Alabama

ADECA is announcing a competitive funding opportunity under Alabama's Rural Health Transformation Program to address critical workforce shortages in rural communities. Approximately $33 million in federal funds will be distributed via subawards to support innovative and practical workforce development, recruitment, incentive, and training projects in rural healthcare. Projects must serve rural Alabama and align with defined strategy categories including GME expansion, EMS workforce development, workforce education, recruitment incentives, and Certified Nurse Midwife training. Key contacts: info@alabamarhtp.com Event schedule: - Application Portal Opens - 06/03/2026 - CT - ARHTP website - Application Deadline - 06/26/2026 - 5:00 PM CT - ARHTP portal - Quarter 1 Progress Report Due - 01/10/2027 - Quarter 2 Progress Report Due - 04/10/2027 - Quarter 3 Progress Report Due - 07/10/2027 - Quarter 4 Progress Report Due - 10/10/2027

In December 2025, Alabama was awarded $203 million for the first year of the Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program through a cooperative agreement with CMS. ADECA serves as the lead agency. This is a five-year program, with budget awards and program plans subject to annual review and update.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) launches Alabama’s first competitive RHT Program rural workforce funding round with approximately $25 million available. Eligible applicants include hospitals, health systems, EMS agencies, educational institutions, and rural healthcare providers proposing projects to increase rural workforce capacity. The initiative prioritizes GME expansion, EMS workforce training, education, and recruitment incentives tied to rural service. Key contacts: info@alabamarhtp.com Event schedule: - Application Portal Opens - 06/03/2026 - CT - www.alabamarhtp.com ARHTP Portal - Application Deadline - 06/26/2026 - 5:00 PM CT - Quarter 1 Progress Report Due - 01/10/2027 - Quarter 2 Progress Report Due - 04/10/2027 - Quarter 3 Progress Report Due - 07/10/2027 - Quarter 4 Progress Report Due - 10/10/2027

The program is managed by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and focuses on multiple facets including EHR IT, cybersecurity, rural workforce, mental health, and rural health practice. Workshops were held in May 2026 to engage stakeholders and provide an overview of the program and its initiatives. Event schedule: - Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program Overview Workshop - May 26-28, 2026 - Multiple locations across Alabama

ADECA is hosting in-person and virtual workshops to provide comprehensive overviews of the ARHTP NOFO and application process for five approved initiatives. Workshops include detailed reviews of application components, funding levels, and post-award processes with live Q&A. Event schedule: - Collaborative EHR, IT and Cybersecurity Initiative Workshop - 06/09/2026 - 10:00 AM CT - Alabama Center for Commerce, Montgomery, AL (also available via Microsoft Teams) - Rural Health Initiative Workshop - 06/09/2026 - 1:00 PM CT - Alabama Center for Commerce, Montgomery, AL (also available via Microsoft Teams) - Rural Workforce Initiative Workshop - 06/09/2026 - 3:00 PM CT - Alabama Center for Commerce, Montgomery, AL (also available via Microsoft Teams) - Mental Health Initiative Workshop - 06/10/2026 - 10:00 AM CT - Alabama Center for Commerce, Montgomery, AL (also available via Microsoft Teams) - Rural Health Practice Initiative Workshop - 06/10/2026 - 1:00 PM CT - Alabama Center for Commerce, Montgomery, AL (also available via Microsoft Teams)

The document outlines a detailed timeline and phased approach for Alabama's Rural Health Transformation Program launch in 2025, including outreach, application, review, and award phases. Systems development milestones for application and monitoring portals are also highlighted. Event schedule: - Applications Due - 06/26/2025 - Initial Award Notifications - 07/17/2025 - Program Year 1 Reporting to CMS - 08/31/2026

This CMS summary document outlines FY26 Rural Health Transformation Program applications from numerous states, each proposing large-scale, multi-initiative plans to address access, workforce, health information technology, quality, and population health in rural and frontier communities. Strategic goals and spotlights include maternal health, chronic disease, digital modernization, telehealth, workforce expansion, and hospital stabilization. Proposed funding amounts per state range from ~$150M to over $270M, but are for reference only at the application stage.

The program is funded through a $203,404,327 award from CMS for the first year under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Alabama’s plan, approved by CMS, includes 11 strategic initiatives and is overseen by the Alabama Rural Health Transformation Advisory Group. ADECA administers the program in collaboration with multiple state agencies and stakeholders. Event schedule: - Announcement of CMS award and plan approval - December 29, 2025 - Montgomery

ADECA serves as the lead agency coordinating with multiple state departments and the Governor’s Office. The program received $203 million for its first year and includes eleven initiatives designed to transform rural health in Alabama. Workshops are held to provide detailed program information and updates. Event schedule: - ARHTP Roadshow Workshop - May 26-28, 2026 - Various locations including Montgomery (Gordon Persons Building)