Iowa’s Healthy Hometowns Rural Health Transformation Program is a multi-year effort designed to strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure, improve patient access, and support long-term provider sustainability. This article outlines what Rural Health Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, hospitals, and specialty practices should prepare for as the state moves forward with implementation.
Major Funding and Partnership Opportunities
Centers of Excellence Expansion
High value for hospitals, FQHCs, and specialty practices
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Up to 10 new Center of Excellence contracts plus amendments to existing ones.
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Priority areas include maternal and child health, cancer, cardiovascular care, mental and behavioral health, and chronic disease management.
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Facilities will need referral agreements, community outreach plans, and partnerships with social service organizations.
Why this matters: Large funding opportunities, increased patient flow, and stronger regional care networks.
Health Hubs and Technical Assistance
Applicable to RHCs, FQHCs, and hospitals
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State-funded support to redesign service lines and strengthen partnerships.
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Technical assistance includes payment model development, business planning, legal agreements, and grant navigation.
Why this matters: Rural facilities can pursue modernization without carrying the full administrative workload.
Provider Recruitment Incentives through the Best and Brightest Program
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One-time recruitment and retention bonuses.
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Relocation assistance.
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No non-compete clauses.
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5-year service commitment required.
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Approximately 208 awards expected.
Who benefits: RHCs, FQHCs, hospitals, and specialty practices managing chronic workforce shortages.
Equipment Installation Awards
Approximately $3.32 million per award
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Funding for advanced clinical technology upgrades and equipment installation.
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About 53 awards expected.
Who benefits: Hospitals, FQHCs, and large RHCs expanding imaging, diagnostics, telehealth, and cancer care capacity.
New Care Delivery Models and Integration Requirements
School-Based Health Partnerships
Eligible entities include hospitals, RHCs, FQHCs, community health centers, and public health departments.
Supports include:
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Staffing for mobile or on-site school-based care
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Telehealth integration
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Equipment and training
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Parent engagement tools
Why this matters: Expands preventive care access and builds trusted community relationships.
Co-Location Sites
Up to 7 sites statewide
Partners may include:
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RHCs, FQHCs, hospitals
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Behavioral health and substance use providers
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Oral health providers
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Pharmacies
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Aging and disability services
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Community health workers
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Social care organizations
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Chronic disease programs
Supports include:
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Shared technology infrastructure
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Preventive screening tools
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Workforce support
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Transportation vouchers and patient engagement incentives
Why this matters: Ideal for organizations seeking to integrate behavioral health, chronic disease care, and wrap-around services.
Cancer-Focused Opportunities
Cancer Health Hubs
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Startup funding for cancer screening, early detection pathways, and treatment infrastructure.
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Supports diagnostic equipment, workforce capacity, tele-oncology, and referral development.
Expanded Screening Initiatives
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Radon testing and mitigation at high volume
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FIT testing and colonoscopy support programs
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Dermatoscopes for dermatology and cancer screening
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Community-based scheduling tools at libraries, pharmacies, and similar sites
Why this matters: Strong expansion potential for oncology, GI, dermatology, and diagnostic service lines.
EMS-Driven and Mobile Care Expansion
Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) Programs
Up to 7 statewide
Services include:
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Post-discharge follow-up
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Preventive care visits
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Chronic disease management support
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Home-based acute care
High-Risk OB and Neonatal Transport
Up to 3 projects
Supports include telehealth capability and specialty training.
Why this matters: Expands rural reach and decreases unnecessary emergency department utilization.
What Facilities Should Do Now
Rural Health Clinics
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Evaluate readiness for school-based partnerships, chronic disease programs, or MIH collaboration.
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Map referral pathways for cancer, cardiovascular, and OB services.
Federally Qualified Health Centers
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Position for Centers of Excellence and co-location opportunities.
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Review data systems to ensure strong screening, interoperability, and reporting functions.
Hospitals
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Identify service lines aligned with hub or Center of Excellence models, including OB, cancer, and cardiovascular care.
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Assess technology needs to prepare for $3.32 million equipment awards.
Specialty Practices
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Pursue partnerships that expand screening initiatives in GI, oncology, cardiology, and dermatology.
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Strengthen referral networks to support Center of Excellence participation.
Final Takeaway
Iowa’s Rural Health Transformation Program creates significant opportunities for rural healthcare organizations to modernize operations, expand patient access, and build sustainable service lines. The organizations that assess alignment early and prepare now will be strongest when funding windows open.
Contact Burrows Consulting for RHTP support
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