North Carolina is taking another step toward improving access to health care in rural communities through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). In June, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) announced three new programs designed to strengthen the digital infrastructure supporting rural health care delivery. These efforts are part of Initiative Six of the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program (NCRHTP), which focuses on digital health and technology.
Initiative Six is centered on improving health information sharing, supporting the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence, and ensuring that North Carolinians have the digital literacy skills needed to access health care resources and services. These investments are intended to help rural providers improve care coordination, adopt emerging technologies, and better serve patients across the state.
The newly announced programs are designed to strengthen rural health care through technology, innovation, and improved connectivity.
The Rural Health Innovation Fund will provide funding to help rural health care providers modernize operations and health information technology infrastructure. Eligible projects may include telehealth expansion, artificial intelligence-enabled clinical decision support, electronic health record upgrades, cybersecurity enhancements, and other digital health solutions that improve care delivery and patient engagement. Funding opportunities are expected to become available through a competitive application process beginning in September 2026.
Another program will expand provider participation in NC HealthConnex, North Carolina’s state-designated health information exchange. The initiative will provide operational, technical, and financial support to help rural organizations establish or strengthen connections to the platform. Improved participation in NC HealthConnex allows providers to securely access and share patient information, improving care coordination across health care settings.
The third program focuses on expanding digital health literacy resources for rural residents through online, phone-based, and in-person support. Building on the NC 211 Digital Navigation Program, the initiative will help individuals gain the skills needed to access health information, use digital health tools, and navigate online services with confidence. Beginning July 1, 2026, callers to NC 211 can connect with a Digital Health Navigator for assistance.
A key component of Initiative Six is helping rural providers evaluate and adopt emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. The initiative includes development of the NC Rural Digital Health Collaborative, which will serve as a centralized resource to help providers navigate the rapidly evolving digital health landscape. Through a Rural Community of Practice and a Rural Technical Assistance Center, the collaborative will provide education, implementation guidance, and peer learning opportunities for organizations exploring AI and other digital health tools.
As rural health care organizations face ongoing workforce challenges and increasing demands for services, digital tools may provide new opportunities to enhance efficiency, strengthen care coordination, and improve patient access.
The Rural Health Transformation Program represents a significant investment in the future of North Carolina’s rural communities. Through Initiative Six, state leaders are working to ensure that providers, patients, and communities have access to the technology, connectivity, and resources needed to thrive in an increasingly digital health environment.
NCRHTP Initiative Six: Digital Health