|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
North Dakota RHTP Funding Opportunities
North Dakota released eight new RHTP funding opportunities in late April. Several of these are relevant to community health centers, and CHAD is available for technical assistance as health centers develop applications.
The state clarified that RHTP funding must be used to support rural North Dakotans, and they have defined Grand Forks, Fargo, West Fargo, and Bismarck, as urban. Entities within those cities only qualify for RHTP funding if the population served is at least 50% rural North Dakotans, or if the focus of the grant funding will be used for North Dakota rural residents.
Year one funding awards will begin upon execution of an agreement, and conclude on September 30, 2027. Applicant questions can be submitted to the RHTP FAQ Survey at least seven days prior to the submission deadline. Questions may also be directed to rhtp@nd.gov.
|
|
|
Highlighted Opportunities for Health Centers | Opportunity / Amount | Purpose | Deadlines |
Expand Rural Health Care Rotations
Approximately $3 million in year one, with awards of about $200,000 each. |
This funding supports the development, expansion, or enhancement of clinical training experiences for health care professional students, including short term housing for students. |
May 7, 12pm CT: State TA Call (Register to attend)
May 8: Applicant questions due to RHTP FAQ Survey
May 15, 5pm: Proposal due |
Train in Place
Approximately $2 million in year one with awards of about $135,000 each. |
This funding aims to create opportunities for existing health care workforce to obtain higher credentials through virtual, evening, and/or weekend programs closer to home. |
May 8: Applicant questions due to RHTP FAQ Survey
May 15, 5pm: Proposal due |
Rightsizing Health Care Delivery for the Future: Rural FQHCs & CAHs
Approximately $2.31 million is available in year one with 42 awards of $42,000 each. |
This funding provides technical assistance and analysis for facilities to plan for rightsizing services or licensure and scope changes that reflect current community needs. |
May 7, 11am CT: State TA Call (Register to attend)
May 15: Applicant questions due to RHTP FAQ Survey
May 22, 5pm: Proposal due |
Ensuring Safety Net Service Delivery
Approximately $15 million in year one with awards of about $300,000 each. |
This funding is designed to help fill gaps in the health and behavioral health service delivery systems, improving access for vulnerable populations and those needing specialized care. |
May 8, 12pm CT: State TA Call (Register to attend)
May 22: Applicant questions due to RHTP FAQ Survey
May 29, 5pm: Proposal due |
|
|
|
Additional opportunities include: Behavioral Health Promotion Community Grants (due May 29), and several community physical activity and nutrition opportunities (due May 22). View all North Dakota RHTP
funding opportunities here.
For additional support, please reach out to the CHAD team.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
South Dakota RHTP Funding Opportunities
As a reminder, two key funding application deadlines are approaching. CHAD has provided a variety of technical assistance on these opportunities and will continue to host weekly office hours for health centers as they finalize applications.
All RHTP funding opportunities and updates can be found here.
- Applications are due May 14, at 5:00 pm CT.
- Applications are due May 22, at 5:00 pm CT.
- CHAD Technical Assistance: Please contact Lindsey Karlson with any support needs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New HRSA Notice of Funding Opportunities for Health Centers
HRSA recently released several Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs). Two of the opportunities are specifically for community health centers:
Expanding Nutrition Services: HRSA expects to award $125 million to 357 health centers for the purpose of increasing nutrition services patients or visits. Health centers can apply for up to $350,000 each year in the two-year period of performance. Applications are due June 9. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend an upcoming technical assistance webinar with HRSA on Wednesday, May 13, at 1:00 pm CT.
Dental Services for Children with Developmental Disabilities: HRSA plans to award $50 million in total funding to approximately 25 health centers in FY 2026. Health centers can apply for up to $2 million. This is a one-time competitive funding
opportunity. Funds must be used to increase access to preventive dental and additional dental services and improve dental health outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including children with autism spectrum and developmental disorders. Applications are due June 2. Interested applicants are encouraged to join a technical assistance webinar with HRSA on Tuesday, May 12, at 1:30 pm CT.
Dental Services for Children with Developmental Disabilities: HRSA plans to award $50 million in total funding to approximately 25 health centers in FY 2026. Health centers can apply for up to
$2 million. This is a one-time competitive funding opportunity. Funds must be used to increase access to preventive dental and additional dental services and improve dental health outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including children with autism spectrum and developmental disorders. Applications are due June 2. Interested applicants are encouraged to join a technical assistance webinar with HRSA on Tuesday, May 12, at 1:30 pm CT.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal Court Blocks North Dakota 340B Contract Pharmacy Law
On April 27, 2026, a federal judge struck down North Dakota’s 340B contract pharmacy access law (HB 1473), ruling it unconstitutional. The law, passed by the North Dakota Legislature in 2025, was intended to protect 340B covered entities (including community health centers) by preventing pharmaceutical manufacturers from limiting the number of contract pharmacies or imposing additional data requirements as a condition of accessing 340B‑priced drugs. Last week’s court ruling is a setback for community health centers along with rural and
underserved communities that rely on contract pharmacies to maintain patient access to affordable medications. The decision on April 27, involved the cases filed by AbbVie and Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of American (PhRMA). The court has not ruled on a separate lawsuit filed by AstraZeneca, which cited different arguments.
North Dakota’s decision is part of a broader national legal battle over 340B contract pharmacy access. The State could decide to appeal the decision to the Eight Circuit, which previously ruled in favor of covered entities in the Arkansas law. CHAD will continue to monitor the situation and work with partners and health center leadership to protect access to the 340B program for community health centers and their patients.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New Accessibility Rules that Apply to CHCs and PCAs: Websites and Apps (WCAG), Medical Equipment, & Kiosks (Last Updated 4/24/26)
New federal accessibility rules will soon require Community Health Centers and Primary Care Associations to ensure their websites and apps meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards, along with improving accessibility of medical equipment and kiosks for people with disabilities. Key deadlines begin in May and July 2026, though some timelines remain uncertain and may change, making early planning and compliance preparation important.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Great Plains Clinically Integrated Network Summit & Strategic Planning Recap
Last week in Rapid City, CHAD brought together partners from across multiple states for its first conference, which created opportunities to connect, collaborate, and for visionary planning.
Attendees from community health centers and partner agencies shared insights and practical strategies to improve access to care, increase operational efficiency, and advance value-based payment opportunities to better address the needs of rural and underserved populations.
The conference also provided dedicated time for strategic planning, with participants providing insight into the strategic priorities for the network for the next three years. Key themes included exploring value-based payment opportunities, establishing shared capacity in key areas, exploring group purchasing opportunities, and continuing to enhance operational excellence.
Through interactive sessions with great presenters and meaningful dialogue, participants left with new ideas, strengthened relationships, and a shared commitment to improving health outcomes across our region. The event reinforced the value of the GPCIN network and the impact of working together to support healthier communities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Shown behind the table from left to right: Emily Haberling, Outreach & Enrollment Navigator; Brittany Zephier, Navigator Program Manager)
CHW Conference Recap
Great conversations and strong connections at the annual CHW Annual Conference in Mitchell, SD—equipping partners with resources to connect individuals to Get Covered South Dakota Navigator services and strengthen access to health care coverage.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CHAD Wins “Turn ND Blue” Photo Contest
CHAD was recently recognized by the North Dakota Cancer Coalition, earning first place in the Non-Medical Worksites category of the annual “Turn ND Blue” Photo Contest.
Held during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the contest highlights creative efforts to promote screening and early detection. CHAD’s winning entry, featuring the slogan “Forget 6–7, Remember 4–5!”, helped deliver an important and memorable message about screening guidelines.
This recognition reflects CHAD’s continued commitment to raising awareness and supporting prevention efforts across the Dakotas.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Association of Clinicians for the Underserved Annual Conference Awards
The Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU) is accepting nominations for its 2026 Annual Conference awards, recognizing individuals and organizations advancing care for underserved communities. Awards include Clinician of the Year, Organizational Excellence, Excellence in Behavioral Health, and the Geiger Gibson-ACU Next Generation of Excellence Award, which honors emerging student leaders in health professions. Nominations are due June 1, with recipients recognized at the July 26–29, 2026
conference in Washington, D.C., and all awardees receiving complimentary registration.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SD Health Link Seeking Volunteers for the Health Link Advisory Council
South Dakota Health Link is seeking volunteers to serve on its Advisory Council, which helps guide the state’s health information exchange and shape its future direction. Members will contribute to advancing data interoperability and technology initiatives, with meetings held 4–6 times per year. Letters of interest are due May 22, 2026, with appointments announced in June.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Centers in the
News
|
|
|
Falls Community Health partners with Delta Dental and the Sioux Falls School District for a mobile dental clinic, featured by Dakota News Now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Center Emergency Readiness Series
Health centers face increasing operational, regulatory, and environmental risks – from cyberattacks and facility disruptions to natural disasters and public health emergencies. This Health Center Emergency Readiness Series provides health care leaders with practical strategies to maintain operations during disruptions while meeting federal preparedness requirements.
Across two focused webinars, participants will begin with a hands-on exploration of the CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule and then progress to executive-level business continuity planning. The series emphasizes real‑world application, leadership decision‑making, and survey readiness—helping organizations strengthen resilience, protect patients and staff, and ensure compliance before
the next emergency occurs.
Session 2: Business Continuity for Health Centers: Keeping Operations Running When Disasters Strike
May 14 | 12:00 PM CT / 11:00 AM
MT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maternal Mental Health Series
This three-part Maternal Mental Health series is designed to help health center teams strengthen perinatal mental health care across every setting. The series covers the full continuum of care, from early screening and identification to clinical response and treatment planning, and referral and community care coordination. Each session provides evidence-based tools and actionable strategies that can be immediately integrated into obstetric,
midwifery, pediatric, and primary care workflows. Participants will leave better equipped to identify at-risk patients, respond appropriately to positive screens, and support continuity of care for pregnant and postpartum patients, including those in rural and underserved communities.
Session 3: Referral, Care Coordination, and Community Resource Integration
MAY 27 | 12:00 PM CT / 11:00 AM MT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Competitive Compensation Programs for High-Performing Health Centers
Health centers thrive when their people do—and this three-part webinar series is designed to help leaders build the systems that make that possible. From compensation and performance management to workforce capacity, each session offers a practical, forward-looking approach to strengthening the connection between how employees are supported and how organizations perform. Rather than focusing on what’s broken, this series highlights what works—equipping leaders with clear, actionable strategies to
create fair, competitive compensation structures, meaningful performance processes, and a more fully utilized workforce.
Participants will gain a cohesive framework for aligning pay, performance, and capacity to drive better outcomes across their organizations. With real-world examples and straightforward implementation guidance, these sessions will help health center leaders build compensation programs that improve recruitment and retention, enhance employee engagement, and make more informed, data-driven decisions. The result is a stronger, more motivated workforce—and a health center better positioned to deliver on its
mission of high-quality care.
This series is designed for health center CEOs and top-level management in finance, operations, clinical, and human resources.
SESSION 1: TUES, JUN 9 | 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm CT / 11:00 am – 12:30 pm MT
SESSION 2: TUES, JUL 14 | 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm CT / 11:00 am – 12:30 pm MT
SESSION 3: TUES, AUG 11 | 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm CT / 11:00 am – 12:30 pm MT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compassionate Care for People
Who Use Stimulants: An Introduction to Stimulant Use Disorder and Methods to Keep Patients Engaged in Care
Register today to join us for "Compassionate Care for People Who Use Stimulants". This webinar will offer a practical introduction to stimulant use disorder and strategies to keep patients engaged in care. This session will provide an overview of commonly used stimulants and their role in the overdose epidemic, while helping participants recognize signs of intoxication, overdose, and withdrawal.
Attendees will learn evidence-based approaches for managing acute stimulant intoxication, including de-escalation techniques and how to respond effectively to psychostimulant overdose. The webinar will also highlight health promotion strategies and emphasize the importance of ensuring people who use stimulants can access compassionate, nonjudgmental medical care—regardless of continued use.
JUN 11 | 12:00 PM CT / 11:00 AM MT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Caring with Confidence:
Integrating HIV Testing, Management, and Prevention in Primary Care
This four-part series is designed for any clinician who wants to establish or strengthen their core competencies in HIV care and prevention. Each session offers practical evidence-based guidance on essential aspects of HIV management within primary care settings.
SESSION 4: JUN 24 | 12:00 PM CT / 11:00 AM MT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Center Emergency Readiness Series
Thank you to those who attended the first session of the Health Center Emergency Readiness series. We appreciate your time and engagement and hope you found the session helpful in understanding the CMS Emergency Preparedness rule.
Session Materials:
The webinar recording, slides, and additional resources are now available:
Next Session:
We look forward to seeing you on May 14 for the next session in this training series, Business Continuity for Health Centers: Keeping Operations Running When Disasters Strike
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming External Webinars & Events
|
|
|
CHAMPS Perinatal Mental Health Series: Evidence-Based Practice Across the Continuum of Care
This free, three-part virtual series offers clinicians and healthcare professionals a comprehensive look at perinatal mental health across the full continuum of care, from screening and assessment to clinical intervention and community-based support. Each session will be led by doctoral-level clinicians and researchers with specialized expertise in perinatal behavioral health. Participants will leave with practical, evidence-based tools they can immediately apply in clinical and community settings. Health center medical and behavioral health providers, as well as
nurses, care coordinators, and others who support the mental health and wellbeing of pregnant and postpartum individuals, are encouraged to attend.
May 28, June 4 & June 11 | 1:00-2:00 pm CT | 12:00-1:00 pm MT
CHAMPS How to Map Your Community for Maternal Health Resources: A Workshop for CHWs, Patient Navigators & More
In this free, interactive, virtual workshop, attendees will learn practical, real-world skills to identify, verify, and organize maternal health resources in their communities. Participants will actively practice the skills needed to confidently guide clients through complex systems of care. While this workshop will focus on mapping for maternal health resources, these skills can be applied to any health-related need. This workshop is designed for Community Health Workers, patient navigators, outreach coordinators, doulas, case managers, and anyone supporting
pregnant and postpartum individuals in clinical and community settings. Registration Deadline: May 22, 2026
June 2 | 12:00-2:00 pm CT |11:00 am-1:00 pm MT
Dakota Conference on Rural Health
The
Dakota Conference on Rural Health, which has been a mainstay in North Dakota for over 40 years, is being reimagined. This year the conference will take a stronger look at leadership, workforce, and innovation happening throughout rural North Dakota communities.
June 3-4 | Alerus Center in Grand Forks, ND
CHAMPS Maternal Health 101 Workshop: Practical Prenatal & Postpartum Care for Health Center Providers
This free, practical, case-based workshop is designed for community and rural healthcare providers who may not routinely provide maternity care, as well as those seeking greater confidence in their skills. Participants will learn to recognize normal versus high-risk conditions, manage common prenatal and postpartum concerns, and identify when to escalate care. Following the workshop, three 30-minute “office-hour” sessions will be offered throughout July 2026. Registration Deadline: June 15, 2026
June 17 | 12:00-2:00 pm CT | 11:00 am-1:00 pm MT
RM-PHTC's Facilitation Foundations Course
Registration is open for the Rocky Mountain Public Health Training Center’s winter run of Facilitation Foundations—a highly interactive, deep-dive course designed for those new to facilitation.
Over 10 weeks, you’ll build your
capacity to facilitate meetings and coalitions that are efficient, effective, and lead to results. By the end, you’ll be equipped to help groups meet their goals and take ownership of the process.
Live Sessions: April 29 - June 24 (Wednesdays, every other week)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prep for UDS! Changes to Expect in 2026
It may feel early, but UDS season will be here before you know it. Join Azara for a focused, practical session that walks through the UDS 2026 CQM and table changes you need to know — and how to use DRVS to get ahead on validation and reporting. Azara will highlight the DRVS features that make UDS prep efficient and repeatable. You’ll leave with a clear, prioritized checklist for mapping,
data validation, and operational steps you can start now to avoid rushed fixes in January. Please submit any questions about the 2026 updates when you register.
Tuesday, May 12
1:00 pm CT / 12:00 pm MT
Measure of the Month: Cervical Cancer Screening
Are you ready to take your validation skills to the next level? Do you want to explore DRVS in real time with Azara experts? Join Azara for this new webinar series: Measure of the Month! This series will take a deep dive into one to two common quality measures each month, explore validation tips and tricks, and help make sure your data is reporting ready, all year round!
Wednesday, May 13
12:00 pm CT / 11:00 am MT
Mastering and Maintaining Mapping Admin
Join Azara for an in-depth training session on DRVS Mapping Administration, designed for users responsible for maintaining data health and integrity. This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of how to manage and optimize mapping within Azara DRVS, ensuring accurate data capture and reporting. Participants will learn best practices for maintaining data consistency, troubleshooting
common mapping issues, and enhancing overall data quality. Whether you're new to mapping administration or looking to refine your skills, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively manage your organization’s data.
Thursday, May 14
1:00 pm CT / 12:00 pm MT
Optimizing Patient Care: Exploring Empanelment Tools in DRVS
When it comes to creating patient-provider assignments, there are many factors to consider - supply and demand, full time providers vs. part time providers, residency programs, patient choice, risk distribution and provider burden - the list goes on. However, traditional EHR systems have limited ability when it comes to accessing the information needed to consider and integrate these moving
targets. During this session, participants will learn about the measures available within DRVS that can help your practice make more informed decisions around patient-provider assignments and put your data into action to advance population.
Tuesday, May 19
12:00 pm CT/11:00 am MT
Medicaid Redetermination & Work Requirements Under HR1: Strategic and Operational Readiness for 2027
Beginning in 2027, new Medicaid redetermination and work requirement provisions under HR1/OBBBA will introduce significant operational complexity and financial risk for federally qualified health centers and critical access rural hospitals nationwide. Leadership teams must prepare now to protect coverage continuity, patient access, and reimbursement while supporting compliance across diverse
patient populations. This session is designed for leaders seeking a clear understanding of the policy changes ahead—and a practical path forward. Attendees will gain a concise overview of the evolving federal requirements, the anticipated impact on Medicaid enrollment stability, and the downstream implications for revenue, care delivery, and staffing.
Thursday, May 21
1:00 pm CT/12:00 pm MT
Opportunities to Improve Prenatal Care Using a Lean Six Sigma Approach
High-quality pregnancy data and efficient clinical workflows are essential to improving access to timely, equitable prenatal care. In this session, Azara will explore how health centers can use a Lean Six Sigma approach, supported by DRVS, to identify gaps, reduce variation, and strengthen prenatal care delivery.
Thursday, May 28
1:00 pm CT/12:00 pm MT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As the Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas, we believe that everyone has a right to high-quality, reliable, affordable health care, regardless of where they live. We work with health centers, community leaders, and partners to increase access and improve health care services in areas of the Dakotas that need it most.
|
|
|
|
|
This publication is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,561,267.00 with 0 percent financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov. CHAD makes available upon request its annual 990 report. Please make your request directly to the Director of Programs at 605-309-0873.
|
|
|
|
|
