Opportunity: NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) has released applications for the first batch of funding available under the Rural Health Transformation Program, the Rual Community Health Integration projects. NYSDOH is making $71.2M available in Budget Period 1 (9/1/2026-6/20/2027) to support coordinated rural health partnerships that enhance care coordination, expand patient access, increase financial sustainability, improve outcomes, and address both health and social needs in rural communities.
Applicant Eligibility: The application guidance and the application are available on the NYSDOH website. FQHCs are eligible to serve as Lead Applicants or Partner Organizations, and Lead Applicants must be in one of the counties that NYS has defined as rural (see Attachment 1 in the guidance linked above). At least one General Hospital or Rural Emergency Hospital must be included as a Lead or Partner.
Planning Grants: Each of the 45 eligible rural counties will be allocated up to $500,000 to fund the development of collaborative plans.
Implementation Grants: Applicants may also submit up to three implementation projects for consideration. Proposed projects must be completed by June 30, 2027, and their total combined budgets should not exceed $3,000,000.
Key Dates:
- Application Released: Thursday, June 11
- Questions Due: Thursday, June 18
- Q&A Posted: Thursday, June 25
- Applications Due: Thursday, July 9 by 4:00 PM ET
How to Apply:
- Application guidance and application form available at: https://health.ny.gov/facilities/transforming_rural_healthcare/
- Questions on the application process must be submitted to rchi@health.ny.gov by June 18
- All applications must be jointly submitted by the Lead Applicant and a Partner Organization. Applications must be submitted to rchi@health.ny.gov by July 9 at 4:00 PM ET.