The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Department of Information Technology have launched a three-pronged digital health and technology initiative through the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program (NCRHTP) to strengthen rural health care technology across the state.
Supported by federal Medicare and Medicaid funding through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the initiative is designed to expand access to care in underserved communities.
The first program, the Rural Health Innovation Fund Administration, will provide $20 million annually for five years to test and build digital infrastructure that benefits both patients and providers. Beginning in September 2026, applicants working in areas such as artificial intelligence clinical support, electronic health records and cybersecurity will be able to compete for funding.
The Health Information Exchange Connectivity and Training program will help rural providers access a connected system where they can share medical information among hospitals, doctors and other providers. The goal is to allow health care professionals to make informed clinical decisions more quickly.
Digital Health Literacy is designed to help rural residents access medical care through phone-based services, online tools and in-person support. In addition to providing one-on-one training, the program is now available through the NC 211 Digital Navigation Program, where residents can connect with a Digital Health Navigator to help them navigate digital health resources. The line is available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
NCRHTP is supported by $213 million in federal Medicare and Medicaid funding and is expected to serve about 3 million residents across 85 rural counties. The plan was developed through collaboration with more than 420 community stakeholders, including medical professionals, health centers, health departments, faith-based organizations, tribal communities and residents.
The broader effort is intended to improve access to comprehensive health care, including services for chronic disease and behavioral health needs that can be difficult to access in rural areas. It also includes efforts to train and develop the rural health workforce and help providers maintain financially sustainable practices that support prevention, chronic disease management and patient wellness.
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