News Release | For Immediate Release | July 17, 2026
Media Contact:
Kaelynn Thunder Hawk Blackaby
Communications & Grant Coordinator
Tri-County Regional Development Council
701-577-1358
KaelynnBl@ci.williston.nd.us
Williston N.D. – Tri-County Regional Development Council is encouraging eligible healthcare organizations across northwest North Dakota to explore four newly released Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding opportunities designed to improve healthcare access, modernize healthcare delivery, and strengthen rural communities across the state.
As the Region One Technical Assistance Provider for the Rural Health Transformation Program, Tri-County Regional Development Council is available to assist eligible applicants throughout the application process. Technical assistance services include answering questions about the funding opportunities, reviewing applications, providing feedback on project narratives, and offering grant writing support.
The current funding opportunities include:
The Harnessing AI in Healthcare initiative will support projects that integrate artificial intelligence into healthcare settings to improve efficiency, enhance clinical decision-making, and strengthen patient care. Eligible projects may include AI-powered clinical decision support tools, workflow automation, predictive analytics, and other innovative technologies that help healthcare organizations better serve their communities. Applications are due July 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT.
The Pharmacy Kiosk Initiative focuses on expanding access to prescription medications through secure pharmacy kiosks. These kiosks can help bridge gaps in medication access for rural residents by providing a convenient, reliable option for obtaining prescriptions, particularly in communities with limited pharmacy services. Applications are also due July 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT.The Electronic Medical Record Enhancement opportunity provides funding to eligible facilities to improve and modernize electronic medical record systems. Projects may include upgrades that enhance interoperability, improve data sharing, streamline clinical workflows, strengthen cybersecurity, and ultimately improve patient care through more efficient health information management. Applications are also due July 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT.
The Hospital-Based Wellness Equipment opportunity is designed to support employee wellness initiatives at North Dakota’s Critical Access Hospitals. Funding may be used to purchase eligible wellness equipment that promotes the health and well-being of hospital employees, helping healthcare organizations invest in workforce wellness, improve employee engagement, and support recruitment and retention efforts in rural healthcare settings. Applications are due July 30, 2026, at 5:00 pm. CT.
“These funding opportunities represent meaningful investments in the future of rural healthcare,” said Cyrena Weeks, Executive Director of Tri-County Regional Development Council.
“From strengthening healthcare technology and expanding access to medications to improving electronic medical records and supporting the well-being of our rural healthcare workforce, these initiatives provide valuable resources for healthcare organizations. We’re proud to help applicants navigate the process and submit competitive proposals.”
Healthcare organizations interested in applying are encouraged to contact Tri-County early in the application process to take advantage of available technical assistance.
For more information about the Rural Health Transformation Program or to request technical assistance, contact Tri-County Regional Development Council at 701-577-1358, or visit www.tricountyrdc.com.
Learn more about the Rural Health Transformation Program and available funding Opportunities.
This RHTP funding opportunity is supported by CMS of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of a financial assistance award totaling $198,936,969.55 with 100% funded by CMS/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents are those of ND HHS and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or the U.S. Government.
