CEO Update: Rural Health Transformation Program
Yikes, it’s hot outside! I typically welcome the longer days for the opportunity to be outside and enjoy the fresh air. This year is different with the record-breaking heat Colorado is experiencing. Not only are things heating up outside, but they are also heating up in terms of rural health.
Across the country, rural is on everyone’s mind and for good reason; $50 Billion dollars. The largest investment in rural health made through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), is starting to roll out across the country.
In Colorado, RHTP applications opened on June 18th and applications from eligible providers are due on August 3rd. $160 million will be awarded to applicants with approved applications across eight different initiatives:
- Whole Person Health and Support for Alternative Care – $40,011,564
- Advisory Board and Outreach for Hospitals – $420,000
- EMS Transport Coordination and Coverage – $4,400,000
- Mini-grants to Hospitals – $4,105,604
- Strengthen and Expand the Rural Health Workforce – $23,358,587
- Establish Incentive Payments – $39,200,000
- Support for Telehealth Participation – $44,000,000
- Implement Policies/Practices that Support Chronic Disease Risk Factors – $4,800,000
This investment has the potential to help many rural communities over the next five years. This money however does not come free and doesn’t come without a lot of extra work. I’d like to thank those of you that are working so hard in building your applications which will help assist moving innovation forward in your rural communities! I’d like to express my gratitude for all of our rural communities, for the work you do day in and day out, to provide access to care.
To learn more about the RHTP program, application process, newsletter, office hours, Advisory Committee meetings and more please visit https://hcpf.colorado.gov/rural-health-transformation-program.
