Inclusion of Behavioral Health Agencies in Rural Health Program

This letter serves as a formal communication encouraging the inclusion of a diverse range of behavioral health and human services providers in the state’s application for the Rural Health Transformation Program, which is established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The letter outlines the significance of this program in enhancing care delivery and expanding access to essential services in rural communities. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring long-term impact and sustainability beyond the program's five-year funding limit. The letter details how behavioral health agencies can contribute to key program objectives, such as expanding access to care through various services, strengthening the workforce by recruiting and training local clinicians, and supporting partnerships with rural hospitals. Additionally, it highlights the role of health IT and data sharing in improving care coordination and promoting evidence-based interventions. The organization expresses its readiness to assist the state in designing a comprehensive application that leverages the full range of available resources.