Rural Health Transformation Program Funding

Apply by June 1

Federal funding is here. The window is short. We’ve built the toolkit for you.

The CMS Rural Health Transformation Program is distributing $50 billion to rural hospitals over five years. SAFE-T System is built to fit the criteria and we’ve packaged everything you need to make the case to your state.

PA hospitals: applications close June 1.

GET THE SAFE-T GRANT TOOLKIT

See how RHTP works →

What is the Rural Health Transformation Program?

The Rural Health Transformation Program is a $50 billion federal initiative to strengthen and modernize rural health care. CMS distributes funds to states each year through 2030, and states distribute to qualified hospitals, providers, and rural health facilities. Each entity can apply for up to $1 million per round.

Pennsylvania’s first round is open now and closes June 1, 2026. Applications require a description of how the funds will be used, a budget narrative, a quote, a budget worksheet, and an estimate of people served — total around 4,000 words plus supporting documents.

If your state isn’t open yet, the SAFE-T toolkit travels with you. We’re tracking every state’s RHTP timeline and will personalize the toolkit when your window opens.

$50B

Total RHTP funding

5 Years

FY 2026–2030

All 50 states

Receive awards annually

Up to $1M

Per hospital, per round

SAFE-T is built for what RHTP funds

RHTP funds investments that strengthen rural care delivery — not perpetual operating costs. SAFE-T System was designed to do exactly what state RFPs are asking for:

  • Expand local clinician capacity — train and support your nurses to deliver expert SANE-quality exams, even with low case volume.
  • Telehealth and e-consults — 24/7 access to expert teleSANE nurses through nurse-designed forensic telehealth technology.
  • Improved health information exchange — secure, HIPAA-compliant case documentation that supports your forensic chain of custody.
  • Strong cybersecurity — purpose-built for sensitive forensic exam data.
  • Reduce rural hospital bypass — keep survivors in their community for care instead of transferring them hours away.
  • Higher patient engagement — over 90% of survivors accept telehealth support during their exam.

SAFE-T fits the technology and infrastructure pillar of RHTP cleanly. It also supports the workforce pillar — every implementation includes SANE training for local nurses. For states focused on maternal health or behavioral health, SAFE-T pairs well with other trauma-informed care initiatives.

SAFE-T is Trusted By

Currently open states (May 2026):
Nebraska · North Dakota · Pennsylvania · South Carolina · South Dakota · Utah · Vermont · West Virginia

Everything you need to submit a strong application

The SAFE-T System Application Toolkit is built specifically for Pennsylvania’s RHTP Rapid Response Stabilization payment, with the full $10,000–$1,000,000 funding range in mind. Submit the form below and we’ll send the toolkit. Inside:

  • Full narrative (~1,000 words). Use this when SAFE-T is your primary or only request. Six application-ready sections — Statement of Need, Proposed Equipment and Technology Solution, RHTP Initiative Alignment, Evidence Base, Population Served and Anticipated Outcomes, Budget Summary. Customize a handful of bracketed fields for your hospital and county; the rest is ready to submit as-written.
  • Condensed narrative (~500 words). Use this when SAFE-T is one of multiple items in your application. Fits cleanly within the 2,000-word combined description cap.
  • RHTP initiative alignment guide. Documents how SAFE-T qualifies under three of Pennsylvania’s six RHTP initiatives: Technology and Infrastructure, Behavioral Health, and Workforce. Eligibility under Aging and Access, Maternal Health, and EMS and Transportation also addressed.
  • Application checklist. Every required attachment in one place — Program Request and Eligibility Certification, Program Payment Description, Budget Narrative, Quote, Budget Worksheet, Anticipated Number of People Served.
  • Budget category guidance. Sample budget narrative language for each line item, mapped to RHTP’s allowable categories — Equipment, Supplies, Consultant/Contractual.
  • Compliance notes. Plain-language summary of payment range, one-time-equipment requirements, and Department monitoring rules.
  • Evidence stat sheet. The numbers that strengthen your application — 13 peer-reviewed studies, 91% survivor acceptance of teleSANE consultation, 75% one-year nurse retention vs. 93% national attrition, 3x increase in survivors seeking care locally at SAFE-T sites.

Need a quote? SAFE-T System pricing is tailored to your facility size and case volume. Submit the form and a SAFE-T team member will follow up to issue the formal quote required for your budget worksheet.

Get your toolkit

One form. Personalized toolkit in your inbox and direct contact with SAFE-T just in case you need it. Have questions? Want to discuss the opportunity with us directly? Schedule directly for a one-on-one consult.

Why Hospitals Need SAFE-T

About SAFE-T System

SAFE-T System connects hospitals with real-time SANE nurse support to deliver forensic telehealth care, and ensure compassionate, high-quality sexual assault examinations—anywhere they’re needed.

84 Million

Women

will experience sexual violence in their lifetimes

80%

of hospitals

lack the necessary specialists to provide proper care for survivors

93%

Attrition rate

national attrition rate for specialized nurses
after two years

"Every rural community deserves the same quality of care after a sexual assault as a major urban academic center. RHTP gives us the chance to make that real, faster than we ever could on our own." [made up, check with SM]
portrait of Sheridan Miyamoto
Sheridan Miyamoto, PhD, FNP, RN
Principal Investigator, Director

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

RHTP is open to qualified hospitals, rural health facilities, and other healthcare providers in rural areas. Eligibility may vary slightly by state. Check the CMS website for details.

Up to $1 million per round. PA’s current round is $10K to $1M per applicant. Future rounds will have separate caps.

Every state receives RHTP funds through 2030, so if your state’s application process is not open yet, it’ll be open soon. Our current toolkit will help no matter which state you’re in. Some of the language is specific to Pennsylvania but could be adapted to other states.

Pricing depends on your hospital’s setup and case volume. The grant toolkit includes a transparent cost breakdown for one-time equipment, implementation, training, and ongoing technology support. Year 1 costs are typically fully grant-fundable; ongoing technology support is a modest annual fee.

The toolkit gives you the SAFE-T-specific narrative, budget, and quote your application requires. You’ll combine it with your hospital’s broader RHTP submission. We’re available for clarifying questions throughout your application window.

Most hospitals are live within 90 days of contract execution. Implementation includes equipment installation, technology setup, local nurse training, and protocol integration with your existing ED workflow.

The window is open. Don’t miss it.

Federal RHTP funding is the largest investment in rural healthcare in a generation — but state windows are tight. Get the SAFE-T grant toolkit and submit a strong application before your deadline.

Get your Toolkit

Have questions? Want to discuss the opportunity with us directly?

Schedule directly for a one-on-one consult.

SAFE-T System is a partner of The Pennsylvania State University’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing. RHTP funding is administered by individual state agencies. SAFE-T System does not guarantee grant approval; toolkit materials are provided as a resource to support your hospital’s application.