Charleston, W.Va. (WVDN) — Governor Patrick Morrisey announced a new funding opportunity totaling approximately $2.34 million through the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The opportunity, offered through the Rural Health Link (RHL) initiative, is intended to expand non-emergency medical transportation capacity across West Virginia by supporting vehicle acquisition and transportation service operations.
“Healthcare access starts with being able to reach the care you need,” said Governor Morrisey. “In many communities, transportation is one of the biggest hurdles standing between patients and healthier lives.”
Reliable transportation remains one of the most common barriers to healthcare access in rural communities. Unlike previously announced RHL funding opportunities focused on transportation coordination and system collaboration, this opportunity focuses on increasing the number of vehicles, drivers, and rides available to West Virginians who need transportation to healthcare services. The goal is to strengthen transportation capacity in rural communities where long travel distances, limited transportation options, and workforce shortages can make it difficult for residents to access care.
The State is seeking to work with transportation providers, public transit agencies, healthcare-affiliated transportation organizations, and other experienced operators that can rapidly deploy vehicles and expand transportation services for rural residents. Funding is intended to support transportation expansion rather than the routine replacement of existing vehicles or the maintenance of current service levels. Priority will be placed on projects that increase transportation capacity, expand service availability, improve geographic coverage, and strengthen access to healthcare in the communities they serve.
“The Rural Health Transformation Program is built on the idea that the best solutions for rural communities come from the people who know them best,” said Alina Czekai, Director of CMS’ Office of Rural Health Transformation. “We’re proud to partner with states as they invest in practical, community-driven strategies that expand access to care, strengthen rural health systems, and create lasting improvements for the people who call these communities home.”
Potential projects may include purchasing additional vehicles, extending operating hours, increasing service coverage in underserved communities, hiring drivers, strengthening dispatch capabilities, and expanding transportation options for patients traveling to medical appointments.
“When someone misses a doctor’s appointment because they don’t have transportation, that can lead to bigger health problems down the road,” said Secretary Singh. “This opportunity is intended to help communities expand transportation services, keep residents connected to healthcare appointments, and make it easier for West Virginians to access the care they need.”
Eligible applicants may access the active solicitation through the state’s procurement and grants management system at wvOASIS.gov. Interested organizations are encouraged to review the full material packet for detailed eligibility requirements, submission instructions, and key deadlines. Additional information will be shared through an upcoming AFA release webinar.
This press release is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $199,476,098.72, with 100% funded by CMS HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CMS, HHS, or the U.S. Government.
