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The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has opened applications for its first two grants under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), aimed at improving rural health care across the state. The grants include the $44 million Regional Partnership Grant Program (RPGP) to support collaborative efforts that enhance preventive care, provider efficiency, workforce retention, and innovative care models, with applications due April 3, 2026. The $15 million Rural Emergency Hospital Conversion/Transformative Capital Investment (REH/CAP) grant will fund facility renovations and capital improvements for rural providers, with applications due March 20.

Eligible applicants include rural hospitals, clinics, physician practices, behavioral health centers, long-term care facilities, and tribal health facilities. KDHE has partnered with the University of Kansas Health System Care Collaborative Association (CCA) and other state organizations to support grant administration and ensure funding reaches high-need areas.

Kansas’ RHTP was approved by CMS for a $221.89 million budget, part of the national $50 billion effort to strengthen rural health. The program focuses on improving health outcomes, sustaining providers, attracting skilled staff, promoting innovative care models, and using technology to expand access. A webinar for grant applicants will be held March 6, and KRHIA will host a virtual meeting on February 27.