The CMS Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program places states at the center of efforts to strengthen access, quality, and sustainability in rural health systems. As states move from planning to implementation, success depends on effective leadership, strong partnerships, and practical approaches that reflect the realities of rural communities.

This three-part national webinar series, hosted by AscendRural, brought together state leaders, health plans, and innovators from across the country to explore how rural health transformation would be implemented on the ground. Through real-world perspectives and cross-sector discussion, the series explored what it takes to translate the RHT framework into meaningful, lasting change.

To understand the funding opportunity gaps innovations in rural areas face, begin with this: rural businesses represent 12% of all U.S. firms but receive less than 1% of venture capital with more than half of capital flowing to only five major metro areas. This funding gap is not limited to just venture dollars. When it comes to federal funding, counties are more likely to receive funding when they have greater staff capacity and payroll spending.