National Information Hub Helps States Advance Rural Health Transformation

When federal officials opened the door to a historic rural health investment, states needed quick answers and rural-specific guidance. With support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) answered that call by developing a National Information Hub that connected states to the rural-focused expertise they needed as they prepared applications for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). 

The RHTP is a five-year, $50 billion federal initiative designed to modernize and stabilize rural health systems in response to federal funding cuts, including reductions to SNAP and Medicaid. Administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the program supports states in improving rural healthcare access, strengthening the workforce, and enhancing financial resilience. It marks a major investment in transforming rural health and supporting the communities most affected by poverty and inequity. 

To help states prepare effective applications, NOSORH established the Rural Health Transformation Program Information Hub, linking state leaders with timely access to rural subject matter experts, data, and best practices. Through the Hub, NOSORH coordinated a rapid-response network of partners to inform state decisions in key areas, including maternal and child health, behavioral health, workforce, and telehealth. The project was supported by a $350,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. 

“This investment is about more than organizations — it’s about people, families, and communities,” said Tammy Norville, NOSORH Chief Executive Officer. “The Information Hub helped states design strategies that reduce disparities and build lasting systems, ensuring families have the care they need close to home.” 

The Information Hub brought together national partners and a network of rural health researchers, innovation centers, and workforce organizations to provide timely, practical support. This collaboration ensured state officials had access to proven rural strategies and lessons learned as they developed their plans. NOSORH plans to build on this momentum in the months ahead.