Tennessee

Tennessee Department of Health is seeking input from qualified evaluation consultants for the Rural Health Transformation Fund, a statewide CMS-funded initiative. The RHTF addresses rural health innovation, workforce development, access to care, and technology modernization across all counties. The RFI focuses specifically on the evaluation of 17 interconnected initiatives and compliance with federal requirements. Key contacts: Simeon Ayton Simeon.Ayton@tn.gov Event schedule: - RFI Issued - 04/02/2026 - CT - State of Tennessee - RFI Response Deadline - 04/17/2026 - 2:00 PM CT - State of Tennessee

Tennessee has submitted its application for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, aiming to invest in rural healthcare improvements including facility modernization, maternal and child health, prevention, health technology, and workforce development. The proposal builds on prior state progress such as task forces, resiliency programs, and health centers of excellence.

This webinar from the Tennessee Department of Health outlines the competitive schedule for the 2026 Rural Health Transformation Program, including 8 RFAs and 6 RFPs. The focus is on maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, behavioral health, and innovation in rural health delivery. Applications require strong alignment with rural priorities, community needs, and sustainability. Key contacts: Competitive.Health@tn.gov Event schedule: - Webinar Date - 05/15/2026 - Perinatal & Pediatric Behavioral Health Teleconsultation RFA - 05/15/2026 - HART (Active Living) RFA - 05/22/2026 - HRP: Maternal Child Health RFA - 05/29/2026 - End Zone for Chronic Disease Prevention RFA - 06/05/2026 - HRP: Service Line Expansion & Co-Location RFA - 06/12/2026 - Memory Care Assessment Network RFA - 06/18/2026 - HRP: Health Tech Innovation RFA - 06/26/2026

The Tennessee Department of Health announced the first funding opportunity for the state's Rural Health Transformation Program in 2026. This document serves as an announcement of opportunity, not an award notification. Event schedule: - RHTP Daily update ⋅ May 16, 2026 NEWS Tennessee to Release 1st Grant Funding Opportunity of Rural Health Transformation Program TN.gov NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) released the first funding opportunity today of the Rural Health Transformation Program ( RHTP ). Flag as irrelevant See more results - Edit this alert You have received this email because you have subscribed to Google Alerts . Unsubscribe | View all your alerts Receive this alert as RSS feed Send Feedback

Event schedule: - Tennessee to Release 1st Grant Funding Opportunity of Rural Health Transformation Program Skip to Main Content Go to TN.gov Go to TN.gov Section Go to Health Calendar Careers Contact Department Licensure Local Maternal Health Innovation Maternal Mortality Review Print This Page Print This Page Go to Search Information About the New Website for the Tennessee Department of Health Tennessee to Release 1st Grant Funding Opportunity of Rural Health Transformation Program Friday, May 15, 2026 - 11:00am NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health ( TDH ) released the first funding opportunity today of the Rural Health Transformation Program ( RHTP ). This begins a roll-out of competitive grant programs to deliver long-term, sustainable improvements in Tennessee’s rural health systems. “Tennessee is committed to strengthening rural health care and ensuring every resident has access to high-quality services, no matter where they live,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said. “Through the Rural Health Transformation Program, we are responding to rural community needs by investing in structural solutions that will improve outcomes for rural families.” A link to the RHTP grant application portal, with funding materials and submission instructions, is available on both the RHTP homepage and in its Opportunities content section . Today’s release marks the first in a series of 2026 funding opportunities, with TDH aiming to commit its first year of funding to rural health projects by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) deadline of Oct. 30, 2026. The inaugural funding opportunity, for a Perinatal and Pediatric Behavioral Health Teleconsultation and Education Project , will support the use of technology to expand access to behavioral health education and consultation services. The initiative is designed to improve health outcomes for women, infants and children in rural communities. Additionally, upcoming RHTP competitive grant opportunities, with release dates and application deadlines, include: Perinatal and Pediatric Behavioral Health Teleconsultation and Education May 15 to June 15, 2026 Healthy Active Rural Tennessee (HART) May 22 to June 22, 2026 Healthcare Resiliency Program (HRP): Maternal Child Health May 29 to June 29, 2026 Chronic Disease Prevention June 5 to July 6, 2026 HRP: Service Line and Co-Location June 12 to July 13, 2026 Memory Care Assessment Network (MCAN) June 19 to July 20, 2026 Health Tech Innovation June 26 to July 27, 2026 HRP: Make Rural Tennessee Healthy Again (MaRTHA) July 3 to Aug. 3, 2026 County Health Council CARE Grants July 10 to Aug. 10, 2026 “Tennessee’s RHTP grants represent a strategic investment in the health of our rural communities,” Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. John Dunn said. “By expanding access to specialized care and supporting local providers, we are working to improve health outcomes and create sustainable solutions across the state.” Potential RHTP applicants can sign up to receive email notifications and be informed when the department announces new project funding and grant opportunities. CMS awarded Tennessee $206,888,882 in late 2025 through the federal RHTP grant program, a nationwide, five-year commitment of $50 billion dedicated to improving access to care, quality, and health outcomes in rural communities nationwide. The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all people in Tennessee. Learn more on the TDH website about department programs and services , and to find location information for Tennessee’s local health departments . This project is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $206,888,882.11 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government. Social Media facebook twitter youtube linkedin Food & Nutrition Commodity Food Program Nutrition Programs Pick TN Products Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Tennessee WIC Families & Kids Adopt a Child CoverKids Education Resources KidCentralTN Tennessee Disability Pathfinder State Government Resources Driver Services MyTN State Directory State Services Lookup Transparent Tennessee Get Outside Free TN Vacation Guide Outdoor Recreation State Historic Sites TN Natural Areas Tennessee State Parks Department of Health John R. Dunn, DVM, PhD, EMBA-SL Commissioner 710 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243 tn.health@tn.gov Contact Us Flag Status Chat Help Translate Font Size a- Normal A+ TN.gov Services TN.gov Directory Transparent TN Web Policies Mobile App About Tennessee Title VI Accessibility Help & Contact Survey Close

This CMS document summarizes FY26 applications for the RHTP from multiple states, each proposing high-value, high-impact transformation plans for improving rural healthcare access, quality, and sustainability. All states focus on building workforce, expanding digital/telehealth solutions, and addressing maternal, chronic, and behavioral health needs. Most applications include new state-level initiatives, partnerships, and proposed outcomes for measurable health improvement.

This 2023 Task Force report offers actionable recommendations to improve rural access to care, workforce development, and social drivers of health in Tennessee. Strategic initiatives include a Center of Excellence, care access and telehealth pilots, expanded apprenticeship and training programs, and support for county health councils through grants and partnerships. Recommendations emphasize leveraging both public and private resources.

The Tennessee Maternal Health Strategic Plan (MHSP) 2025-2030 is a comprehensive approach to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in Tennessee through quality improvement, workforce strengthening, and addressing social determinants of health. The plan is supported by a $2.17 million HRSA award and includes clear performance targets and indicators. Key strategies target rural, high-need, and at-risk populations with a cross-sector partnership approach.

The Tennessee Department of Health is preparing to launch a series of competitive opportunities under the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program, supported by up to $50 billion nationwide. Planned RHTP opportunities will support rural hospitals, FQHCs, and community organizations across priority areas including maternal child health, behavioral health, telehealth, chronic disease prevention, technology and workforce. No awards have yet been announced as of May 2026; eligible entities are encouraged to register for updates and apply during open periods. Key contacts: Jessica Taylor jessica.lynn.taylor@tn.gov Event schedule: - Perinatal and Pediatric Behavioral Health Teleconsultation and Education Project opportunity - 05/15/2026 - Partner Portal - Healthy Active Rural Tennessee (HART) opportunity - 05/22/2026 - Partner Portal - Maternal Child Health opportunity - 05/29/2026 - Partner Portal - Chronic Disease Prevention opportunity - 06/05/2026 - Partner Portal - Service Line and Co-Location opportunity - 06/12/2026 - Partner Portal - Memory Care Assessment Network (MCAN) opportunity - 06/18/2026 - Partner Portal - Health Tech Innovation opportunity - 06/26/2026 - Partner Portal - Make Rural Tennessee Healthy Again (MaRTHA) opportunity - 07/02/2026 - Partner Portal