthcare workforce development. Key contacts: HEARTGrant@dwd.wisconsin.gov

Wisconsin's Rural Health Transformation Plan proposes a $1 billion investment targeting rural workforce, digital modernization, and population health infrastructure, with 94% of funds committed to rural communities. The plan involves extensive stakeholder engagement, regional coalition grants, and partnerships across state agencies and academic institutions. Dedicated funding will go to each Tribal Nation to support rural health goals. Key contacts: Tony Evers

Wisconsin RHTP is funding major regional workforce grants totaling $22M to expand healthcare training and clinical rotations in rural areas. Technology and care coordination grants are also underway. Evaluation structures involve DHS, state partners and CMS reporting. Key contacts: Rory Tikalsky PSCStateBroadbandOffice@wisconsin.gov; Dani Cook Event schedule: - DHS CMS Site Visit - 06/15/2026 - All day CT - Madison, Cashton, Black River Falls - Community Health Worker Grant Deadline - 08/07/2026 - All day CT - Online submission - WIG: HEART Grant Deadline - 08/17/2026 - All day CT - www.dwd.wisconsin.gov/det/HEART - Care Coordination Grant Deadline - 08/21/2026 - All day CT - Online submission

The program supports multiple grant opportunities including Rural Technology Transformation Funds, Coordinating Care grants, Community Health Worker grants, and Rural Dental Efficiency and Access grants. These programs aim to strengthen rural health infrastructure, improve workforce capacity, and enhance access to care in rural communities. Event schedule: - , 2026, 11:59 pm - October 15 - 11:59 pm - Increasing Tenant and Homeowner Environmental Health Literacy Mini–Grant - , 2026, 11:59 pm - October 22 - 11:59 pm - Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) - , 2026, 11:59 pm - October 25 - 11:59 pm - 2026-2027 Overdose Prevention Supplies Program - , 2026, 11:59 pm - October 28 - 11:59 pm - Parent Peer Professional Led Workforce Development - , 2026, 11:59 pm - October 31 - 5:00 pm - 2026 Intoxicated Driver Program Supplemental Funding - , 2026, 5:00 pm - November 9 - 11:59 pm - Wisconsin Title V MCH Adolescent Mental Health Youth Engagement Expansion Funding - , 2026, 11:59 pm - November 13 - 11:59 pm - Reproductive Health and Family Planning Grants - , 2026, 11:59 pm - November 13 - 11:59 pm - Southern Region Children’s Resource Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Funding

The Tribal Rural Health Transformation Project receives $5,500,000 in federal funding for contract year 2027 to support rural health transformation for Wisconsin's tribal communities. This funding is targeted at improving health care delivery networks and capacity in rural areas. The table provides a transparent breakdown of state and federal awards across programs.

Rural men ages 25 and older in Wisconsin experience disproportionately high rates of suicide and self-harm. In 2024, there were 243 suicide deaths and over 500 non-fatal ED visits for suspected self-harm injuries among this population, with increases seen in spring and summer. Community strength and connections are identified as key protective factors, and resources such as the 988 Lifeline and the Farmer Wellness Helpline are promoted.

This is a required risk assessment and due diligence checklist for applicants to the WIG: HEART program. It assesses applicant capacity in governance, financial management, grant administration, and compliance as a precondition for funding. No awardees or budgets are determined in this document.