N.C. Health Information Exchange Authority and the Rural Health Transformation Program: Support for Rural Providers

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a federal initiative authorized in July 2025 that provides five years of funding to states to strengthen health care in rural communities. In North Carolina, part of this work will focus on improving health information technology infrastructure and helping rural health care providers connect to and effectively use NC HealthConnex.

How NC HIEA Is Supporting Rural Health Transformation

The N.C. Health Information Exchange Authority (NC HIEA) is partnering with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) to strengthen health information technology infrastructure across rural North Carolina.

As part of this effort, NC HIEA plans to support more than 170 rural provider Electronic Health Record (EHR) integrations with NC HealthConnex, North Carolina's statewide health information exchange, during the first two years of the program.

Who May Be Eligible for Support?

Funding is available to eligible rural NC HealthConnex participant providers to help offset one-time costs associated with NC HealthConnex integration and adoption after successful connection within the funding period.

Rural provider integrations will be prioritized based on factors such as:

• Potential population health impact
• Rural populations served
• Demonstrated engagement
• The provider's place in the NC HIEA connection queue

What Costs Can the Funding Help Cover?

RHTP funding may help offset EHR vendor fees and other expenses associated with connecting to NC HealthConnex once a participating organization successfully completes onboarding and meets applicable program requirements.

The amount of support will vary by participant based on the type of interface or service needed and the anticipated work involved. Funding is intended to assist with one-time technical and workflow-related expenses associated with establishing the NC HealthConnex connection.

Why Does Connecting to NC HealthConnex Matter?

NC HealthConnex allows participating health care providers to securely access and share important patient health information.

Effective use of the health information exchange can help providers:

• Make more informed care decisions
• Reduce unnecessary duplication of services
• Improve transitions of care
• Coordinate services across care settings
• Support value-based care efforts

How Rural Providers Can Get Started

Rural providers interested in participating should contact the NC HIEA Rural Health Transformation Program team at RHTP.HIEA@nc.gov.

After receiving your information, the program team can review your organization's circumstances and follow up about next steps. This may include confirming eligibility, reviewing your current NC HealthConnex connection status, discussing EHR readiness, identifying potential support needs, and outlining the steps required to move forward.

NC AHEC Practice Support Can Help

Rural practices do not have to navigate this process alone.

If you are a rural primary care practice, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Rural Health Clinic (RHC), or local health department, NC AHEC Practice Support can assist with the process.

Practice Support Coaches can help rural organizations:

• Navigate and facilitate the NC HIEA application and onboarding process
• Understand NC HealthConnex requirements and next steps
• Prepare for successful implementation
• Address training needs
• Integrate NC HealthConnex into practice workflows

To get assistance, contact your local NC AHEC Practice Support Coach or email practicesupport@ncahec.net.

Take the Next Step

If your rural practice is considering connecting to NC HealthConnex or is already in the onboarding process, now is a good time to explore whether Rural Health Transformation Program support may be available.

For RHTP and NC HealthConnex questions: RHTP.HIEA@nc.gov
For practice support, training, and workflow assistance: practicesupport@ncahec.net

NC Medicaid Quarterly Virtual Office Hours: Provider Updates and Reminders

NC Medicaid will host its next Quarterly Virtual Office Hours on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. The session will provide important program updates and reminders for Medicaid providers.

Topics will include:

• Newly implemented unannounced provider site visits
• Drug Enforcement Agency certification requirements
• End-of-year license renewals
• Categorical risk level adjustments
• 251S taxonomy enrollment deadline
• Reverification application reminders
• An update on H.R. 1 and federally mandated changes coming to NC Medicaid

Providers and other interested organizations are encouraged to attend and share the opportunity with colleagues who may benefit from these updates.

When: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Format: Virtual

Register

Atrium Health has announced a new Affordability Protection Program for eligible North Carolina State Health Plan members who receive care through Atrium Health. The program is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2027.

The program is designed to reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible State Health Plan members receiving care at Atrium Health under the Plan’s new provider tier structure. According to Atrium Health, the organization will cover certain deductibles, coinsurance, and other cost differences so that eligible members pay less for qualifying care.

The program does not change State Health Plan benefits or the amount the Plan pays for care.

What State Health Plan Members Should Know

Key details include:

• The program is scheduled to begin January 1, 2027.
• Eligible members do not need to enroll, opt in, or complete additional paperwork. The affordability protections will be applied automatically to eligible care.
• The program is available to eligible active State Health Plan members, enrolled spouses and dependents, and retirees younger than age 65 who are enrolled in the State Health Plan.
• Individuals with Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, managed Medicaid, TRICARE, or another similar federally supported plan are not eligible, whether that coverage is primary or secondary.
• The program applies across Atrium Health facilities and practices in North Carolina, including Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist facilities.
• The program is funded by Atrium Health and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by the NC State Treasurer, NC State Health Plan, or State of North Carolina.

Atrium Health also advises State Health Plan members to review their open enrollment materials carefully and consider the coverage options that best meet their healthcare needs.

Learn More

NC State Health Plan members and healthcare practices can review program details, eligibility information, cost examples, and frequently asked questions on Atrium Health’s State Health Plan Education Center.

About This Update

Northwest AHEC shares information that may be relevant to healthcare professionals and practices across our region. Questions about eligibility, benefits, or individual coverage should be directed to the appropriate health plan or healthcare organization.

Rural communities in North Carolina are expected to see expanded access to mental health, substance use disorder, crisis response, and maternal behavioral health services through more than $17 million in federal funding announced on October 7, 2026.

The funding is part of the Rural Health Transformation Program and is intended to support new behavioral health clinics, opioid treatment access, mobile crisis response, early intervention, and perinatal behavioral health care in rural communities.

Where the Funding Will Go

The announced investments include:

• $4 million for three new mental health clinics
• $3 million to expand access to medications for opioid use disorder through stationary medication units in five counties
• $4 million to expand mobile crisis teams to six additional counties, providing in-home support to children and families experiencing a crisis for up to eight weeks
• $6.7 million for additional behavioral health efforts, including early support for young people experiencing serious mental health symptoms, regional partnerships intended to strengthen crisis response, and expanded mental health care for new and expecting mothers in underserved areas

Expanding Behavioral Health Care Closer to Home

A significant focus of the funding is making services available closer to where rural residents live.

The planned expansion of mobile crisis teams is intended to bring support directly to children and families in their homes. According to the federal announcement, these teams can provide assistance for up to eight weeks, with the goal of helping children remain with their families and reducing the need for hospital or residential placement.

Another component will expand access to medications for opioid use disorder through stationary medication units in five counties. The overall investment also includes support for early intervention for young people beginning to experience serious mental health symptoms.

Supporting Maternal Behavioral Health

The funding also addresses behavioral health needs among new and expecting mothers in underserved areas. This work is included within the $6.7 million investment that also supports early mental health intervention and regional crisis-response partnerships.

Part of North Carolina’s Broader Rural Health Transformation Work

The behavioral health announcement represents one component of a larger federal investment in North Carolina through the Rural Health Transformation Program. The broader program includes initiatives related to rural health workforce development, healthcare facilities and access, new care and payment models, community-based and preventive care, and healthcare technology.

These areas include recruitment, training and retention of rural healthcare professionals; partnerships and operational improvements intended to help rural providers maintain services; approaches to healthcare delivery and financing; school-based and mobile services; and remote-care and data tools.

For organizations working in rural health, behavioral health, primary care, maternal health, substance use treatment, and community-based care across North Carolina, the announcement provides additional detail about how portions of the state’s Rural Health Transformation funding are being directed toward specific services and populations.

Learn More

Read the full federal announcement:

https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-administration-announces-more-17-million-new-mental-health-clinics-mobile-crisis-teams

Additional information about the Rural Health Transformation Program is available at:

https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/rural-health

Healthcare professionals are invited to join Northwest AHEC's 28th Annual Diabetes Management Conference, a comprehensive educational event designed to provide current best practices in diabetes care and management.

As diabetes treatment continues to evolve, staying current on clinical advances, technology, communication strategies, and patient-centered care is essential. This year's conference will offer practical, evidence-based education that healthcare professionals can immediately apply in their practice.

November 13, 2026 8:15 AM - 4:00 PM 

The Conference Center at GTCC
7908 Leabourne Rd
Colfax, NC, 27235 

REGISTER NOW

One of the conference highlights is the opportunity to customize your learning experience through engaging breakout sessions tailored to a variety of disciplines and interests.

Morning Breakout Sessions

Troubleshooting Continuous Glucose Monitors: Heather Venoy, RDN, LDN, CDCES

Learn practical approaches to common CGM challenges and gain confidence supporting patients who use diabetes technology. This session is particularly valuable for nurses, CMAs, school nurses, clinic staff, and providers who are newer to diabetes technology.

The Future of Incretin Therapies: Balancing Today's Management with Tomorrow's Pipeline: Julie Pruitt, PharmD

Explore the rapidly evolving world of incretin therapies, including current treatment considerations and emerging developments that are shaping the future of diabetes care.

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Words That Move Care Forward: Building Trust Across Visits, Messages, and Systems in Diabetes Care: Carrie Keyes, MMS, PA-C

Discover practical communication techniques that help build trust, improve patient engagement, and strengthen diabetes care across healthcare settings.

Understanding Ketones and DKA – Pathophysiology of Insulin Deficiency: Courtney Edwards, PA-C

Gain a deeper understanding of ketones, diabetic ketoacidosis, and the effects of insulin deficiency to improve clinical decision-making and patient education.

While all breakout sessions are open to conference attendees, recommended audiences have been identified to help participants select the sessions most relevant to their professional roles and learning goals.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from experienced diabetes care professionals, explore emerging trends, and enhance your ability to provide high-quality patient care.

Registration is now open.

🔗 Register today: https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/78170/28th-annual-diabetes-management-conference

As adults with Down syndrome are living longer and healthier lives, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and community organizations are increasingly seeking evidence-based resources to support their unique health and wellness needs. Fortunately, several outstanding no-cost online educational resources are available to help providers and caregivers strengthen their knowledge and improve care.

CARE-DS: Comprehensive Education with Free Continuing Education Credit

The Center for Aging Research and Education on Down Syndrome (CARE-DS) offers a growing collection of educational programs focused on aging, dementia, health care, and quality of life for adults with Down syndrome.

A particularly valuable feature of CARE-DS is the availability of free continuing education opportunities. Eligible participants can earn both AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ and nursing continuing education credit through select educational activities.

Whether you are a physician, nurse, social worker, caregiver, or community provider, CARE-DS provides practical, evidence-based training designed to improve care for individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan.

Learn more:
CARE-DS

Adult Down Syndrome Center Resource Library

The Adult Down Syndrome Center maintains one of the most comprehensive online resource libraries dedicated to the healthcare needs of adults with Down syndrome.

Topics include:

• Aging and longevity
• Dementia and Alzheimer's disease
• Mental health
• Communication
• Medical conditions and screening recommendations
• Caregiver support
• Healthy lifestyle practices

The center's extensive collection of articles, videos, webinars, and clinical resources makes it a valuable destination for healthcare providers, families, caregivers, and self-advocates seeking trusted information.

Explore the resource library:
Adult Down Syndrome Center

Down Syndrome Project ECHO: Interactive Learning with Free CME

The Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group-USA (DSMIG-USA) sponsors a Down Syndrome Project ECHO program that connects healthcare professionals with national experts through virtual case-based learning and educational sessions.

Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) uses an interactive model that allows participants to learn from specialists while discussing real-world challenges they encounter in practice. Sessions are designed to build provider confidence and expand access to high-quality care for individuals with Down syndrome.

Many sessions include opportunities to earn free Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit, making this an excellent option for clinicians seeking both education and professional development.

Learn more about Project ECHO:
DSMIG-USA Down Syndrome Project ECHO

Expanding Knowledge to Improve Care

As the population of adults with Down syndrome continues to grow, access to high-quality educational resources is essential. These free online programs provide healthcare professionals, caregivers, and community partners with practical tools, current clinical information, and ongoing learning opportunities that can help improve health outcomes and quality of life.

Resource Links

• CARE-DS: https://careds.org/
• Adult Down Syndrome Center Resource Library: https://adultdownsyndrome.org/
• DSMIG-USA Down Syndrome Project ECHO: https://dsmigusa.memberclicks.net/project-echo

Looking for more Down syndrome educational resources? These three programs are excellent starting points for clinicians, caregivers, educators, and organizations seeking evidence-based information and training at no cost.

Rural healthcare organizations often face significant challenges when it comes to adopting and expanding technology solutions. Limited resources, infrastructure barriers, and funding constraints can make it difficult to implement tools that improve patient care, strengthen operations, and support long-term sustainability.

The North Carolina Rural Health Innovation Fund (RHIF) was created to help address these challenges by providing financial support for technology-driven projects that improve healthcare delivery in rural communities. For eligible organizations, this funding opportunity may help accelerate initiatives that enhance access to care, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen healthcare operations.

What Is the Rural Health Innovation Fund?

The Rural Health Innovation Fund is a North Carolina initiative designed to support rural healthcare providers and organizations in implementing innovative technology solutions. Funding is available for projects that demonstrate the potential to improve healthcare delivery and strengthen care in rural communities.

Organizations interested in applying should carefully review eligibility requirements, application instructions, and program guidance available on the Rural Health Innovation Fund website.

Why Technology Readiness Matters

Before investing in new technology, healthcare organizations need to understand their current capabilities and readiness for adoption. Technology readiness assessments can help organizations identify strengths, gaps, and areas that may require additional planning before implementation.

As part of the application process, organizations are encouraged to review the Technology Readiness Assessment Questions before completing the online submission form. Reviewing these questions in advance can help practices gather the information needed and prepare a stronger application.

Technology Readiness Assessment Questions

Preparing Your Application

Organizations considering an application should begin by assembling key stakeholders, evaluating current technology infrastructure, and identifying projects that align with organizational priorities and community needs.

Potential areas of focus may include:

• Telehealth and virtual care expansion
• Digital health tools that improve patient engagement
• Technology that enhances care coordination
• Infrastructure improvements that support healthcare delivery
• Innovative approaches to addressing healthcare access challenges in rural communities

Applicants should also review the program guidance and frequently asked questions to better understand the application process and funding requirements.

Complete the Online Readiness Assessment

After reviewing the readiness assessment questions, organizations can complete the online assessment form.

Online Readiness Assessment Form

Completing the assessment can help organizations determine their preparedness for technology implementation and identify opportunities for future growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional information about the Rural Health Innovation Fund, including answers to common questions, is available in the program FAQ document.

Rural Health Innovation Fund FAQ

Take the Next Step

Technology continues to play an increasingly important role in expanding access to care, improving patient experiences, and supporting healthcare teams. The Rural Health Innovation Fund offers an opportunity for eligible rural healthcare organizations to explore innovative solutions and strengthen their capacity to serve patients and communities.

Organizations interested in learning more should review the program materials, complete the readiness assessment, and determine whether this funding opportunity aligns with their strategic goals.

Resources

Rural Health Innovation Fund

Technology Readiness Assessment Questions

Online Readiness Assessment Form

Rural Health Innovation Fund FAQ

North Carolina's rural healthcare organizations will soon have access to a significant new funding opportunity designed to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen care delivery.

As part of the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program's ongoing digital health and technology initiatives, the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT), in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), is preparing to launch the Rural Health Innovation Fund, a $20 million investment aimed at helping rural healthcare providers modernize operations and adopt innovative digital tools and technologies.

The competitive funding opportunity opens September 30, 2026, and is intended to support healthcare organizations serving rural communities as they navigate evolving patient needs, workforce challenges, and care delivery demands.

Supporting Innovation in Rural Healthcare

Digital health technologies have the potential to expand access to care, improve operational efficiency, and enhance patient outcomes. However, many rural providers face financial and infrastructure barriers that limit their ability to implement new systems and technologies.

The Rural Health Innovation Fund seeks to address these challenges by providing financial support for projects that advance digital health capabilities and strengthen healthcare delivery across rural North Carolina.

Potential investments may help organizations modernize workflows, improve data sharing, enhance patient engagement, support care coordination, and implement technology solutions that improve access and quality of care.

Learn More at the Informational Webinar

Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to attend the NCRHTP Rural Health Innovation Fund Informational Webinar on:

Wednesday, September 23, 2026
2:00 PM Eastern Time

The webinar will provide an overview of:

• Program goals and objectives
• Applicant eligibility requirements
• Funding priorities
• Application process and timeline
• Tips for preparing a competitive proposal

This session will also give potential applicants an opportunity to better understand how the fund aligns with broader Rural Health Transformation Program efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure throughout North Carolina.

Important Dates

Rural Health Innovation Fund Informational Webinar

September 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Application Period Opens

September 30, 2026

Why This Matters

Rural healthcare providers continue to face unique challenges related to workforce shortages, financial sustainability, access to specialty care, and technology infrastructure. Strategic investments in digital health solutions can help organizations improve care delivery while creating a stronger foundation for long-term sustainability.

The Rural Health Innovation Fund represents an important opportunity for healthcare organizations to invest in innovations that can enhance services, improve patient experiences, and build more connected systems of care for rural communities across North Carolina.

Learn More

Healthcare organizations interested in pursuing funding should plan to attend the informational webinar and begin considering projects that align with their strategic goals and the needs of the populations they serve.

For additional information about the Rural Health Innovation Fund and webinar registration details, visit the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program website.