Rapid Response Stabilization Program

The Rapid Response Stabilization Program Round 2 is administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Human Services under the Rural Health Transformation Program. This initiative operates under statutory authority provided in the Fiscal Code and is designed to distribute program payments to qualified health care entities that support rural health system stability. The program aligns with a federally approved transformation plan that organizes investments across six strategic initiative areas, including Aging and Access, Behavioral Health, Emergency Medical Services and Transportation, Maternal Health, Technology and Infrastructure, and Workforce development. This funding round is explicitly structured as a noncompetitive opportunity, meaning eligible applicants receive funding based on compliance and submission timing rather than comparative scoring. The primary purpose of the program is to stabilize and enhance rural health care access and promote rural well being through targeted investments in supplies and equipment. Funding is restricted to one time program payments and must be used exclusively for tangible items that directly support service delivery improvements. Allowable uses include purchases that help maintain or expand service capacity, reinstate discontinued services, or prevent service reductions. However, the program prohibits the use of funds for ongoing operational costs, projects requiring long term monitoring, or certain excluded items such as electronic health record systems, mobile health units, ambulances, and structural renovations beyond limited thresholds due to federal caps on capital expenditures. All funded activities must comply with both federal and state regulations and align with one of the six designated initiative categories. Eligibility is limited to qualified entities operating within Pennsylvania rural regions. These include hospitals licensed as general acute care facilities, health care providers as defined under federal statute, and rural health facilities meeting specific regulatory definitions. Applicants must demonstrate that they have been operational in Pennsylvania since at least December 29 2025 and are not at risk of closure at the time of funding. Additionally, entities that previously received funding under the earlier Rapid Response Stabilization round are not eligible for this round. Each eligible location must submit its own certification, even if multiple locations are operated by a single entity, and all locations must meet rural designation criteria defined by county classification or federally recognized rural census tracts. The application process requires submission of an eligibility certification form for each location, along with a comprehensive set of supporting documents. Applicants may complete a web based certification form or submit a PDF version if necessary. Required attachments include a budget narrative describing how funds will be used, a budget worksheet itemizing expenditures, third party cost estimates, and federal reporting documentation for larger requests. Additional documentation such as proof of licensure, proof of Pennsylvania registration, and funding disclosure statements must also be included. Submissions are made via email in structured parts with strict formatting and file size requirements, and incomplete submissions may be rejected or delayed. The timeline for Round 2 is tightly defined and operates on a first come first served basis. Applications open on August 17 2026 at 8 00 AM and close on August 24 2026 at 11 59 PM or earlier if the funding cap is reached. The Department processes submissions in the order received, based on the timestamp of the final complete submission. Applicants were able to submit questions prior to an established deadline, with responses posted publicly. The program does not include a formal competitive evaluation process but instead verifies eligibility, completeness, and compliance with program rules before authorizing payments. Funding for this round totals 35000000 dollars, with a maximum of 1000000 dollars available per eligible location and a minimum of 10000 dollars per request. Payments must be expended by July 31 2027, and recipients are required to submit documentation of expenditures within 30 days of incurring costs. The Department retains authority to audit, monitor, and recover funds if program requirements are not met. Entities must also maintain records through February 27 2031. This funding round represents an initial opportunity within the broader program framework, with future funding opportunities anticipated for entities that may not qualify under current restrictions.

Submit complete documentation in first submission to avoid delays; apply early due to first come first served funding allocation; ensure all location specific requirements are met