Mississippi has launched a new office and website to manage nearly $206 million in federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding for fiscal 2026, with state officials saying notices of funding opportunities will be released soon for rural health care projects.
Gov. Tate Reeves says this first budget period of the five-year grant will begin implementation of a long-term plan developed by health care stakeholders across the state to deliver reliable access to health care for Mississippians in rural areas by 2031, and the office and website are first steps.
Reeves announced the plan’s goal is to ensure that every rural Mississippian has reliable access to high-quality health care services, both in person and through telehealth, by 2031. The new Mississippi Rural Health Transformation Program (MRHTP) Office will coordinate implementation of the state’s approved plan, which includes five initiatives: the Telehealth Adoption and Provider Support Initiative, the Health Technology Advancement and Modernization Initiative, the Building Rural Infrastructure for Delivery, Growth and Efficiency Initiative, the Coordinated Regional Integrated Systems Initiative and the Workforce Expansion Initiative.
Each initiative is outlined, along with possible funding opportunities on the state’s dedicated website.
One of the growing segments of rural health, Telehealth Adoption and Provider Support (TAPS), supports making virtual care available and funded, bringing the tools, education, and providers together in homes and schools. Several TAPS funding opportunities would include affordable pilot programs, billing and coding, telehealth equipment, technical assistance and school outreach programs.
Health Technology Advancement and Modernization (HTAM) supports modernization of technology systems, including hardware and software, EHRs, cybersecurity and the development of a statewide health information exchange. The creation of the HIE could involve many opportunities for funding, like design and management, user training, system integration and future planning.
Building Rural Infrastructure for Delivery, Growth and Efficiency (BRIDGE) supports expanding care and eliminating gaps in availability of care in rural and underserved areas. Funding may be used for telepsychiatry and psychiatry equipment, facilities renovations and diagnostic and treatment equipment, as well as several pilot programs.
Coordinated Regional Integrated Systems Initiative (CRIS) supports crisis care with opportunities in EMS systems, including 911 upgrades, equipment, vehicles, technology and data tracking. Another part of this initiative is developing ways to provide on-site and hospital after care treatment. Creating data and AI systems that monitor and help implement emergency and complex care will also be among opportunities through CRIS.
The Workforce Expansion Initiative (WEI) focuses on building the next generation of rural health care providers. While many funding opportunities support individual providers and trainees through recruitment incentives, training programs, mentorships and equipment, the funding flows through organizations such as hospitals, clinics, schools and workforce partners, making this an initiative worth watching for those in health care education, staffing and support services.
Over 53% of the state’s residents live in rural areas, which are facing a crisis of hospital closures and a shortage of providers. The new funding is intended to make access and affordability a priority. Gov. Tate Reeves has named Richard Grimes to direct the RHTP office, and the governor and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will oversee disbursements. Notices of Funding Opportunities cannot be far away, as the funds must be spent by September 2027.
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