Wisconsin

Wisconsin was awarded $203.7 million in federal funds for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) from FY2026-FY2030. The program focuses on workforce development, technology transformation, care coordination, behavioral health innovations, and Medicaid reforms for rural populations. DHS will distribute funding through competitive grants to communities, facilities, and educational institutions, with initial projects launching in 2026. Event schedule: - Advisory Council Application Due - 02/27/2026 - Advisory Council Appointments Made - April 2026

Event schedule: - - Application release: , 2026 - July 1 - - Please send questions to: dhsruralhealth@dhs.wisconsin.gov and place Technology Transformation Application Questions in the Subject line. - - Application submission due: , 2026 - Aug. 1 - - Please send questions to: dhsruralhealth@dhs.wisconsin.gov and place Technology Transformation Application Questions in the Subject line. - - Application questions due: , 2026. Responses will be posted within one week. - July 7 - - Please send questions to: dhsruralhealth@dhs.wisconsin.gov and place Technology Transformation Application Questions in the S... - This application must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on , 2026. Only applications submitted through this survey will be considered. - Aug. 1 - Applications must include:

This rubric provides guidance on the evaluation criteria for applicants to the WIG: HEART Program, which focuses on healthcare workforce challenges and transformational strategies for rural communities. It outlines scoring for project need, target area rurality, innovative approaches, and partnership engagement. The program targets rural and semi-rural populations to develop sustainable workforce solutions.

The Advisory Council is a forum that brings together providers, community members, and those with lived experience to influence rural health efforts in Wisconsin. It provides input and strategic direction to ensure rural needs are addressed as the program is rolled out. Event schedule: - Last revised , 2026 - July 3 - Wisconsin Agencies

Event schedule: - Year 1 Grant Funding Period - 2026-10-01 - America/Chicago - Wisconsin - Year 1 Grant Funding End - 2027-07-31 - America/Chicago - Wisconsin - Round 2 Eligible Organizations Start - 2027-08-01 - America/Chicago - Wisconsin - Round 2 Eligible Organizations End - 2031-09-30 - America/Chicago - Wisconsin

Wisconsin's Rural Health Transformation Plan proposes a $1 billion investment targeting rural workforce, digital modernization, and population health infrastructure, with 94% of funds committed to rural communities. The plan involves extensive stakeholder engagement, regional coalition grants, and partnerships across state agencies and academic institutions. Dedicated funding will go to each Tribal Nation to support rural health goals. Key contacts: Tony Evers

Wisconsin will receive $203.7 million in federal funding in FFY26 to launch the Rural Health Transformation Program, aiming to strengthen rural workforce, boost technology adoption, and foster coordinated care. Multiple initiative tracks include workforce grants, community health worker pilots, statewide EHR system procurement, dental grants, and behavioral health innovations. Subrecipient funding opportunities will be released late spring to early summer and Advisory Council guidance will direct implementation. Event schedule: - Advisory Council Meeting - 07/23/2026 - CT - Advisory Council Meeting - 10/22/2026 - CT

The Governor's budget includes targeted support for rural health, particularly through adjusted reimbursement for rural health clinics and multi-million dollar support for rural emergency medical services. Dental and maternal health access programs specifically address rural and underserved rural populations. Sustainability and workforce elements are also highlighted through Medicaid investments.

The listed RHTP-related grant solicitations include funding for rural technology transformation, dental access/efficiency, community health workforce development, and care coordination partnerships. Grants are administered by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to strengthen rural health infrastructure and improve healthcare outcomes in underserved areas. Event schedule: - Investing in Dental Care Technology Grant Application Deadline - 07/27/2026 - 11:59 PM CT - Online submission - Rural Technology Transformation Fund Grant Application Deadline - 08/01/2026 - 11:59 PM CT - Online submission - Community Health Workers Grants Application Deadline - 08/07/2026 - 11:59 PM CT - Online submission - Coordinating Care Across Wisconsin Grants Application Deadline - 08/21/2026 - 11:59 PM CT - Online submission

This Wisconsin Office of Rural Health report summarizes the top community health priorities as identified by the state's Critical Access Hospitals from recent Community Health Needs Assessments and Improvement Plans. Mental health and substance abuse are consistently rated as top concerns, with many hospitals also committed to addressing chronic disease, social drivers of health, and access barriers. The findings support statewide alignment and shared learning to advance rural health transformation. Event schedule: - Report Publication - July 2025

This document is the primary program announcement for the WIG:HEART grant in Wisconsin under the Rural Health Transformation Program. It outlines goals to expand the rural healthcare workforce, improve employment access, and develop innovative transformation models. Funding details and application steps are described in this grant opportunity.

Rural men ages 25 and older in Wisconsin experience disproportionately high rates of suicide and self-harm. In 2024, there were 243 suicide deaths and over 500 non-fatal ED visits for suspected self-harm injuries among this population, with increases seen in spring and summer. Community strength and connections are identified as key protective factors, and resources such as the 988 Lifeline and the Farmer Wellness Helpline are promoted.