Building a Healthier Rural Montana: Investing in People, Technology, & Preventive Care to Strengthen Health Systems, Improve Access, & Build a More Resilient, Sustainable Future for Rural Communities. - Name of organization: State of Montana (“the State”); Department of Public Health and Human Services as lead department for the State. Names of subrecipients and sub-awardee organizations: To be determined post-award in accordance with the Montana Procurement Act and applicable federal and state procurement policies. Likely partners include rural hospitals, community health centers, tribal health organizations, and other qualified providers. Project goals: The State will advance five strategic goals through its proposed initiatives: 1. Workforce Development – Strengthen recruitment, training, and retention of a high-skilled rural health workforce across Montana. 2. Sustainable Access – Improve the long-term viability of rural providers as access points for care through operational and financial support. 3. Innovative Care Models – Implement and scale flexible, patient-centered care models that improve outcomes and care coordination. 4. Community Health and Prevention – Promote prevention and address root causes of disease through expanded access and community-based interventions. 5. Technology Innovation – Expand the use of secure, efficient digital health tools to improve care delivery and access for rural patients and providers. Total budget amount: $200 million per year for 5 years; $1 billion total. Description of fund use: The State will implement five initiatives to achieve these goals, supported by existing State policy and targeted policy interventions as needed: • Initiative 1: Develop Montana’s rural health workforce through recruitment, training, and retention. • Initiative 2: Ensure the sustainability of Montana’s rural health facilities to ensure access through partnerships and restructuring. • Initiative 3: Launch innovative care delivery and payment models to improve access and outcomes in Montana. • Initiative 4: Invest in Montana’s community health and preventative infrastructure. • Initiative 5: Deploy modern health care technologies for Montana’s providers and patients.
