Community Health Worker Training and Technical Assistance Grant Program

The Ohio Department of Health is soliciting proposals under the Rural Health Transformation Community Health Worker Training and Technical Assistance initiative. This opportunity is part of a broader federally authorized Rural Health Transformation Program designed to strengthen rural healthcare systems by improving access, quality, workforce development, and innovation. The program aligns with national priorities set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and focuses specifically on addressing healthcare disparities in non-urban counties across Ohio. The initiative emphasizes building a sustainable and well-trained Community Health Worker workforce capable of responding to the unique challenges faced by rural populations. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to contract with a qualified organization to design and deliver training and professional development programming for Community Health Workers and Navigators. The program aims to enhance workforce capacity so that these professionals can better connect rural residents to healthcare services and improve overall health outcomes. Training topics must address real-world challenges such as serving aging populations, agricultural communities, and individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as improving communication with caregivers and clinical teams, promoting health literacy, and leveraging technology for remote monitoring and care. The scope of work includes developing a structured training curriculum, hosting ongoing learning sessions, and establishing a Community of Practice to facilitate knowledge sharing among participants. All training sessions must be recorded and made accessible online, and evaluation mechanisms must be included to assess effectiveness. Additional responsibilities include recruiting participants, engaging subject matter experts, and creating a comprehensive workplan outlining implementation strategies and performance metrics. Monthly and annual reporting is required to track outcomes, participation, and program impact. Funding for this initiative is estimated at a total of 750000 dollars for the project period, with one anticipated award. The initial performance period runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with the possibility of renewal for up to four additional years depending on funding availability and program performance. Administrative costs are capped at 10 percent of the total award, and applicants must clearly distinguish between administrative and programmatic expenses in their proposed budgets. Eligible applicants must demonstrate extensive experience working with Community Health Workers in rural settings, including at least three years of experience managing training or continuing education programs. Applicants must also show the ability to recruit and retain rural participants, manage program reporting, and comply with federal and state requirements. A certified Community Health Worker must be included on the project team, and preference is given to organizations based in rural Ohio or those with established rural partnerships. Applications must be submitted through the Ohio Buys system by the stated deadline, and all required components must be clearly labeled and complete at submission. The solicitation includes a defined inquiry period for questions and a bidder conference to provide additional guidance. Evaluation criteria focus on organizational experience, staffing capacity, quality of the proposed workplan, and ability to recruit and engage participants. The program requires ongoing collaboration with the Ohio Department of Health and other stakeholders throughout the contract period.

Align proposal with evaluation criteria by clearly demonstrating recruitment strategy, measurable outcomes, and experience with rural populations; emphasize ability to deliver virtual training and track performance metrics