Nashville —The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) today announced the initial recipients of funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), providing awards to 53 innovative projects that strengthen healthcare access, improve health outcomes, and advance the long-term sustainability of rural healthcare systems across Tennessee.
“Strong rural communities are essential to Tennessee’s continued success, and access to quality healthcare is a cornerstone of that strength,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said. “Through the Rural Health Transformation Program, Tennessee is investing in innovative, community-driven solutions that will expand access to care, improve health outcomes, and help ensure families across rural Tennessee can receive the healthcare they need close to home. These grants demonstrate what is possible when state and local partners work together to build healthier, stronger communities.”
The 53 awarded projects are devoted to initiatives in the Healthy Active Rural Tennessee (HART) RHTP priority and expand services across 44 Tennessee counties, demonstrating broad statewide reach.
County and municipal governments account for 58 percent (31) of award recipients, while community-based nonprofit organizations comprise the remaining 42 percent (22), reflecting a strong partnership between public agencies and local nonprofits.
Among the Tennessee counties benefiting from these awards are those identified as economically distressed. These counties include Scott, three projects, and Cocke, two projects, and one project each in Clay, Hancock, and Lauderdale. This will ensure critical investments reach areas with some of the state’s greatest needs.
HART projects are devoted to increasing the percentage of rural populations living near health-promoting environments by improving nutrition, physical fitness, and community social supports and programs.
Tennessee Lt. Governor Randy McNally
“Every rural community has unique healthcare needs, and the best solutions often come from the people who know those communities best. These grants empower local organizations to develop innovative approaches that improve access to care while strengthening the healthcare systems that rural Tennesseans depend on every day. This investment will benefit communities across our state for years to come.”
Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Cameron Sexton
“The Rural Health Transformation Program represents a smart investment in Tennessee’s future by supporting innovative projects that improve healthcare access while strengthening the long-term sustainability of rural healthcare. By giving communities the resources to address their own challenges, we’re helping create practical, lasting solutions that improve the health and quality of life of Tennesseans across our rural counties.”
Tennessee’s RHTP commitment is to build a locally-led model for how rural America can become healthy, vibrant, and self-sustaining, and bring Better Care, Closer to Home through projects that support the delivery of high-quality healthcare services in rural communities throughout Tennessee. The program reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to improving access to care and ensuring that all Tennesseans, regardless of geography, have the opportunity to live healthy and productive lives.
“Every Tennessee community deserves access to quality healthcare close to home,” Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. John Dunn said. “The Rural Health Transformation Program reflects Tennessee’s commitment to supporting local communities in developing innovative solutions to improve health, strengthen healthcare delivery, and create lasting change. We are proud to partner with these grant recipients as they work to build a healthier future for rural Tennessee.”
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded Tennessee more than $206 million in late 2025 through the federal RHTP grant program, a nationwide, five-year commitment of $50 billion dedicated to improving access to care, quality, and health outcomes in rural communities nationwide.
“The Trump Administration’s Rural Health Transformation Program is helping states like Tennessee develop innovative, locally driven solutions to improve rural Americans’ access to high-quality care,” CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said. “These first grant awards demonstrate how this historic investment is empowering rural communities to strengthen their health systems, put patients first, and bring better care closer to home.”
Click for more information about RHTP on the TDH website and sign up for notifications of RHTP funding opportunity announcements.
The CMS and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are providing support for this project as part of a financial assistance award totaling $206,888,882.11 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
