The Kentucky Rural Health Transformation Program (RHT) is actively implementing five interrelated initiatives focused on expanding EMS capacity, strengthening behavioral health crisis and telehealth access, advancing rural dental programs, developing chronic care and maternal health community hubs, and supporting workforce development. The program offers a range of targeted funding opportunities for health departments, EMS agencies, educational institutions, and behavioral health organizations, with a strong emphasis on technology-enabled care, regional collaboration, and prevention. Applications are currently open for several key initiative areas as part of a comprehensive, statewide strategy. Current structured plan tracks 5 key initiatives and 5 strategic goals.
Kentucky has received CMS funding and officially launched the Rural Health Transformation Program. Multiple RFAs and application processes are open or underway across EMS, dental, behavioral health, and community hub initiatives, constituting state-level procurement. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis with deadlines spanning June and July 2026, and the program is actively engaging rural stakeholders for local participation. State opportunities: 12 total (12 past/closed), $3.5M listed funding. Key opportunities: Crisis to Care: Establish or Expand Community Paramedicine Program; Rural Health Transformation Program Rapid Response to Recovery – Telebehavioral Health Support; Rural Health Transformation Program: Rapid Response to Recovery – Telebehavioral Health Support. Strategy alignment: supports workforce, telehealth, ems priorities.
RHTP Strategy
Kentucky’s RHTP utilizes a phased, evidence-driven transformation centered on five integrated initiatives addressing chronic disease, maternal and infant health, behavioral health crises, rural oral health gaps, and emergency medical services system modernization. The approach features technology-enabled rural health hubs, telehealth expansion, workforce pipeline growth, and enhanced coordination, all supported by annual competitive grants and CMS performance-based funding for sustainable rural health infrastructure.
Model
Integrated hub-and-spoke network with digital infrastructure and phased pilot-to-scale deployment, aligned to technology-enabled care and workforce expansion.
Key Initiatives
1Establish and expand Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care Innovation, integrating nutrition, physical activity, digital self-management tools, and chronic disease navigation.
2Deploy telehealth-enabled maternal care teams and wraparound supports for PoWERing Maternal and Infant Health in maternity care deserts and high-risk rural regions.
3Implement Rapid Response to Recovery with EmPATH psychiatric crisis units, mobile crisis teams, telebehavioral health access, behavioral health crisis follow-up, and real-time referral tracking.
4Expand Rooted in Health: Rural Dental Access via establishment and expansion of accredited dental hygiene training programs, externships, teledentistry, Public Health Dental Hygiene (PHDH) teams in Local Health Districts, and school- or long-term care-based service delivery.
5Enhance EMS through Crisis to Care: Integrated Emergency Medical Services Response and Coordination with investments in community paramedicine program expansion, treat-in-place and treat-no-transport protocols, alternative destination options, EMS workforce development and modernization, and trauma response improvements.
Timeline: Primary implementation FY2026–FY2030, with phased competitive grant launches starting July 1, 2026; milestones include rural hub establishment by 2027, annual workforce and service expansion, and program funding tied to CMS performance benchmarks.
Health Priority
Chronic Disease (Obesity and Diabetes): Rural community hubs are established for prevention and management, integrating nutrition, physical activity, and digital self-management tools.
Jul 14, 2026
Health Priority
Maternal and Infant Health: Telehealth-enabled teams are deployed to maternity-care deserts and high-risk regions to provide seamless, high-quality prenatal and postpartum care.
Jul 14, 2026
Health Priority
Behavioral Health and Crisis Response: Mobile behavioral health teams and crisis stabilization connect individuals to community-based recovery supports.
This RFA solicits Medicaid-enrolled, Eastern Kentucky-serving nonprofit behavioral health organizations to apply for funding to build and integrate telebehavioral health capacity as part of Kentucky's Rural Health Transformation Program. The initiative focuses on expanding access to psychiatric consultation, crisis response, and behavioral health services using a regional hub-and-spoke model, with pilot implementation targeting Eastern Kentucky and growth planned statewide. Applicants may request budgets up to $500,000 for activities tied to participatory telebehavioral health, technology adoption, workforce development, and coordination with statewide partners. Key contacts: Breanna McGinnis Breanna.mcginnis@ky.gov
Event schedule:
- RFA Released - 06/01/2026
- Deadline for Receipt of Applications - 07/03/2026
- Notification of Award to Grantees - 07/10/2026
- Funding Period Begins - 10/01/2026
This Kentucky RHTP guidance offers $212.9 million in Year 1 funding to modernize EMS education and training for rural and underserved communities, with a structured, multi-year pathway for program enhancement and mobile simulation units. It supports both centralized and mobile training, expands the EMS workforce, and strengthens the integration between EMS providers and behavioral health crisis response networks. Technical support, data requirements, and compliance guidance are built into the process to ensure agency readiness and impact. Key contacts: Jimmie Hampton jimmie.hampton@ky.gov; Bob Andrew bob.andrew@ky.gov
Event schedule:
- Application Submission Deadline - 06/12/2026 - 5:00 PM ET - Submit by email (Jimmie Hampton <jimmie.hampton@ky.gov>)
Kentucky's rural health strategy centers on Rural Community Hubs to coordinate resources and organizations to address chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity. The initiative seeks to bring together local partners to improve health outcomes, reduce duplication of services, and better connect community health workers. Kentucky faces particularly severe challenges with diabetes, with mortality rates significantly above the national average.
POPULATION_HEALTH · NETWORK_DEVELOPMENT
Core Initiatives
Coordinate rural organizations and health care providers to prevent and manage chronic disease
Reduce duplication of services and improve connection among community health workers
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StrategyNEWJul 9, 2026PDF
Rooted in Health is focused on expanding access to dental care in rural Kentucky by training and placing more dental hygienists, bringing teledental and mobile services, and enhancing surgical training for general dentists. The initiative aims to reduce emergency room visits for dental issues and provide comprehensive care locally.
The Crisis to Care program aims to strengthen the EMS workforce and improve coordination between responders and hospitals in rural Kentucky. Innovative uses of technology connect care teams in real time, and community paramedicine is integrated to ensure continuity of care after emergencies. Nearly half Kentucky’s paramedics are concentrated in five metro counties, highlighting the need for service expansion in rural areas.
Summary Documents (2)
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SummaryNEWJul 9, 2026PDF2024
The program establishes EmPATH units and a centralized tele-behavioral health hub to ensure prompt, appropriate care for those in behavioral health crisis. It decreases repeated crises, supports first responders, and connects individuals to community-based recovery resources. Kentucky faces high rates of mental illness or substance use disorder diagnoses in emergency departments.
POPULATION_HEALTH · QUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · OTHER
Core Initiatives
Enhance crisis care for behavioral health emergencies
Reduce hospitalizations and ED strain
Improve care continuity and access for rural populations
This document is a federal award announcement for the Kentucky Rural Health Transformation Plan, funded under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025. The award, totaling $212,905,590.56, is managed as a cooperative agreement with CMS, with required milestones, reporting, and revised budget submission for the first budget period. The period of performance spans December 29, 2025, to October 30, 2030, and includes fiscal and progress report requirements tied to CMS oversight.
Award: $212.9M
Event Schedule
Award Start Date - 2025-12-29
Revised Budget Deadline - 2026-01-30
Annual Progress Report #1 Due - 2026-08-30
Show all schedule items (4)
Award Start Date - 2025-12-29
Revised Budget Deadline - 2026-01-30
Annual Progress Report #1 Due - 2026-08-30
Period of Performance End Date - 2030-10-30
Reference Documents (5)
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ReferenceJun 27, 2026PDF2026
This FAQ outlines eligibility and application details for Kentucky EMS agencies seeking RHT EMS Transformation funding. It details the implementation pathway for Treat-No-Transport (TNT) and Transport to Alternate Destination (TAD) protocols, covering the use of telehealth, application guidance, and performance requirements. Key program highlights include a focus on reducing unnecessary transports, improving EMS workforce sustainability, and introducing a state-integrated care coordination technology platform. Key contacts: RHT.CTC@ky.gov
Event schedule:
- Application Deadline - 06/15/2026 - 5:00 PM ET - Email submission to RHT.CTC@ky.gov
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed.
KY - 2026 - RHT Community Paramedicine - Attachment B - Budget Template
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Attachment A Approved Risk Adjustment Model.docx
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KY Rural Dental Access – Attachment A: Budget Template
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KY - 2026 - RHT E&T Modernization - Narrative
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KY - 2026 - RHT E&T Modernization - Request for Application
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KY - 2026 - Request for Application: Public Health Dental Hygiene Teams in Local Health Department [PHDH_Team_Request_for_Application.pdf]
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SupportingPDF2026Award: $20.0M
KY - 2026 - RHT_EMS_Transformation_RFA
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KY Rural Dental Access – Attachment A: Budget Template
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KY - 2026 - Request for Application: Public Health Dental Hygiene Teams in Local Health Department [PHDH_Team_Request_for_Application.pdf]
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KY - 2026 - RHT E&T Modernization - Narrative
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This competitive RFA under Kentucky's CMS-funded Rural Health Transformation Program seeks applications from the state's 14 CMHCs to enhance behavioral health crisis response infrastructure, including hospital-based EmPATH support and EMS crisis coordination. Priority focus is initially on eastern Kentucky pilot hospitals and later to statewide expansion, coordinated with other RHTP behavioral health initiatives. Awards are expected to be between $400,000-$1,200,000 depending on scope and activities. Key contacts: Breanna McGinnis Breanna.mcginnis@ky.gov
Event schedule:
- RFA Release - June 1, 2026
- Application Due - July 3, 2026
- Award Notification - July 10, 2026
- Funding Begins - October 1, 2026
- End of Budget Period 1 - CMHC trainers must be certified to deliver all foundational behavioral health training
End of Budget Period 1 - CMHC trainers must be certified to deliver all foundational behavioral health training
Contacts
Breanna McGinnis - <Breanna.mcginnis@ky.gov> - Program Contact - Statewide/Kentucky
Core Initiatives
Expand access to high-quality behavioral health crisis response and stabilization services for rural residents.
Diversion of behavioral health crises from emergency departments and hospital admissions to reduce strain on rural hospitals.
Improve outcomes for the entire crisis system by ensuring individuals receive appropriate services in the right setting and promoting system-level collaboration.
Show all initiatives (9)
Expand access to high-quality behavioral health crisis response and stabilization services for rural residents.
Diversion of behavioral health crises from emergency departments and hospital admissions to reduce strain on rural hospitals.
Improve outcomes for the entire crisis system by ensuring individuals receive appropriate services in the right setting and promoting system-level collaboration.
Build integrated, technology-forward rural health infrastructure and workforce pipelines.
Reduce avoidable emergency department and inpatient admissions by improving continuity of care and offering community bridge care and stabilization.
Improve rates of timely follow-up after ED or EmPATH discharge.
Strengthen behavioral health crisis response capacity statewide through training and system integration.
Reduce variability in behavioral health response practices across regions.
Enable transformative strategies in partnership with EMS agencies, paramedicine programs, mobile crisis teams, and law enforcement.
This competitive RFA supports Kentucky's Rooted in Health: Rural Dental Access initiative under the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program, funding mobile dental services targeted at rural areas. The $212.9M federally funded program (in year 1) prioritizes organizations ready to expand access to restorative and definitive dental care for rural, high-need populations. Applicants must operate non-profit mobile dental units and collaborate closely with public health and community partners. Key contacts: John Landis john.landis@ky.gov
Event schedule:
- RFA Released - 05/11/2026
- RFA Information Session - 05/21/2026
- RFA Office Hours - 05/29/2026
- Applications Due - 06/12/2026 - john.landis@ky.gov
- Notification of Award to Grantees - 09/01/2026
- Funding Period Begins - 10/01/2026
- Funding Period Ends - 09/30/2027
Expand access to mobile dental services in rural communities.
Increase availability of definitive dental care for rural residents.
Collaborate with partners to effectively deploy and integrate mobile dental services.
Show all initiatives (4)
Expand access to mobile dental services in rural communities.
Increase availability of definitive dental care for rural residents.
Collaborate with partners to effectively deploy and integrate mobile dental services.
Address health disparities and improve oral health outcomes for priority rural populations.
Kentucky’s RHTP received $212.9 million for year 1 to transform rural health, with a major focus on developing EMS through community paramedicine. The program funds both new and expanding paramedicine models, emphasizes crisis response, technical assistance, required behavioral health training, and robust evaluation. EMS agencies may apply for up to $650,000 in start-up funding; additional support targets integration of workforce, technology, and community partnerships to close gaps in rural care. Key contacts: Jimmie Hampton jimmie.hampton@ky.gov; Behavioral Health Champion
Event schedule:
- Application Deadline - 06/12/2026 - 5:00 PM ET - Submit to jimmie.hampton@ky.gov
- Information Session Webinar - TBD (document refers to an upcoming webinar)
- Months 1-2: Program Planning & CHW Model Design - Month 1-2
- Months 3-6: Training & Certification Launch - Month 3-6
- Months 7-8: Infrastructural Setup and Supply Readiness - Month 7-8
- Month 9: Soft Launch of CHW Program - Month 9
- Month 10: Program Stabilization - Month 10
Jimmie Hampton - <jimmie.hampton@ky.gov> - Workforce Development Specialist for Crisis to Care (CTC) - Commonwealth of Kentucky
Behavioral Health Champion - Primary point of contact for behavioral health training coordination - all awardees
Core Initiatives
Improve health access, quality, and outcomes for rural Kentuckians
Strengthen pre-hospital and crisis response program capacity
Expand preventative and community-based services
Show all initiatives (4)
Improve health access, quality, and outcomes for rural Kentuckians
Strengthen pre-hospital and crisis response program capacity
Expand preventative and community-based services
Build long-term sustainability for EMS and rural health infrastructure
Kentucky received $212.9 million in FY2026 for the state’s rural health transformation, with a strong emphasis on modernizing and expanding EMS training and mobile skills programs. Funding is available to EMS agencies for hands-on and mobile training equipment, workforce expansion, and the development of community-based EMS education. Technical assistance, application support, and program reporting are provided to ensure sustainable impact. Key contacts: Jimmie Hampton jimmie.hampton@ky.gov; Bob Andrew bob.andrew@ky.gov
Event schedule:
- Submission Deadline - 06/12/2026 - 5:00 PM ET
Award: $212.9MEMS_DEVELOPMENT · WORKFORCE · OTHER
Contacts
Jimmie Hampton - <jimmie.hampton@ky.gov> - Workforce Development Specialist for Crisis to Care - Statewide (Crisis to Care program)
Bob Andrew - <bob.andrew@ky.gov> - TEI/EMS Certification Support - Statewide (TEI Certification)
Core Initiatives
Improve health access, quality, and outcomes for rural Kentuckians
Modernize EMS education and training infrastructure
Strengthen rural healthcare workforce capacity
Core Initiatives
Increase access to dental care for rural Kentuckians
Expand dental workforce and workforce training
Reduce emergency department visits for dental needs
Show all initiatives (4)
Increase access to dental care for rural Kentuckians
Expand dental workforce and workforce training
Reduce emergency department visits for dental needs
Improve quality and coordination of oral health services
Strengthen emergency medical services response for rural Kentucky
Expand workforce of skilled EMS and paramedic professionals in rural areas
Improve technology-enabled real-time coordination between responders and hospitals
Show all initiatives (4)
Strengthen emergency medical services response for rural Kentucky
Expand workforce of skilled EMS and paramedic professionals in rural areas
Improve technology-enabled real-time coordination between responders and hospitals
Extend care beyond immediate emergencies via integrated community health teams
This summary presents high-level application details for multiple states requesting RHTP funding for FY26, with federal amounts ranging from $150M to $272M per state. All highlight major structural rural health barriers, with strategies including expanding workforce training, advancing telehealth, supporting maternal care, addressing chronic disease, and value-based payment reform. All states emphasize hospital support, technology modernization, and improved rural population health outcomes, paired with select state policy commitments, e.g., SNAP waivers, licensure compacts, and nutrition CME.
Core Initiatives
Make Rural America Healthy Again
Expand rural healthcare access
Strengthen rural and frontier hospital infrastructure
Show all initiatives (32)
Make Rural America Healthy Again
Expand rural healthcare access
Strengthen rural and frontier hospital infrastructure
Develop and retain rural healthcare workforce
Invest in digital health/technology innovation
Improve care coordination and delivery models
Advance population health and chronic disease prevention
Support value-based and sustainable rural health systems
Empower rural residents to achieve healthy living goals through expanded population health solutions
Expand the supply of care by growing a rural workforce and spreading technologies that improve coordination
Ensure care will be available and affordable long into the future by pairing affordability measures with strategies that advance quality, efficiency, and fiscal durability
Transform the rural health workforce through apprenticeships, improved IT, and expansion of Area Health Education Centers and pipeline programs
Promote sustainable access and innovative care through expanded capacity for primary care, specialty practices, school-based health centers, and behavioral health expansion
Expand access to essential healthcare services and improve health and well-being through targeted initiatives and partnerships
Strengthen the rural health workforce and technological infrastructure to increase connectivity and support better outcomes
Build partnerships between healthcare, public health, and community organizations to strengthen workforce shortages, interoperability, and access to care
Improve cardiometabolic health outcomes and sustainably expand healthcare workforce
Create Coordinated Regional Integrated Systems to address maternal mortality, poverty, EMS coordination, and workforce shortages
Build a statewide network of rural healthcare hubs to expand access, improve outcomes, strengthen coordinating networks and provider sustainability
Strengthen healthcare workforce, secure financial solvency for rural providers, embed prevention and community health at the center of care, and expand technology use
Address rural health challenges through food-as-medicine programs, workforce development, technology initiatives, and right-sizing the healthcare system
Make rural areas healthy by implementing value-based care models, strengthening rural health systems, workforce recruitment, and upgrading technology infrastructure
Advance a prevention-oriented strategy across behavioral health, perinatal care, chronic disease, oral health, and school-based wellness
Improve healthcare availability by investing in primary and specialty provider expansion, fostering flexible healthcare systems adapting to community needs
Transform healthcare access and quality through specialty care access expansion, community-centered chronic disease and behavioral health care, and workforce pipeline strengthening
Improve health outcomes with Make Rural America Healthy Again, primary care and specialty service expansions, and workforce development
Catalyze innovative care models, transform rural care experience, and create sustainable rural healthcare delivery systems via provider coordination and hub networks
Rebuild and retain rural health workforce through residencies, innovative technologies, behavioral health and nutrition initiatives, and telehealth hubs
Improve access to care through clinically integrated networks (CINs), community-based clinics in K-12 schools and college campuses, and mobile health care services, rural hospital improvements, and home visits.
Improve health outcomes through expansions of behavioral health services.
Improve chronic disease health outcomes such as reduced A1C and increased levels of hypertension management.
Expand technology to build remote monitoring and telehealth, expand electronic medical record (EMR) usage for pharmacists, and pilot innovative screening technologies for chronic disease management.
This RFA application form enables Kentucky EMS agencies to apply for transformation funding focusing on care coordination and alternative response (TNT/TAD). The program encourages use of telehealth, data-driven evaluation, and partnerships with alternative destinations such as urgent care centers and behavioral health facilities. Agencies must attach demonstration of leadership commitment and participate in statewide care coordination technology.
Event schedule:
- Application Deadline - 06/15/2026
- Program Implementation Period - August 2026 through July 2027
Expand EMS capacity for alternative response and care coordination
Reduce unnecessary emergency department transports
Support implementation of TNT/TAD protocols
Show all initiatives (4)
Expand EMS capacity for alternative response and care coordination
Reduce unnecessary emergency department transports
Support implementation of TNT/TAD protocols
Increase use of statewide care coordination technology
This application is for Kentucky EMS agencies to request funding under the Equipment and Mobile Training Units RFA. Agencies may apply to enhance stationary hands-on skills programs or establish/expand mobile EMS training units. The funding aims to increase EMS workforce capacity and access to training in rural and underserved regions. Key contacts: Jimme Hampton jimmie.hampton@ky.gov
Event schedule:
- Application due date - 06/12/2026
- Program period (planned) - August 2026 - July 2027
EMS_DEVELOPMENT · WORKFORCE
Contacts
Jimme Hampton - <jimmie.hampton@ky.gov> - Workforce Development Specialist - Crisis to Care (CTC)
Core Initiatives
Expand access to hands-on EMS skills training for rural and underserved areas
Establish or enhance Mobile Training Units to improve EMS workforce capabilities
Increase the number of qualified EMS trainers and students trained in rural regions
14A.1-070 Definitions for chapter (KY business entity definitions statute, effective July 15, 2020)
2020 · PDF
202 KAR 7:601. Training, education, and continuing education (Amendment)