Ideas, evidence, and lessons from rural innovation.

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.

Mental health disparities in rural areas have long been a pressing issue, with rural residents experiencing higher rates of mental health challenges and fewer resources available to address their needs. This white paper dives deep into the factors contributing to these disparities, offering an in-depth analysis of access to care, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the unique challenges of living in remote areas.

Access to broadband has been shown to be important for a wide range of well-being indicators, including
economic, educational, and health outcomes. A digital access divide persists between urban and rural areas. The aim of this paper is to introduce broadband connectivity and provide insights into how it can be used to cultivate well-being for people living in rural areas.

Forty percent of U.S. high school students report persistent sadness or hopelessness, with rural teens at nearly twice the suicide risk of their urban peers. Limited resources—most rural counties lack youth-serving mental health facilities—worsen these disparities. To address this, AscendRural piloted resilience-focused technology solutions in central Minnesota, aiming to measure their impact and community partner experiences.

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.

AscendRural, in partnership with the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), launched the First Responder Innovation Challenge to address one of central Minnesota’s most urgent issues: the shortage of volunteer first responders. Over 70 percent of rural public safety agencies face recruitment and retention challenges driven by aging populations, extensive training demands, and limited local resources.

Rural health systems continue to face structural challenges that are unlikely to be solved by any single program or funding stream. Workforce shortages, fragile provider finances, limited infrastructure, and geographic barriers remain persistent realities.

Key insights:

1. Community validation starts with co-design. We build with rural leaders, not for them.

2. Credible data offers important proof points. Every pilot delivers actionable insights and validated social + financial ROI, produced with Northwestern University.

3. Local rural innovation can scale nationally. By partnering with rural peers, public agencies, and national funders, we turn local wins into cross-regional momentum.

Key insights:

1. Relationships are your most valuable infrastructure

2. Lead with the “why” and make it personal

3. Resource constraints are real, but so is loyalty

4. Design with, not for

5. Rural is not a niche, it’s a national growth opportunity

By looking beyond miles and toward new models of care, transportation, and service delivery, we can help communities design systems that are more responsive, more equitable, and better aligned with the realities of rural life.

Earlier this month, members of the AscendRural team attended American Society on Aging’s annual conference, On Aging. The experience left the team both inspired and grounded in the realities of advancing aging well. Across sessions, conversations, and informal moments, a few themes stood out — not just in what is changing, but in how change is happening.

Last month, AscendRural hosted a Senior Care Matching Event that brought together rural community-based senior care organizations and technology companies for a day focused on connection, collaboration, and innovation — and the results exceeded expectations. 

AscendRural announces registration is now open for the AscendRural 2026 National Summit, taking place March 31–April 1, 2026, at the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel in Eagan, Minn.

Registration is now open for the AscendRural 2026 National Summit, taking place Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel in Eagan, Minn. The three-day national gathering will bring together rural thought leaders, community problem-solvers, healthcare and technology innovators, entrepreneurs, funders, and policymakers to explore what's working, what's next, and the partnerships needed to transform federal investments in rural America into lasting impact. 

AscendRural, a program of Sourcewell, is accepting applications for the Mental Health Ecosystem Accelerator, a four-week program connecting technology companies with rural stakeholders who are actively looking for solutions. The accelerator targets the gaps that make rural mental health care hard to coordinate. The curriculum is built to move selected companies toward a lasting partnership with a community partner.

A new initiative is redefining how technology startups connect with public sector opportunities. AscendRural, a program of Sourcewell, is introducing a scalable, challenge-based procurement model designed to better serve rural communities.

Older adults in small towns and remote, rural communities across America often sit at an unfortunate intersection of poor health and inaccessible healthcare.

AscendRural announced a new collaborative partnership with research and data source the Center for Rural Policy & Development (CRPD).

AscendRural announces the nine companies chosen to participate in the AscendRural Senior Care Innovation Accelerator: CarePredict, care.coach, Medex Finance, Plated Foodservice, Pontosense, Total Life, Vivo, Xandar Kardian, and Zemplee. 

We’re pleased to highlight the following companies, selected from nearly 100 applicants for their innovative solutions, strong impact potential, and alignment with our priorities.

Rural health systems continue to face structural challenges that are unlikely to be solved by any single program or funding stream. Workforce shortages, fragile provider finances, limited infrastructure, and geographic barriers remain persistent realities.

For community collaborators: Applications open through Jan. 9 for AscendRural Senior Care Community Cohort

For technologies: Applications open through Jan. 9 for AscendRural Senior Care Innovation Accelerator

AscendRural's managing director Melissa Kjolsing highlights the promise of pilots to drive city innovation.

Jose brings a distinguished background in rural healthcare leadership and community engagement.

AscendRural’s first symposium explores youth resilience pilot findings plus future programs

Five finalists selected for the Volunteer First Responder Innovation Challenge

AscendRural announces new research and evaluation partnership with Northwestern University.

Applications are due July 21, 2025. Benefits include a pilot opportunity worth up to $150,000.

Join us for a day of shared learning to support rural well-being.