May 2025 RRRISE Newsletter

This month’s update brings together critical policy changes, funding opportunities, workforce tools, and advocacy resources—all curated to help you navigate this dynamic landscape and strengthen regional economic development projects.

SIC Support for RRRISE &

All Catalyst Applicants

As the Sector Investment Coordinator, NCHIIN is committed to aligning our collective work to cultivate a comprehensive Activation Plan to operationalize the transformative activities outlined in the Strategic Plan Part 2. 

To advance this work, we're excited to uplift the bold ideas behind Catalyst Predevelopment projects. We're here to connect visionary applicants with the partners, resources, and funding they need to turn promising concepts into real-world success stories.

Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale, NCHIIN is your connector, advocate, and supporter every step of the way.



🗞️ Policy & Program Updates Affecting RRRISE Partners

1. Medicaid Flexibility in Question

Biden allowed innovation, Trump may restrict it - Recent federal signals suggest that future Medicaid waivers like CalAIM may face tighter scrutiny. California’s current waivers remain in place—CalAIM through 2026 and behavioral health transformation efforts through 2029. 📖 Read full article (CalMatters)

2. DHCS Stakeholder News – April & May 2025

Includes important updates on Medi-Cal, behavioral health integration, doula implementation, ECM Best Practices & more!



3. Expanding Educational Freedom for Head Start Families

New ACF initiative proposes to improve family choices and educational opportunity in early childhood programs.

📢 ACF Press Release | Head Start Policy Update

4. White House ‘Skinny Budget’ for FY 2026 Released

Get ahead of anticipated federal budget shifts and how they may impact public health, Medicaid, and safety-net programs.

📊 AHA Bulletin Summary

5. Advocacy Toolkits to Protect Medicaid

Both the American Hospital Association and NACHC have launched new resources to mobilize advocates and providers.

📚 AHA Toolkit | Health Center Advocacy

6. CA Labor Market Outlook

PPIC analyzes California's workforce trends amid economic uncertainty—essential reading for workforce planning.

📈 PPIC Blog



💰 Funding & Financing Resources

Apply Now: Partnership HealthPlan’s CalAIM Grants

Support for ECM & Community Supports infrastructure.

🕔 Deadline: May 16, 2025

• Grant Program Application
• Grant Budget Template
• CalAIM Grant Webinar
• CalAIM IPP Grant FAQs_Final

More Funding Sources:

• 📬 CA Grants Portal – Subscribe
• 🏥 RWJF Active Grant Opportunities
• 💻 Candid Learning Webinar – Diversify Funding (May 12)

For Tribal & Native-Led Partners:

• 📄 Medi-Cal Traditional Health Care Practices Benefit Implementation Implementation



🧠 Workforce Development Highlights

• 📊 Cradle to Career Data System Launch: Follow outcomes of CA’s 3.5M high school grads, including college paths & earnings.

• 💼 Rise of Remote Work: Explore how job geography is evolving.

• 🧓 Dementia Care Aware: Free tools & training for primary care teams to improve cognitive screening and care planning.

🗣️ Upcoming Advocacy & Training Opportunities

• Urban Institute – Upward Mobility Toolkit Workshop

📅 May 30, 2025 | 10:00-11:30 PM

🎯 For local leaders working on economic mobility initiatives.

• NorCAN Policy & Advocacy Forum

📅 Save-the-date June 5, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM



Questions? Need technical assistance?



NCHIIN is here to support all RRRISE stakeholders—let us know how we can help your team align efforts and secure funding.

Let’s keep building a stronger, more connected rural health system—together. 💪🌲

North Coast Health Improvement and Information Network (NCHIIN)

Contact Us:

Redwood Region RISE Sector Investment Coordinators

Email: RRRISE@nchiin.org

Phone: (707) 443-4563 ext. 111      

Website: www.nchiin.org