The MS RHTP strengthens rural healthcare by expanding access, improving care coordination, modernizing infrastructure, growing the workforce, and using telehealth to improve health outcomes. - Organization: State of Mississippi Subawardees: No subawardees have been awarded at this time; subrecipient agreements will be established during project implementation and may include various rural hospitals, FQHCs, primary care clinics, community health centers, technology and telehealth vendors, universities, and professional associations across the state. Project Summary: The State of Mississippi proposes a comprehensive Rural Health Transformation Program (RHT Program) to strengthen healthcare access, workforce development and capacity, and service delivery across rural communities through innovation and system-wide changes. Guided by the goals to Make Rural America Healthy Again, Sustainable Access, Workforce Development, Innovative Care, and Tech Innovation, the RHT Program will invest approximately $1 billion over five years to address critical gaps in healthcare delivery, infrastructure, workforce, and technology. The RHT Program Plan consists of six integrated initiatives: the Statewide Rural Health Assessment, Coordinated Regional Integrated Systems (CRIS), Workforce Expansion Initiative (WEI), Health Technology Advancement and Modernization (HTAM), Telehealth Adoption and Provider Support (TAPS), and the Building Rural Infrastructure for Delivery, Growth and Efficiency (BRIDGE) Initiative. The Statewide Rural Health Assessment will review existing data and stakeholder input to refine investment strategies and align funding with critical rural health needs. CRIS will integrate EMS, hospitals, public health, and social services into regional healthcare districts to improve emergency response, post-discharge coordination, and behavioral health access. The WEI will recruit, retain, and train clinicians, allied health professionals, and support staff through retention awards, residency expansion, preceptor development, early-career outreach, and “Earn While You Learn” programs. HTAM and TAPS advance technology adoption and connectivity, health IT modernization, telehealth infrastructure, cybersecurity, and consumer-facing tools to improve efficiency, coordination, and access. BRIDGE addresses capital investments, psychiatric emergency services, care gap closure, and pilot programs for innovative interventions, including early intervention, ASD-focused programs, care management, and value-based care. Use of Funds: Funding will be strategically deployed to strengthen the full spectrum of rural health delivery. Investments will support workforce development, including recruitment, retention, and training programs to ensure rural communities have access to a skilled healthcare workforce. Funds will enhance provider capabilities through technical assistance, training, and modernized IT systems, including interoperable EHRs, telehealth infrastructure, cybersecurity enhancements, and consumer-facing technologies. Capital investments will expand facility capacity and specialized services, including psychiatric emergency care and community health programs. Funding will enable innovative care models, regional integration of EMS and clinical services, and population health initiatives that target chronic disease, behavioral health, and preventive care. Across all initiatives, resources will be used to foster collaboration among rural hospitals, FQHCs, clinics, community organizations, and educational institutions to create sustainable, data-driven improvements in health outcomes. Outcomes: Expected outcomes include expanded access to healthcare services, improved clinical outcomes, increased telehealth utilization, enhanced workforce retention, strengthened regional care networks, and more accessible care delivery across Mississippi. This evidence-based, multi-pronged approach will establish sustainable mechanisms for recruitment, retention, technology adoption, and care delivery, producing long-term improvements in health system capacity, population health, and community engagement. Total Budget: $1,000,000,000
