February 20, 2026

RHTP Updates

John Eich, Director of Wisconsin Office of Rural Health

Since the Department of Health Services (DHS) has engaged with our office on the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), we’d like to update you all when we have news. Here’s the latest.

Wisconsin received more funding than requested, so a revised budget was necessary. DHS submitted it, and was the second in the nation to be approved! They are in the midst of hiring key staff to run it, and those names should be released very soon.

One concern we heard nationally last week at NRHA’s Capitol Hill event was states’ ability to get funds out the door in time (TX for example has an average time from invoice to check of 400 days!). DHS is currently working with the WI Dept Of Administration on creating some exemptions, given CMS’ fierce focus on immediate progress. Payment regulations were created to avoid misuse of taxpayer funds, but this is great leverage to take a fresh look at them.

Over 90 applications have been submitted for 17-20 seats on the External Advisory Council. That’s a lot of great candidates, and challenging to winnow down. DHS wants regional representation, so areas with more applicants will have steeper competition, as will Council roles with more applicants.

Our office is part of a national network of state rural health offices, and we’re having weekly conversations about what we’re all seeing and doing. Some of us are leading their state’s RHTP team, while others are kept at arm’s length. These conversations have been invaluable to help us learn from good ideas in other states and pitfalls to avoid. DHS has been very open to this feedback, and their team has impressed us with their hard work and sincerity in creating the best possible program.

We’ve heard some concerns from healthcare partners about CMS’ requirements in how the funding must be spent, and we share them. The question for us all is how we can make the best Wisconsin lemonade within the federal rules. The External Advisory Council is the mechanism to share ongoing feedback over the next five years, and as RHTP’s external evaluators, our office will be reporting out publicly on progress and outcomes.

Keep in touch, and stay tuned…

SHIP Grant

New invoicing process

With changes to UW Madison's administrative system and our own SHIP simplification efforts, hospitals can now send SHIP invoices for HCAHPS and other pre-approved expenses* directly to the UW's Research and Sponsored Programs team for reimbursement using the invoice template below.

Invoicing tips

• Reference this Example SHIP Invoice for instructions on completing the invoice.
• The Purchase Order (P.O.) Number is found in the first line of your Funding Award Agreement with UW Madison and appears as #CON-0000xxxx.

*SHIP expenses reminder

Hospitals that selected the direct funding option must use their funds for purchasing HCAHPS first. Any leftover funding can be used for other pre-approved expenses discussed with Samantha Peck.

Learn

Job Opening: AHEC Center Director

• Northeastern Wisconsin Area Health Education Center (NEWAHEC) is searching for its next AHEC Center Director — a visionary leader passionate about strengthening community health, developing partnerships, and supporting the next generation of health professionals.

$ The Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program

• For nurses actively working in critical shortage facilities or teaching as nurse faculty at an accredited school of nursing, this program is an opportunity to reduce your nursing school debt.
• Application deadline: March 12.

$ Health Profession Scholarships & Loan Assistance Programs - webinar

Friday, March 20, 12:00 p.m.

• Discover scholarships and loan assistance programs that can help your career as a current or future health professional.
• Learn about: National Health Service Corps, Health Professions Loan Assistance Program, Rural Provider Loan Assistance Program

American Hospital Association Next Generation Leaders Fellowship

• A fellowship program designed to empower healthcare leaders to bring about lasting change in the hospital and health systems in which they serve. Rural applicants are encouraged.
• Application deadline: March 31.

Farmers' Mental Health: Supporting and Understanding Farm Culture and Farm Family Dynamics

• A self-paced, online training course designed to help behavioral health providers better understand and address the mental health needs and challenges of farmers and their family members.
• Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
• Sponsor: University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, Behavioral Health Training Partnership, Wisconsin Farm Center.

Rural Emergency Communications Operational Rapid Assistance Package

• Technical assistance program for rural communities to enhance existing emergency communications infrastructure to improve the delivery of rural emergency services.

Grants

NEW! Community Challenge - AARP

• Amount: Up to $25,000.
• Application due date: March 4.
• Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations and government entities.
• Description: AARP will make awards through three different grants for projects that improve livability for all residents of a community, especially those 50 and older. Areas of interest include public spaces and walkability, housing, and transportation, among others.

Healthcare Connect Fund - Federal Communications Commission

• Amount: 65% discount on eligible advanced telecommunications and information services and equipment.
• Application due date: April 1.
• Who can apply: A public or nonprofit health care entity located in a rural area.
• Description: Eligible products and services include broadband services, network equipment, network security, and provider-constructed and owned network facilities.

NEW! Domestic Violence Shelter Grants - The Mary Kay Foundation

• Amount: Not disclosed.
• Application due date: April 30.
• Who can apply: 501(c)(3) organizations operating for more than 5 years that primarily provide shelter to women who have experienced domestic violence.
• Description: Grants to emergency women's domestic violence shelters. The funds may be used for staff salaries and operating expenses.

Oral Health Grants - CareQuest

• Amount: They are “flexible in relation to minimums and maximums." 
• Applications accepted throughout the year.
• Who can apply: 501(c)3 tax exempt organizations, government agencies, and tax exempt educational/research institutions.
• Description: Funding for projects that promote access to oral health care by modifying the structure and delivery of dental care. Initiatives may include access to preventive services, integrating oral health into medical systems, or addressing disparities in access to care. Priority populations include rural communities.

Please contact Kevin Jacobson, WORH Loan Assistance Program Manager, for help identifying grant opportunities to support your important work or go to the WORH website.

Pictured: Joyful tubing at Powers Bluff County Park in Arpin photographed by Justin Connor.

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