January 22, 2026

News Worth Celebrating!

Upcoming SHIP Grant Timeline

TOMORROW! Friday, January 23

• Application for SHIP 2026-27 due via Qualtrics form sent by email* directly to SHIP contacts.
• *We have heard reports that this email has been blocked by spam filters. If you think you should have received that email, please reach out to Megan or Sam.

SHIP 2026-27 information on website:

• Informational Webinar Recording.
• Investment options.
• Eligibility and reporting requirements.

SHIP Expenses Reminder

Hospitals that selected the direct funding option for 2025-26 must use their funds for purchasing HCAHPS first. Any leftover funding can be used for other approved expenses that must be approved by Samantha Peck in writing.

Quality Corner

Q4 2025 Emergency Department Transfer Communication (EDTC) data due February 2, 2026.

• Did you receive an email with a Qualtrics link on 1/7? If not, please contact Megan Polster.
• EDTC is an MBQIP measure for CAHs.

Learn

Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator - American Heart Association

• Access to no-cost rural quality programming through June 2028.
• Measure compliance of evidence-based guidelines, benchmark with peers, and improve on quality of patient care, while simultaneously bringing up-to-date information to inform healthcare guidelines.

Health Profession Scholarships & Loan Assistance Programs - webinar series

• 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
• Choose from three free webinar offerings: January 23, February 18, or March 20, 2026.

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, 2026.

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

Outpace CVD - American Heart Association

• Amount: up to $2,000.
• Application due date: January 30.
• Who can apply: Health systems, Rural Health Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, free clinics, and more.
• Description: Initiative focuses on supporting outpatient care sites in their management of chronic disease to prevent future cardiovascular disease and events.

Rural Scholarships - National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation

• Amount: $8,000 scholarships.
• Application due date: January 31.
• Who can apply: Students residing in rural areas who are currently enrolled in a master's level counseling program.
• Description: Scholarships are intended to increase the number of counselors serving people in rural areas. Students must commit to practicing in a rural community and have a graduation date between June 30, 2027 and December 31, 2029.

New! Drug-Free Communities Support Program - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Amount: $125,000 x 5 years.
• Application due date: February 12.
• Who can apply: A broad array of public, private, and not for profit organizations in a coalition that has worked together on substance abuse issues for at least six months. Additional eligibility requirements apply.
• Description: Funding to support community coalitions working to prevent and reduce substance use among youth ages 18 and younger. Requires a 1:1 match from non-federal sources.

New! Emergent Innovation Program - Hillman Foundation

• Amount: $50,000.
• Application due date: February 20 (Letters of Intent).
• Who can apply: 501(c)3 and faith-based organizations and government entities.
• Description: Grants will be awarded to accelerate the development of nursing-driven interventions that improve the health and healthcare of marginalized populations.

New! Open Call Grant - Clif Family Foundation

• Amount: Up to $50,000.
• Application due date: March 1 and August 1.
• Who can apply: Registered 501(c)3 organizations with operating budgets under $8 million.
• Description: Grants will be awarded for projects that align with the Foundation’s values to transform food systems, revitalize the environment, and enhance community health. Priorities include healthy food and inclusive outdoor access. 

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: Monroe County National Night Out event on August 5 in Tomah. Tomah Health helps to coordinate the annual safety event. Photo provided by Eric Prise.

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