NCDHHS, NCDIT launch rural health technology programs
RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Information Technology announced three programs Wednesday aimed at improving digital infrastructure for rural health care.
The programs are part of North Carolina’s Rural Health Transformation Program digital health and technology initiative, which is funded by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
The agencies said the work will focus on three areas: creating a Rural Health Innovation Fund, expanding provider agreements with NC HealthConnex and improving digital health literacy for rural residents.
The Rural Health Innovation Fund will distribute $20 million annually for up to five years to help rural providers assess digital needs and modernize infrastructure, according to NCDHHS. The fund is expected to launch this fall and will support efforts to test and scale digital health tools, improve workflows and increase patient engagement.
The second program will support rural health care providers connecting to NC HealthConnex, North Carolina’s state-designated health information exchange. The agencies said the effort will provide operational, technical and financial support for establishing and sustaining connections, with the goal of improving data quality, availability and timeliness.
The third program will expand digital health literacy through online, phone-based and in-person support. Starting July 1, callers to 211 will be able to connect with a Digital Health Navigator from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to the release.
NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai said the partnership is intended to bridge gaps in underserved communities and modernize services. NCDIT Secretary Nate Denny said the programs are designed to strengthen health information exchange, invest in digital tools and make it easier for providers to deliver coordinated care.
The release says the announcement is supported by a CMS/HHS financial assistance award totaling $213,008,356.47.
Editor’s note: This article was drafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence and was reviewed and fact-checked by a member of the NC Political News editorial team before publication.
