Meet the Team Leading Our Rural Health Transformation Work

For generations, we have worked to improve health and wellness across the communities we serve. Today, we are helping shape the future of rural healthcare through participation in Virginia’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a statewide initiative focused on strengthening healthcare services and improving health outcomes in rural communities across the Commonwealth.  

The RHTP was established through federal legislation (H.R. 1) and will provide $50 billion in funding to the 50 states over 5 years. The program was designed to help rural health systems adapt to significant changes in healthcare financing and improve access to care in communities that often face provider shortages, workforce challenges, and financial pressures. 

Virginia initially requested approximately $989.5 million in RHTP funding but received $189.5 million for the first budget year. Future funding for years 2 through 5 will be awarded annually and remains subject to federal review and approval. The funding is administered through the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS).  

Virginia has organized the program around four major priorities: 

• CareIQ – advancing technology and data-driven healthcare 
• Homegrown Health Heroes – strengthening the rural healthcare workforce 
• Connected Care, Closer to Home – expanding access to care in rural communities 
• Live Well, Together – improving prevention and chronic disease management 

These initiatives are designed to modernize healthcare delivery, create pathways into healthcare careers, bring care closer to where people live, and improve long-term health outcomes.  

Within our organization, we have formed a Rural Health Transformation Program Leadership Team to coordinate our work to identify, evaluate, prioritize and advance opportunities related to the program. The team also helps ensure proposed initiatives align with our mission, community needs, program requirements, and long-term sustainability goals.  

The effort is co-chaired by Greg Madsen, CRBH, and Colette Carver, Ambulatory Division. Other members include Aaron Boush, Community Health and Outreach; Zack Smith, Accountable Care; Vera Hollen, Grant Administration; Amanda Kay, CRBH; Cynthia Lawrence, Workforce Development; Chuck Sawyers, Finance; and Sasha Hill, Finance.  

The interdisciplinary team is responsible for reviewing opportunities, coordinating organizational resources, and developing a balanced portfolio of initiatives that can improve health outcomes in rural communities while advancing our strategic goals. Responsibilities include grant development, operational planning, workforce initiatives, community health engagement, reporting, evaluation, and performance measurement.  

On July 6, members of the team met with Heidi Hertz, director of Virginia’s Rural Health Transformation Program, to discuss opportunities and next steps for participation.

As additional funding opportunities become available, the leadership team will continue monitoring and applying for grants, evaluating project concepts, and coordinating working groups across the organization. The goal is to ensure we are well-positioned to pursue opportunities that will strengthen rural communities and improve health outcomes throughout Virginia.  

To learn more about Virginia’s Rural Health Transformation Program, visit the Virginia Rural Health Transformation website.