Rural Health Transformation - Overcoming Geographical Barriers to Care - Emergency Medical Services

The Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, solicitation RHT-27, is a grant initiative managed by the Illinois Department of Public Health to improve healthcare access and outcomes across 85 of Illinois' 102 rural designated counties. The program specifically partners with Illinois designated EMS System Resource Hospitals that are government entities or non-profits to fund EMS-related expenses and expand prehospital care. The grant period runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with a total program funding of 13.5 million dollars and an expected 15 awards with a ceiling of 97,805.60 dollars. Key deliverables include conducting EMT, A-EMT, and Paramedic education programs while maintaining attrition rates below 30 percent, and implementing system enhancements to reduce barriers to care by May 1, 2027. Applications are evaluated via a competitive, merit-based review totaling 100 points, with 65 points allocated to the scope of work, 20 points to the SMART-formatted work plan, and 15 points to the budget justification. Eligible applicants must possess an active Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov registration, and must not appear on the Illinois Stop Payment List or SAM.gov Exclusion List. Funding is provided through federal pass-through funds and is subject to strict limitations, prohibiting new construction, lobbying, and the replacement of insurance-reimbursable clinical services. Administration is handled through the EGrAMS portal, requiring quarterly progress reports and monthly reimbursement certifications, with final submissions due by July 30, 2027.