Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced the state submitted its application to CMS for the Rural Health Transformation Program. The proposal, titled Healthy Hometowns, is aimed at building a high-quality, sustainable system of care that improves the health, well-being and quality of life in rural communities across the state. Healthy Hometowns is Iowa's strategic response—developed in collaboration with rural hospitals, health systems, and community partners—to address these challenges through a hub and spoke model of care. More information about Iowa's Rural Health Transformation proposal, including its application, is available online.
Also in Iowa, the Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) launched a new funding opportunity to help communities across the state respond to the opioid crisis. This funding comes from HF 1038 passed earlier this year, which directs 75% of Iowa's opioid settlement money toward efforts to reduce opioid misuse and its impacts.
The Iowa HHS will allocate this funding through a competitive application process. There will be two rounds of funding: one starting now and another in the spring. Each project can receive up to $1 million, with $7 million available in each round.
Projects must focus on one or more of the following goals:
- Identifying and addressing needs in communities affected by opioids.
- Using proven or community-based methods to support people impacted by opioid use.
- Working with local service providers to improve recovery outcomes.
- Promoting the use of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and distributing overdose reversal drugs (OORM).
- Respecting the privacy and dignity of people receiving services.
- Using data to show results and improve services.
For more information or to apply, visit: https://www.iowagrants.gov/viewStorefrontOpportunity.do?OIDString=1758745329639%7COpportunity
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.