Here’s a draft blog post based on the announcement, keeping it factual and omitting any mention of federal appointees:
North Carolina Secures $213 Million to Transform Rural Health Care
We’re excited to share a major milestone for rural health in North Carolina. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved North Carolina’s application for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), unlocking over $213 million in first-year funding to strengthen health care delivery across 85 rural counties.
This achievement reflects collaboration with more than 420 stakeholders, including rural hospitals, community health centers, local health departments, Tribal communities, and community- and faith-based organizations. It underscores North Carolina’s long-standing commitment to ensuring rural residents have access to high-quality, affordable care.
Why This Matters
North Carolina has the second-largest rural population in the nation, facing unique challenges in access, workforce, and infrastructure. The RHTP introduces six key strategies to address these needs:
- Expand behavioral health services
- Invest in the rural health workforce
- Improve prevention and chronic disease management
- Support providers transitioning to value-based care
- Enhance health care technology
- Launch NC ROOTS Hubs to connect medical, behavioral health, and social supports
What’s Next
Implementation will involve a broad coalition of state agencies, rural providers, community partners, academic institutions, and the private sector. Once funding is received, NCDHHS will:
- Establish a statewide governance structure
- Begin building regional hubs
- Engage stakeholders in funding and implementation decisions
To keep the conversation going, NCDHHS will host a virtual town hall on Friday, Jan. 16 to share program goals, next steps, and statewide impact. Details and registration will be available soon on the https://www.ncdhhs.gov.
Impact at a Glance
- Nearly 3 million rural North Carolinians supported
- More than 400 rural health facilities strengthened
- $213 million in federal investment for year one
This is a transformative moment for rural health in North Carolina, and we look forward to working together to make it a success.
Would you like me to make this more conversational and blog-friendly (with a warm tone and call-to-action), or keep it formal and policy-focused for professional audiences?
