The Tennessee Department of Health has launched the first funding opportunity under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), marking the beginning of a series of competitive grants aimed at strengthening rural health systems across the state. Governor Bill Lee emphasized that the program is designed to ensure all residents, regardless of location, have access to high-quality healthcare by investing in structural solutions that improve outcomes for rural families.
The inaugural grant focuses on a Perinatal and Pediatric Behavioral Health Teleconsultation and Education Project, which will use technology to expand access to behavioral health services for women, infants, and children in rural communities. This initiative is part of a broader rollout of funding opportunities scheduled throughout 2026, with projects addressing maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, memory care, health technology innovation, and county health council support.
Health Commissioner Dr. John Dunn highlighted that the RHTP grants represent a strategic investment in rural communities, aiming to expand specialized care and support local providers. The program is backed by a significant federal award of $206.9 million from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), part of a nationwide five-year, $50 billion commitment to improving access and outcomes in rural healthcare.
Applicants can register for notifications to stay informed about upcoming funding opportunities, with the Tennessee Department of Health overseeing the program’s implementation. The mission remains to protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all Tennesseans, with RHTP serving as a cornerstone initiative to address long-standing rural health challenges.
