The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) has announced new and upcoming funding opportunities through the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) initiative, a multi-year effort focused on expanding access to care, strengthening the healthcare workforce, and supporting sustainable, high-quality healthcare across South Dakota’s rural communities. Long-term care providers are encouraged to engage, as these opportunities are designed to support the full continuum of care.
The state’s RHT hub—Rural Health Transformation Initiative South Dakota—serves as the central resource for program details, including funding opportunities, webinars, FAQs, and key initiative updates. The project includes 10 focus areas, ranging from workforce development and behavioral health integration to EMS sustainability and chronic disease management.
Here you will find FAQs, press releases, webinars, initiative overviews, project narrative, the key focus areas AND of course our funding opportunities!
The 10 initiatives include:
- Technology and Data Connection
- Applicant Preparation Guide – long term care providers and facilities should definitely check this one out!
- Building a Sustainable Rural Healthcare Workforce – lots more to come on this one too! Check out the updates below!
- Expanding and Strengthening Community Health Worker Workforce
- Rural Health Forward Training and Resource Hub
- Medicaid Primary Accountable Care Transformation (PACT)
- Medicaid Rural Health Access and Quality Grants
- Regional Maternal and Infant Health Hubs
- Strengthening Chronic Disease Management
- Integrated Behavioral Health System
- Enhancing Sustainable Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
There are currently six RFPs open that can be found on the state’s procurement website – simply insert “RHT” into the Search By bar and they will appear: Click Here. State of South Dakota procurement rules and regulations apply. Questions regarding specific RFP requirements must be submitted in accordance with the instructions provided in the applicable RFP. Official responses will be provided as outlined in the solicitation.
Currently, multiple Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are open through the state procurement system, with additional opportunities expected in Q2 2026. Upcoming RFPs will focus on:
- Education and training programs (anticipated April launch)
- Workforce recruitment and retention strategies (anticipated May launch)
SDAHO Resources for Members
The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) continues to support members through its dedicated RHTP resource page, which provides easy access to both state and SDAHO tools to help navigate the application process.
SDAHO recently hosted a member-exclusive webinar led by Becky Heisinger, MBA, PMP, CGMS, CPHQ, Director of Rural Health Initiatives, SDAHO, titled: Key Considerations for Successful Rural Health Transformation Grant Submission. This session highlighted:
- How to assess alignment with organizational strategy
- Tips for developing strong, competitive applications
- Key elements reviewers look for
- Best practices for post-award grant management
SDAHO members can access the webinar recording here, and additional resources through the SDAHO Rural Health Transformation webpage – sdaho.org/rhtp.
RHTP Educational Opportunity
On Thursday April 16, 2026, SDAHO provided an additional RHTP webinar titled: From Award to Impact: Mastering Post-Award Management in RHTP. This was a SDAHO member exclusive opportunity. Members can find the recording here.
As these opportunities continue to roll out, SDAHO encourages members—especially long-term care providers—to explore how the Rural Health Transformation initiative can support your organization’s goals and enhance care in the communities you serve.
