State Health Updates

• Alaska – The Alaska Department of Health announced that the first letter of interest (LOI) registration period for Alaska’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is now open. The LOI gives organizations a chance to briefly describe their ideas for improving rural healthcare in Alaska. Organizations may submit an LOI through March 11, 2026. As a reminder, SHVS is tracking state RHTP implementation; this expert perspective identifies the state agencies leading RHTP work and includes links to state RHTP webpages. 
• California – The California Department of Public Health announced that the number of reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in California decreased for the third consecutive year. Policy decisions, along with recent one-time budget investments, have helped dramatically curb the increasing trendlines in STI diagnosis over the last years.
• Kansas – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment posted requests for applications for its first two grant opportunities under the RHTP: the Regional Partnership and the Rural Emergency Hospital Conversion/Transformative Capital Investment grant programs. 
• Michigan – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued a competitive grant funding opportunity to introduce primary and secondary school students to nursing through summer camp experiences. The purpose of the programs is to support the creation of new and expansion of existing nursing-focused camps, particularly in rural communities, to increase early exposure to nursing careers and strengthen the future workforce.
• Minnesota – Governor Tim Walz announced the appointment of Shireen Gandhi to serve as commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Human Services, effective February 23, 2026. Gandhi has served as the temporary human services commissioner since February 2025. Congratulations, Shireen!
• Nebraska – The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services announced that the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline is offering free quit medications to eligible Nebraskans. To qualify, participants must be Nebraska residents age 18 or older, enroll in the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline, and complete at least one free coaching session.
• New Jersey 
  • The Department of Human Services has created a webpage explaining federal changes to Medicaid as part of H.R.1 and how enrollees can prepare for changes. 
  • The New Jersey Senate voted unanimously on February 24 to confirm Dr. Stephen Cha as New Jersey Human Services Commissioner. During the hearing, Dr. Cha noted the challenges facing New Jersey due to the Medicaid and SNAP changes in H.R.1. Congratulations, Dr. Cha! 
• New Mexico – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed Senate Bill 3, which reforms mental health crisis intervention by clarifying the legal definitions of “harm to self” and “harm to others” that govern when someone in crisis can receive involuntary treatment. The law creates a clearer framework for law enforcement and clinicians to intervene when someone poses a danger to themselves or others, with a focus on delivering stabilization and treatment rather than punishment.
• New York – Governor Kathy Hochul announced nearly $21 million to support SNUG Street Outreach programs, an evidence-based violence prevention initiative that works to reduce gun violence and save lives in 14 communities across the state. These grants allow community-based organizations and hospitals to employ outreach workers, hospital responders, social workers and case managers who are credible messengers and work with individuals at highest risk of gun violence, connecting them with support and services to interrupt cycles of harm, promote healing and increase opportunity.
• Pennsylvania – The Pennsylvania Departments of Health and Education announced that $3 million allocated in the 2025/2026 budget will be distributed to continue to provide free period products in schools. The funding will be directed to more than 750 Pennsylvania school districts, intermediate units, career and technical centers, and brick-and-mortar charter schools.
• South Dakota – Governor Larry Rhoden signed HB 1043, a bill to support rural healthcare recruitment. Governor Rhoden previously signed HB 1044, which appropriates funding for the RHTP. HB 1043 further supports the Governor’s rural healthcare efforts by making an appropriation to reimburse healthcare professionals who have complied with the requirements for rural recruitment assistance programs.
• Virginia – The Department of Medical Assistance Services created a webpage on new Medicaid work requirements. As a reminder, SHVS recently hosted a webinar on communicating the new work reporting requirements under H.R.1.
• AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, MD, ME, MI, MN, NJ, NM, OR, PA, RI & WI – 15 states filed a multi-state lawsuit against the federal government for the Department of Health and Human Services and the Center for Disease Control’s decision to overhaul of the national childhood immunization schedule.