The South Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program is currently offering one-time infrastructure and capacity-building grants through four targeted initiatives: Connections to Care, Wellness Within Reach, Leveling Up, and Shoring Up to Sustainability. The program focuses on expanding digital infrastructure, deploying mobile health units, scaling successful pilot programs, and strengthening healthcare systems in rural communities, with applications due June 1, 2026. Current structured plan tracks 8 key initiatives and 8 strategic goals.
As of April 2026, South Carolina has released grant opportunities for four Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) initiatives, with applications open until June 1, 2026. The state held a public webinar to guide applicants, and all funding opportunity details are accessible on the SCDHHS RHTP web page. This signals that state-level procurements are underway, advancing from planning to the implementation phase. State opportunities: 5 total (5 past/closed), $87.7M listed funding. Key opportunities: RHTP: Shoring Up to Sustainability Initiative; RHTP: Wellness Within Reach Initiative; Connections to Care – Modernize Health IT. Strategy alignment: supports workforce, prevention, care access priorities. State opportunities: 5 total (5 past/closed), $87.7M listed funding. Key opportunities: RHTP: Shoring Up to Sustainability Initiative; RHTP: Wellness Within Reach Initiative; Connections to Care – Modernize Health IT. Strategy alignment: supports workforce, prevention, care access priorities.
RHTP Strategy
South Carolina's RHTP utilizes a data-driven, infrastructure- and capacity-building strategy, emphasizing one-time, high-impact investments that address systemic barriers and foster long-term sustainability. Led by SCDHHS under federal oversight, the program modernizes digital and physical healthcare infrastructure, scales evidence-based models, deploys mobile health assets, and reinforces rural workforce and provider networks. Special focus continues on chronic disease, maternal health, behavioral health integration, and equitable care access in rural communities.
Model
Targeted infrastructure and workforce transformation using digital innovation, mobile service delivery, scaling pilot programs, and financial stabilization, coordinated through time-limited grants, outcome-driven oversight, and public-private partnerships.
Key Initiatives
1Connections to Care: Expand statewide digital infrastructure via EHR, remote monitoring, telehealth, and resource platforms to improve coordination and access.
2Leveling Up: Scale successful pilot programs statewide, focusing on chronic disease management, pediatric care quality, and comprehensive workforce recruitment, incentives, and training.
3Wellness Within Reach: Deploy mobile health units, crisis response teams, and pop-up clinics to directly serve underserved rural populations and address behavioral and crisis care needs.
4Shoring Up to Sustainability: Invest in rural workforce recruitment and retention, clinical facility upgrades, provider training, and diversification to stabilize rural provider networks.
5Tech Catalyst Fund: Accelerate rural health technology startups, digital literacy, clinical model innovation, and adoption of new technologies across rural providers.
6Maternal Health Expansion: Extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months; re-launch the Birth Outcomes Initiative; implement the Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model; collaborate with statewide partners to improve maternal health outcomes.
7Healthcare Infrastructure Grants: Support creation or improvement of rural and underserved healthcare facilities, including integration of behavioral health and pediatric care.
8Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Services Grant: Expand crisis care and stabilization services in rural communities.
Timeline: Primary grant application window closes June 1, 2026. Further Tech Catalyst Fund and Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Services opportunities, along with ongoing initiative timetables, will be announced in subsequent phases.
Health Priority
Behavioral Health Integration: South Carolina received $7.2 million to improve integration of behavioral health services, with specific targeting toward rural populations. (Regions: Rural communities)
Jul 18, 2026
Health Priority
Maternal Health Care: Grant funds support investments in maternal health care, addressing access and outcomes in rural and medically underserved regions. (Regions: Rural areas, Medically underserved areas)
Jul 18, 2026
Health Priority
School-based Mental Health: The number of school-based mental health counselors has doubled to better serve communities across South Carolina. (Regions: Statewide, Rural schools)
Jul 18, 2026
Supporting
PDF
2025-2030
Award: $1.0B
SC - 2025 - Budget Narrative
SupportingPDF2025-2028Award: $800.0M
SC - 2025 - Transforming Rural Healthcare in South Carolina
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Due Jun 1, 2026
2 related documents
Related documents2
PrimaryPDF2026-2027Award: $27.0M
SC - 2026 - RHTP: Leveling Up Initiative
SupportingPDF2026-2030Award: $200.0M
Announcement Documents (2)
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AnnouncementNEWJul 14, 2026PDF2023
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AnnouncementMay 25, 2026HTML2023
Event schedule:
- Thursday, , 2023 - October 12 - COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) today announced the creation of a new grant program to improve access to quality medical care in rur...
- The application and instructions for this grant program are available on the agency’s website. Applications are due , 2023, and successful grant awardees will be notified Feb. 2, 2024. For questions about the grant pr...
Award: $15.0M
Event Schedule
Thursday, , 2023 - October 12 - COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) today announced the creation of a new grant program to improve access to quality medical care in rur...
The application and instructions for this grant program are available on the agency’s website. Applications are due , 2023, and successful grant awardees will be notified Feb. 2, 2024. For questions about the grant pr...
Award Announcement Documents (7)
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Award AnnouncementNEWJul 14, 2026PDF2025Federal
SCDHHS was awarded $17 million from CMS over ten years to improve maternal health care for Medicaid enrollees through the Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model. Key priorities include reducing maternal mortality and extending postpartum Medicaid coverage. The effort is supported by a coalition of state and national health partners and builds on previous initiatives such as the Birth Outcomes Initiative. Key contacts: Jeff Leieritz Communications@scdhhs.gov
Event schedule:
- Grant Award Announcement - 01/08/2025 - ET - Columbia, SC
Award: $17.0MPOPULATION_HEALTH
Event Schedule
Grant Award Announcement - 01/08/2025 - ET - Columbia, SC
Contacts
Jeff Leieritz - <Communications@scdhhs.gov> - Communications Contact - Statewide
Core Initiatives
Improve maternal health care for Medicaid enrollees
Reduce pregnancy-related mortality and disparities
Enhance access to postpartum care
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Award AnnouncementNEWJul 14, 2026PDF2026
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Award AnnouncementNEWJul 14, 2026HTML2025-2035
Application Documents (7)
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ApplicationApr 15, 2026PDF2024
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) is soliciting applications for up to $15 million in one-time grant funding to build or improve rural and medically underserved area health facilities. No match is required. Focus areas include expanding access to essential health services, improving health equity, and supporting sustainable facility operations.
Budget: $15.0M
Core Initiatives
Increase access to necessary healthcare services in rural and medically underserved areas.
Enhance current services in rural and medically underserved communities.
Improve health outcomes for the community.
Show all initiatives (4)
Increase access to necessary healthcare services in rural and medically underserved areas.
Enhance current services in rural and medically underserved communities.
Improve health outcomes for the community.
Promote sustainable delivery models and capital improvements.
This RFA is South Carolina's implementation of the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program Leveling Up Initiative, supporting chronic disease program expansion for rural areas. Total anticipated funding is $27 million, awarded as subawards to organizations serving rural communities. The program seeks to reduce preventable hospitalizations and improve outcomes for diabetes, hypertension, sickle cell, maternal health, and other conditions.
The Rural Health Transformation Program in South Carolina will fund four major initiatives for rural populations, totaling $169 million in federal investment. Awards focus on health IT, chronic disease, pop-up clinics, workforce, and technology innovation; applications are open for rural providers. Timeline milestones include application deadlines in June 2026 and completion by September 2027. Key contacts: SCORH Team info@scorh.net
Event schedule:
- Applications Due - 06/01/2026
- Award Notices - 07/31/2026
- Project Completion - 09/30/2027
South Carolina submitted a comprehensive RHT plan addressing rural health disparities with five integrated initiatives including digital infrastructure, mobile health units, and workforce strengthening. The state requests $1 billion federal funding to modernize rural healthcare, expand access, and build sustainability.
South Carolina's RHTP application requests $1 billion over five years to transform rural health outcomes via robust state-level initiatives. Funding will be competitively distributed through multiple programs including health IT modernization, mobile crisis response, facility upgrades, workforce incentives, and rural care expansion. Extensive oversight, compliance, and outcomes tracking are integral to the state's stewardship plan.
This CMS Office of Rural Health Transformation document summarizes FY26 Rural Health Transformation Program applications from multiple states, outlining proposed funding, core priorities, strategic initiatives, and policy actions to improve rural health access, workforce, delivery innovation, and quality/outcomes.
Core Initiatives
Make Rural America Healthy Again
Expand care access and quality
Advance rural health infrastructure and telehealth
Show all initiatives (50)
Make Rural America Healthy Again
Expand care access and quality
Advance rural health infrastructure and telehealth
Grow and retain healthcare workforce
Promote value-based and innovative care models
Empower rural Mainers to achieve their own healthy living goals through expanded population health solutions
Expand the supply of care by growing a rural workforce and spreading technologies that connect every community to advanced care
Ensure care will be available and affordable long into Maine’s future by pairing affordability with strategies that advance quality, efficiency, and fiscal durability
Transform the rural health workforce through new apprenticeships, improved IT, and expansion of Area Health Education Centers, and pipeline programs (Maryland)
Promote sustainable access and innovative care through new and expanded capacity for primary care, specialty practices, school-based health centers, and behavioral health expansion (Maryland)
Expand access to essential healthcare services for rural residents (Massachusetts)
Improve health and well-being through targeted initiatives and partnerships (Massachusetts)
Strengthen the full continuum of the healthcare workforce with targeted activities focused on workforce development, recruitment, and retention (Massachusetts)
Strengthen the foundation of rural health systems through integrated, community-driven solutions that expand access to care, modernize health information exchange, build workforce capacity, and address key community supports that influence health and well-being (Michigan)
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SummaryApr 15, 2026PDF2026-2030
South Carolina proposes an ambitious, data-driven Rural Health Transformation plan centered on expanding digital health infrastructure (EHR, remote monitoring, telehealth), workforce initiatives, and financial stabilization for rural hospitals. Strategic efforts target improved access and chronic disease management for 1.75 million rural residents, with emphases on care coordination, maternal health, and cross-sector partnerships. Five flagship initiatives (e.g., Connections to Care) will modernize rural health systems and equip communities for sustainable transformation.
Report Documents (3)
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ReportApr 15, 2026PDF2023
South Carolina is distributing $35 million in one-time infrastructure grants to hospitals for creating specialized emergency units for mental health crisis stabilization. The program aims to add 56 new crisis beds and 111 spaces to address emergency psychiatric needs. Funding is limited to infrastructure and does not cover staffing or service provision.
Award: $35.0M
Core Initiatives
Increase capacity for mental health crisis stabilization across rural and statewide hospitals.
Establish specialized emergency units for rapid assessment and treatment of mental health crises.
Provide infrastructure to better serve Medicaid and uninsured populations seeking behavioral health crisis care.
The document outlines an $800 million award over four years dedicated to transforming rural healthcare in South Carolina. Budget details include personnel, fringe benefits, travel, supplies, and substantial contractual expenditures.
South Carolina is launching its Wellness Within Reach Initiative as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program, making $27.7M available to rural-serving organizations through subawards. The initiative focuses on expanding mobile crisis response and community care sites to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes in rural areas. Projects must demonstrate measurable impact and directly benefit rural residents.
South Carolina is submitting an application to CMS for the Rural Health Transformation Program, with Governor and SCDHHS leadership committed as the lead administrator and convener. The plan prioritizes stakeholder engagement, chronic disease management, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable care models in rural areas. Extensive coordination aims to leverage existing resources, avoid duplication with current federal and state rural health funding, and maximize health outcomes for rural residents.
Ensure long-term sustainability of rural care delivery
Show all initiatives (6)
Strengthen rural health systems in South Carolina
Improve health outcomes for rural citizens
Ensure long-term sustainability of rural care delivery
Increase access to quality healthcare services in rural communities
Prevent and manage chronic diseases among rural populations
Engage stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and ongoing improvement of the Rural Health Transformation Plan
Reference Documents (5)
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ReferenceNEWJul 14, 2026HTML
South Carolina was awarded $200 million in Rural Health Transformation Program funding, along with additional grants and infrastructure awards focused on rural areas. The state is expanding healthcare access through grant programs, infrastructure investments, and increasing school-based mental health counselors. Major initiatives target improving maternal health care and behavioral health integration in rural communities. Key contacts: info@scdhhs.gov
Event schedule:
- RHTP Funding Award Announcement - 12/30/2025
- Healthcare Infrastructure Funds Awarded - 02/20/2024
- School-based Mental Health Counselor Expansion Announcement - 01/25/2024
School-based Mental Health Counselor Expansion Announcement - 01/25/2024
Contacts
<info@scdhhs.gov>
Core Initiatives
Expand access to quality healthcare in rural and medically underserved areas
Integrate behavioral health services in rural communities
Improve maternal health care
Show all initiatives (4)
Expand access to quality healthcare in rural and medically underserved areas
Integrate behavioral health services in rural communities
Improve maternal health care
Increase school-based mental health support
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ReferenceJun 4, 2026HTML
The RHTP includes grant opportunities focused on improving healthcare access in rural areas, such as the Rural & Medically Underserved Area Grant and Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Services Grant. The program is managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and integrates with other state initiatives. Application and resource links are available for providers, partners, and communities.
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SC - 2026 - South Carolina RHTP ((2026-03-24)_RHTP_Grant_Applications_Powerpoint)
Consolidated supporting doc
This document is a FY2026 Request for Applications (RFA) for the Rural Health Transformation Program: Shoring Up to Sustainability Initiative in South Carolina, under a $40M federal cooperative agreement from CMS. It aims to fund rural facility infrastructure enhancements, workforce recruitment/retention, and provider operational resilience through subawards to rural-serving entities. Three project tracks—facility enhancements, masterclass training, and workforce incentives—address key rural health barriers, building the sustainability of South Carolina’s rural healthcare delivery system.
Enhance rural health outcomes through targeted initiatives.
Modernize health IT infrastructure in rural areas.
Expand access to remote patient monitoring and technology.
Show all initiatives (6)
Enhance rural health outcomes through targeted initiatives.
Modernize health IT infrastructure in rural areas.
Expand access to remote patient monitoring and technology.
Improve chronic disease management and preventive care.
Strengthen rural health facility infrastructure, financial stability, and workforce.
Expand behavioral health and crisis response capacity.
Improve cardiometabolic health outcomes and sustainably expand healthcare workforce (Minnesota)
Conduct a statewide assessment of rural health needs and transform rural healthcare delivery through a Coordinated Regional Integrated Systems Initiative (Mississippi)
Focus on a hub-and-spoke model to promote regional and local collaboration, improve healthcare outcomes, strengthen coordinating networks and local provider sustainability, and empower rural communities (Missouri)
Strengthen healthcare workforce, secure financial solvency for rural providers, embed prevention and community health at the center of care, and expand technology use (Montana)
Focus on Make Rural America Healthy Again with food-as-medicine programs, workforce development, technology initiatives, and right-sizing the healthcare system (Nebraska)
Implement value-based care models to prevent and manage chronic disease, strengthen rural health systems, create robust network of health providers, and establish workforce recruitment programs with commitments to serve (Nevada)
Improve access to primary and preventative care, chronic disease management, maternal health care, behavioral health services, and oral health care with a prevention-first model, deepening partnerships and use of innovative technology (New Hampshire)
Improve healthcare availability in rural New Jersey by investing in primary and specialty provider expansion, supporting CCBHCs, and fostering a flexible healthcare system (New Jersey)
Transform healthcare access and quality in rural New Mexico through five initiatives focused on specialty care access, chronic disease management, community-centered care, and workforce recruitment and retention (New Mexico)
Improve health outcomes and care coordination through 'Make Rural America Healthy Again' and primary care initiatives, including workforce development and maternal care focus (New York)
Catalyze innovative care models, transform the rural care experience, and create a sustainable rural healthcare delivery system via provider coordination and underlying systems change (North Carolina)
Rebuild and retain rural health workforce through residencies, innovative consumer-facing technologies, workforce pipelines, training and grants, and launch nutrition and behavioral health initiatives (North Dakota)
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 conditions.
Build a future where every community – no matter how small or remote – has access to high-quality, locally grounded care connected through technology, supported by regional collaboration, and sustained by a strong rural workforce.
Reduce preventable hospitalizations and emergency department visits year over year.
Build a resilient, digitally connected, community-anchored provider network to deliver flexible care across rural regions.
Design data-driven solutions tailored to the unique needs of rural residents.
Advance whole-person health through connected care technologies and coordinated pathways for behavioral health, chronic disease, maternal health, and social needs.
Promote sustainable access by focusing on the integration and comprehensive delivery of services leveraging technology and supporting the workforce.
Increase healthcare access and quality for improved chronic disease management and health outcomes.
Increase healthcare workforce capacity and stabilize workforce.
Strengthen the rural health workforce through placements and policies allowing top-of-license practice.
Prioritize direct investment in provider capacity over creating new programs.
Address health-related barriers to workforce participation and improve healthcare access and system sustainability.
Support patients with the highest disease burden and invest in technology and workforce development.
Leverage statewide technology initiatives, support rural clinical workforce, establish CINs, and empower patients in disease prevention and healthy living.
Improve wellness by promoting nutrition, physical activity, and preventative care.
Build robust rural networks through enhanced primary care and long-term care support.
Focus on patient empowerment and disease prevention, expanding access to care, technology, and workforce development.
Address higher rates of substance use disorder, hospital clinician and staff turnover, and emergency room strain by expanding rural health networks and investing in technology.
Improve workforce participation, leverage technology, and improve healthcare system sustainability in challenging rural terrain.
Improve health care for rural communities focusing on care coordination, mental health support, technology and workforce development.
Improve access to care by focusing on rural clinical workforce, leveraging technology, and right-sizing the delivery system.
Increase awareness, utilization, and integration of mobile crisis response services in rural communities
Expand the number and diversity of healthcare access points in rural South Carolina
Address access disparities and persistent barriers in rural healthcare
Show all initiatives (4)
Increase awareness, utilization, and integration of mobile crisis response services in rural communities
Expand the number and diversity of healthcare access points in rural South Carolina
Address access disparities and persistent barriers in rural healthcare
Strengthen partnerships and community engagement
This FAQ provides guidance on eligibility, allowable costs, and application requirements for South Carolina's Rural Health Transformation Program, targeting rural communities. It details requirements for letters of support, budget narrative, sustainability plans, allowable project types, and restrictions against supplanting or duplicative funding. The document clarifies eligible applicants, funding tracks, and requirements for quarterly and annual reporting.
Event schedule:
- FAQ Update - 05/08/2026
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Core Initiatives
Improve healthcare access and outcomes for rural South Carolinians.
Modernize health IT infrastructure in rural healthcare settings.
Enhance program sustainability and quality of care.
Show all initiatives (4)
Improve healthcare access and outcomes for rural South Carolinians.
Modernize health IT infrastructure in rural healthcare settings.
Enhance program sustainability and quality of care.
Ensure RHTP funds support non-duplicative, measurable rural health impact.
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