Rural Health Innovation Hubs Initiative

The Ohio Department of Health, through its Center of Public Health Excellence and Rural Health Transformation Program, is offering funding under the Rural Health Innovation Hubs initiative to strengthen healthcare delivery systems across rural Ohio. This request for proposals is part of a broader statewide and federally aligned effort to improve access, quality, and outcomes in rural communities. The program is authorized under federal legislation and reflects national priorities focused on sustainable access, workforce development, innovative care models, and technology integration in rural healthcare systems. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the development, implementation, and expansion of Clinically Integrated Networks and Rural Health Innovation Hubs. These networks are designed as collaborative partnerships among healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, emergency services, behavioral health providers, pharmacists, and community organizations. The goal is to ensure that rural residents receive coordinated, efficient, and high quality care in appropriate settings, ultimately reducing healthcare disparities and improving population health outcomes across designated rural counties in Ohio. Funding is intended to support infrastructure development, care coordination systems, workforce strengthening, and technology advancements necessary to sustain integrated healthcare networks. Allowable uses include prevention and chronic disease management, provider payments under certain conditions, workforce recruitment and training, health information technology improvements, and innovative care delivery models. However, there are strict limitations, including prohibitions on construction, lobbying activities, supplanting existing funding, and certain capital expenditures. Administrative costs are capped at ten percent of the total award, and specific programmatic spending caps apply to categories such as provider payments and technology initiatives. Eligible applicants include a wide range of Ohio based entities such as state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, hospitals, institutions of higher education, and other healthcare organizations. Applicants must demonstrate at least five years of experience delivering health services in one or more of the designated rural counties and must show the capacity to lead complex collaborative initiatives. Strong preference is given to rural based organizations and those with established partnerships that can effectively serve the targeted populations. The application process requires submission of both a technical proposal and a cost proposal via email. The technical proposal must include a comprehensive program narrative detailing organizational capacity, partnership strategies, implementation plans, sustainability approaches, and performance metrics. Applicants must also provide evidence of leadership support, partner engagement, and plans for addressing healthcare gaps, including maternal health where applicable. Evaluation is based on a structured scoring system that assesses organizational experience, staffing, work plan quality, and alignment with program goals. The application timeline includes an inquiry period beginning July 6, 2026, and ending August 18, 2026, with a final proposal submission deadline of September 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. A bidders conference is scheduled for July 20, 2026 to provide additional guidance. The anticipated project period runs from September 30, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with potential renewal options extending up to four additional years depending on performance and funding availability. Awards will be made on a competitive basis, with the Ohio Department of Health anticipating multiple awards from a total funding pool not to exceed 61,695,461 dollars. Special consideration is given to projects that expand maternal health services in rural communities, with a significant portion of funding reserved for such initiatives. Successful applicants will be required to meet ongoing reporting, evaluation, and performance monitoring requirements to ensure program effectiveness and sustainability beyond the initial funding period.

Focus on strong partnerships, clear sustainability strategy, and measurable outcomes aligned with rural health priorities; emphasize workforce and maternal care impact