State moves forward with rural health program

Bidding has opened for healthcare organizations interested in providing several initiatives under Delaware’s Rural Health Transformation Program. 

The state initiatives are part of a five-year, $50 billion federal Rural Health Transformation Program to improve healthcare access, particularly in rural Kent and Sussex counties. 

“A person’s ZIP code should never dictate the quality of care they receive – or if healthcare services are even available,” said Gov. Matt Meyer in a press release. “These [requests for proposals] are a critical step on our journey to expand access, lower costs and grow our workforce, so that we can improve health outcomes in every community. I encourage any organization interested to apply and help deliver real healthcare solutions, especially for the nearly 40% of Delawareans who live in rural communities.” 

Through the program, Delaware is seeking to open its first medical school; bring school-based health centers to rural elementary and middle schools; create sustainable Food is Medicine programs for rural communities to combat chronic disease; and create mobile health units and other community-based access points delivering preventive, chronic disease, behavioral health and specialty services to rural communities with the goal of conducting 1,500 yearly encounters by the third year.  

The proposal includes funding for two new Hope Center-style facilities modeled after the Hope Center in New Castle County that provides healthcare, employment and housing services under one roof. The new centers in Kent County and Sussex County will work similarly, officials said, serving as one-stop destinations for families seeking care, treatment and support.  

Eligible organizations interested in applying can review RFPs available at bids.delaware.gov.