DHHS outlines rural health transformation grants, emphasizing workforce retention and technical assistance

The Department of Human Services presented the Rural Health Transformation program and its initial rollout plan to the Budget Section. The program focuses on four pillars: workforce retention and development, community wellness and prevention, technology/data connectivity for providers, and strengthening service lines to bring care closer to home.

Pat, speaking for DHHS, said the first notice of funding — focused on workforce retention — will be posted in early April and that DHHS will provide technical assistance to applicants across regions to reduce barriers to access. Planned investments include employee incentives and career-advancement support, transportation, housing and child-care supports for workers, and capacity-building grants to strengthen local facilities.

Pat emphasized that DHHS is coordinating with UND Rural Health, extension services and regional economic-development councils to create technical assistance and to survey facility baseline conditions. She said applications will include a range of awards (examples cited: physical-activity grants of $25,000–$125,000) and that DHHS intends to be flexible in adjusting allocations if needs shift during implementation.

DHHS also highlighted partnerships with public-health entities, tribal liaisons (more than 35 applicants for that position were reported) and other local stakeholders to bolster workforce pipelines and EMS capacity. Pat said additional notices for equipment and technology will follow in the coming weeks.