Kentucky Rural Health Transformation

Kentucky Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)

Kentucky's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a multi-year, federally funded initiative designed to strengthen rural health infrastructure and improve long-term health outcomes across the Commonwealth. Supported by $212.9 million in federal funding for Year 1 and spanning FY2026–FY2030, the program advances a more integrated, technology-enabled, and sustainable health system.

Five Coordinated Initiatives

  1. Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care InnovationCommunity-based hub-and-spoke models addressing obesity and diabetes through coordinated care, nutrition, physical activity, and digital tools.
  2. PoWERing Maternal and Infant HealthExpands access to prenatal and postpartum care through telehealth-enabled maternal care teams in underserved areas.
  3. Rapid Response to Recovery (EmPATH Model)Enhances behavioral health crisis response with mobile teams and stabilization services connected to community-based care.
  4. Rooted in Health: Rural Dental AccessExpands preventive dental services through hygiene workforce development, externships, and portable/tele-dental care.
  5. Crisis to Care: Integrated EMS ResponseStrengthens rural emergency response through workforce training, data connectivity, and treat-in-place protocols.

KPCA's Engagement Areas

The Kentucky Primary Care Association is actively engaged in supporting RHTP implementation, particularly in areas aligned with member capacity and need:

  • Dental workforce and service expansion
  • Behavioral health integration
  • Emergency and pre-hospital care coordination
  • Workforce development (clinical and non-clinical)
  • Data sharing and interoperability
  • Maternal and child health

KPCA's Role

KPCA's role is to help ensure that primary care is well-positioned to participate in and benefit from these efforts, while also supporting coordination across communities and partners. KPCA will continue to share updates, opportunities, and coordination efforts as the program evolves.

If you are interested in learning more, exploring partnerships, or identifying how your organization can engage, please reach out directly to Molly Lewis, KPCA CEO.

Current Funding Opportunities

Stay engaged on opportunities to be involved by monitoring the Funding Opportunities tab of the Team Rural Health Transformation website. Initial funding opportunities are now available, with additional rounds expected:

View Funding Opportunities

  1. Rural Dental Access (Local Health Departments)Supports placement of public health dental hygiene teams in rural communities.
  2. Dental Hygiene Training Programs (Academic Institutions)Expands accredited training programs and rural training partnerships.
  3. Rural Community Hubs (Select Area Development Districts)Open to organizations in the Big Sandy, Lake Cumberland, and Purchase regions to serve as hub leads. If you are located in or serve one of these regions, we strongly encourage engagement.

Additional Ways to Participate

For others, additional opportunities are expected as the model expands statewide. Even if you are not directly eligible for current funding, there are meaningful ways to participate:

  • Partnering with hub leads to provide services or support (e.g., chronic care, nutrition, care coordination)
  • Preparing for future expansion into additional regions
  • Offering resources, expertise, promising practices or infrastructure that align with RHTP priorities