# NCDHHS Allocates $1.25M to Expand Rural School Health Centers

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced a **$1.25 million** federal funding allocation through the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program (NCRHTP) on September 14, 2026, aimed at expanding school-based health centers in rural areas of North Carolina. This funding supports five local health organizations to enhance preventive, acute, nutrition, and behavioral health services for students by leveraging telehealth and mobile health units. The initiative is part of a broader **$213 million** federal investment to improve rural healthcare access statewide over five years, reflecting a strategic focus on addressing healthcare disparities in rural communities.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on telehealth and mobile health solutions, indicating opportunities for vendors specializing in digital health technologies and mobile healthcare delivery.
- Local health organizations and contractors can explore partnerships or subcontracting roles to support service expansion under this funding.
- The program's focus on rural health infrastructure suggests ongoing and future procurement needs aligned with federal rural health initiatives.
- Organizations serving rural healthcare markets should evaluate how to align offerings with NCRHTP goals to position for upcoming solicitations or cooperative agreements.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Healthcare
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 14, 2026

### Government Entities
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

### Key Quotes
> We are grateful for our local, state, and federal partners who share in the commitment to ensure children can access the care they need and deserve in their communities.
> — Maggie Woods, Director, NCRHTP

> This investment will bring critical health care directly to students in rural North Carolina.
> — Governor Josh Stein

### Sources
- [$1.25 Million in NCRHTP Funding Announced to Expand School-Based Health Centers in North Carolina | NCDHHS](https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2026/09/14/125-million-ncrhtp-funding-announced-expand-school-based-health-centers-north-carolina) - NC