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Gov. Pillen Welcomes Dr. Oz for Update on Successful Implementation of $177 million in RHTP Funding
LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen welcomed Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the USDHHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to Nebraska for an update on the successful implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Nebraska has awarded more than $177 million, delivering critical investments into local communities that strengthen and modernize rural healthcare while boosting rural economies across the state.
“These investments in rural healthcare are more than dollars. They are delivering real, innovative change that communities are already experiencing firsthand,” said Gov. Pillen. “We are hearing success stories from providers, partners, and residents across Nebraska. RHTP is strengthening care delivery, supporting local economies, and making a meaningful impact in its first year.”
“The Trump Administration’s Rural Health Transformation Program is helping states like Nebraska develop innovative, locally driven solutions to improve rural Americans’ access to high-quality care," said Dr. Oz. "These awards demonstrate how this historic investment is empowering rural communities to strengthen their health systems, put patients first, and bring better care closer to home.”
Nebraska received $218.5 million from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to support seven initiatives in the first year of a five‑year program. As year one continues, communities are already benefiting from several key initiatives reshaping how rural healthcare is delivered across the lifespan.
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Three maternal and family health mobile units are in development to serve the Panhandle Public Health District, Public Health Solutions, and East Central District Health Department regions, helping ensure mothers and families in maternity‑care deserts can access essential services close to home and improve health outcomes in rural communities.
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Two hundred and forty provider recruitment and retention awards have been offered, with 172 contracts signed, representing a variety of licensed provider types across 51 counties. Sixty-eight awards are recruiting new providers or expanding new healthcare services in rural areas, directly increasing provider capacity in rural Nebraska. These incentives help rural communities build and sustain a strong healthcare workforce, strengthen local economies, expand access to essential services, and ensure providers can continue to deliver high-quality care where it is needed most.
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Forty-five healthcare facilities have gained access to remote monitoring technology, with 68 devices deployed so far, advancing more proactive, coordinated care close to home in rural communities.
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Twenty-eight rural pharmacies are receiving support through financial incentives, training, and enhanced ability to support patients with chronic diseases through medication adherence.
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One hundred and ninety-eight community health worker and 20 CHW supervisor positions have been created so far, generating local jobs that strengthen rural economies and bolster the rural healthcare system. CHWs coordinate care across rural hospitals and facilities, improve prevention and navigation support, connect residents with regular providers, assist with chronic disease management, and strengthen communication among care teams.
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Nebraska is currently collaborating with 26 healthcare facilities, with plans to engage additional partners to strengthen veterans’ access to timely health care at their preferred locations. Additionally, five regional Veteran Benefit Expos will be scheduled for 2027 to expand outreach and connect veterans with essential services across the state.
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Rural and frontier schools will soon receive School Kitchen Modernization Grants dedicated to improving school lunch meal quality statewide. These grants strengthen rural communities by supporting scratch cooking, expanding access to healthier, locally sourced foods, and increasing student participation in school meal programs.
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Thirty-five farmers, ranchers, and food producers received funding to purchase equipment and supplies to help increase the availability of whole fresh foods in local communities.
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Nineteen critical incident stress debriefings were held during the Nebraska 2026 wildfires to provide community mental health support. Rural law enforcement and first responders are being equipped with app-based telehealth pocket co-responders, which give direct access to trained mental health professionals to support individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
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Three community colleges and five community agencies have been awarded funds to become supplemental nutrition assistance program employment and training providers, expanding the program’s reach into previously underserved rural areas and helping more Nebraskans access healthcare career training and move toward self‑sufficiency.
These accomplishments represent just a portion of the progress made so far during the first year of RHTP. Across Nebraska, additional initiatives are actively advancing, and communities continue to benefit from the meaningful work underway to strengthen rural healthcare and local economies.
“In Nebraska, when we see a challenge, we come together to solve it. No single agency can do this work alone. Real progress depends on strong partnerships,” said Ashley Newmyer, Nebraska DHHS director of public health. “We are deeply grateful to our partners across healthcare, education, technology, agriculture, and community organizations whose collaboration is enabling transformational, sustainable change that strengthens rural communities across Nebraska.”
“In our first year, we have seen what rural health transformation looks like in real life. By growing our community health worker team, we are making care work in people’s everyday lives, helping them reach appointments, navigate challenges, and stay connected to the support they need,” said Laura McDougall, director of Four Corners Health Department. “These early wins show how integrated care can make a meaningful difference for the people we serve in Butler, Polk, Seward, and York counties.”
“We are incredibly grateful to RHTP for recognizing the unique needs of rural communities and investing in solutions that will have a lasting impact,” said Diane Brugger, CEO of Antelope Memorial Hospital. “This funding is helping us build a stronger, more connected healthcare system for the future, ensuring that patients can access the tools, knowledge, and support they need to live healthier lives while remaining close to home.”
“By lowering cost barriers and keeping care local, RHTP funding has played an instrumental role in improving medication adherence, managing chronic conditions, and directly driving better overall health outcomes for our patients,” said Dave Randolph, pharmacist and owner of Dave Pharmacies in Alliance and Hemingford, NE. “It has allowed us to meet patient needs and bring a big impact to our small community. In a few short months, we have already added 27 patients to our RHTP, with new patients joining each month. We are excited to see this opportunity progress into year two and cannot wait for the impact to grow.”
To learn more, visit Rural Health Transformation.
Gov. Pillen speaks at news conference updating successful award of $177 million in RHTP funding
Dr. Oz speaks at news conference updating successful award of $177 million in RHTP funding
Ashley Newmyer speaks at news conference updating successful award of $177 million in RHTP funding
Laura McDougall speaks at news conference updating successful award of $177 million in RHTP funding
