{"id":19579,"date":"2026-04-24T14:36:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T18:36:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/?p=19579"},"modified":"2026-05-05T14:36:27","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T18:36:27","slug":"state-health-updates-277","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/state-health-updates-277\/","title":{"rendered":"State Health Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<ul>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Alabama\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u2013 The Alabama Department of Public Health\u00a0<a id=\"OWAc8e8a274-ee9a-219f-c355-ab2f2c90d23a\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/www.alabamapublichealth.gov\/blog\/2026\/04\/nr-23.html?feature. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alabamapublichealth.gov%2Fblog%2F2026%2F04%2Fnr-23.html%3Ffeature&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7C63e5938b5de3476c325e08dea22e3335%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639126516479644156%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=sFPnFyXKFjXUi1LKMI9jmKHFrFJbzq0oNIK%2FVkCnH0k%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"2\"><u>wants to hear from state residents about health issues<\/u><\/a>\u00a0they believe are the most important in their communities. The 2026 Community Health Opinion Survey is a component of the State Health Assessment that identifies health issues and challenges at the community level. Results will be used to guide future public health strategies in areas where improvements are most needed.\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Alaska\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u2013 The Alaska Department of Health (DOH) posted an\u00a0<a id=\"OWAd77e25cd-1b21-cae5-f2a4-e4dcdfff6af6\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/health.alaska.gov\/media\/jztipwml\/ak-rhtp-advisory-council-presentation-260422.pdf. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhealth.alaska.gov%2Fmedia%2Fjztipwml%2Fak-rhtp-advisory-council-presentation-260422.pdf&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7C63e5938b5de3476c325e08dea22e3335%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639126516479663496%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=v46ntXMwo8KD0uslVvg%2F0UUS3I0zJG%2FOBA%2Bp99hpIas%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"3\"><u>update on its Rural Health Transformation Program<\/u><\/a>\u00a0(RHTP). The update notes that the Alaska Community Foundation received 1,795 letters of interest from 864 unique organizations and details the review process. DOH also announced\u00a0<a id=\"OWA5be91795-5b7e-4efe-799f-e1fa1fd10ca0\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/health.alaska.gov\/media\/rqkcvlxw\/ak-rhtp-handout-rhtp-impacts-and-regional-planning-260422.pdf. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhealth.alaska.gov%2Fmedia%2Frqkcvlxw%2Fak-rhtp-handout-rhtp-impacts-and-regional-planning-260422.pdf&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7C63e5938b5de3476c325e08dea22e3335%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639126516479683086%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=3StfocIVc%2BXOfyaze%2FWKcxYdNK7DjDM%2FXHPGQtb%2FQmk%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"4\"><u>RHTP Impacts<\/u><\/a>, a new interactive webinar series convening partners to collaborate within the state\u2019s six RHTP initiatives, as well as a series of regional planning meetings. As a reminder, SHVS is tracking state RHTP implementation; this\u00a0<a id=\"OWAd5da981e-32ba-82d4-5e87-e0805f5a89bd\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/shvs.org\/from-planning-to-action-tracking-which-state-agencies-are-leading-rhtp-implementation\/. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fshvs.org%2Ffrom-planning-to-action-tracking-which-state-agencies-are-leading-rhtp-implementation%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7C63e5938b5de3476c325e08dea22e3335%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639126516479703008%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=FJCgBm2DJp%2Fk3CJv8V7DoWuW0tDHtft0VULOfW9heAs%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"5\"><u>expert perspective<\/u><\/a>\u00a0identifies the state agencies leading RHTP work and includes links to state RHTP webpages.\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>California<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u2013 The Department of Health Care Services released its\u00a0<a id=\"OWA3a06f4dc-c69c-2c6b-62b8-a0339575b3de\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/www.dhcs.ca.gov\/formsandpubs\/publications\/oc\/Pages\/26-10-BrightLife-Kids-and-Soluna-Impact-Report-4-17-26.aspx. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dhcs.ca.gov%2Fformsandpubs%2Fpublications%2Foc%2FPages%2F26-10-BrightLife-Kids-and-Soluna-Impact-Report-4-17-26.aspx&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7C63e5938b5de3476c325e08dea22e3335%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639126516479724225%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=gv3Nyp5fe5dlK8M7avJVwKo1yXCGQvITaLwgmHW2Amw%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"6\"><u>2025 BrightLife Kids and Soluna Impact Report<\/u><\/a>, detailing how California\u2019s free behavioral health platforms have reached more than 500,000 users, including children, youth, young adults, and families, across all 58 California counties. Launched in 2024, the platforms offer free confidential mental health support and resources to all Californians, regardless of insurance or immigration status.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Idaho\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u2013 The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) is\u00a0<a id=\"OWAe1d13245-c758-a321-71b2-c88b1363ad3e\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/healthandwelfare.idaho.gov\/dhw-voice\/help-shape-future-rural-health-idaho-now-hiring-key-roles. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhealthandwelfare.idaho.gov%2Fdhw-voice%2Fhelp-shape-future-rural-health-idaho-now-hiring-key-roles&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7C63e5938b5de3476c325e08dea22e3335%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639126516479743338%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=V6G12dRctN22R4EbUCymrmjO5IVU7WRlegmZqmqg5ds%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"7\"><u>hiring for multiple positions to support the RHTP<\/u><\/a>. DHW is recruiting a team of professionals across program management, finance, grants, and project coordination.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Michigan\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u2013 The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports (ACLS) has developed the State Plan on Aging for fiscal years 2027 to 2029 and is\u00a0<a id=\"OWA69319edd-4b5b-f35f-1289-fb84d14609a7\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mdhhs\/inside-mdhhs\/newsroom\/2026\/04\/23\/aging-plan. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmdhhs%2Finside-mdhhs%2Fnewsroom%2F2026%2F04%2F23%2Faging-plan&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7C63e5938b5de3476c325e08dea22e3335%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639126516479765569%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=YHZwmNqLLUauPCdNi0jpRfU6DIsG77NfJXgmjudzZ8s%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"8\"><u>seeking public comment on the updated plan<\/u><\/a>. To support the development of the plan, the ACLS Bureau conducted a comprehensive needs assessment and engaged older adults, their family members and key partners through community conversations, interviews and a statewide survey.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Nebraska\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u2013 The\u00a0 Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services\u00a0<a id=\"OWA1ba73c46-e8a0-a5fa-cb07-33ba6ef4d327\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/dhhs.ne.gov\/Pages\/Nebraska-DHHS-Announces-Full-Support-for-Federal-Efforts-to-Strengthen-Medicaid-Integrity.aspx. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdhhs.ne.gov%2FPages%2FNebraska-DHHS-Announces-Full-Support-for-Federal-Efforts-to-Strengthen-Medicaid-Integrity.aspx&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7C63e5938b5de3476c325e08dea22e3335%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639126516479786178%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=pFxDiUjQ4T7x8A6t%2BDdxDUGUO7O8Ihh5IJ%2B6%2BsPo5hw%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"9\"><u>announced it will comply with CMS\u2019 requests to accelerate provider revalidation activities<\/u><\/a>\u00a0and develop a comprehensive, long-term strategy to ensure only qualified and legitimate providers participate in Medicaid.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>New Jersey<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u2013 The Department of Banking and Insurance announced that cost increases due to the expiration of the federal enhanced premium tax credits (ePTCs) has resulted in nearly\u00a0<a id=\"OWA19227cfe-f5ef-d382-3aa6-2cb0bbd1197b\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/www.nj.gov\/dobi\/pressreleases\/pr260421.html. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nj.gov%2Fdobi%2Fpressreleases%2Fpr260421.html&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7C63e5938b5de3476c325e08dea22e3335%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639126516479805851%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Wd9KPOu7R8xppxUhZ6yjcYBzGDiadPaz9Q%2FHMgQZhfY%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"10\"><u>70,000 people, or 14% of those initially enrolled in health plans through Get Covered New Jersey, to drop their coverage<\/u><\/a>\u00a0since the end of the open enrollment period in January.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>New York<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u2013 NY State of Health, the state\u2019s official health insurance Marketplace,\u00a0<a id=\"OWAe7daec39-ada2-78da-c893-9c5104168f2e\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/NY%20State%20of%20Health%202026%20Health%20Coverage%20Update.pdf. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.nystateofhealth.ny.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2FNY%2520State%2520of%2520Health%25202026%2520Health%2520Coverage%2520Update.pdf&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7C63e5938b5de3476c325e08dea22e3335%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639126516479825672%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=pwznoQEnIR%2BSmlsgLpufg3UbCDDQdw6zSDzfME5Exdw%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"11\"><u>published a health coverage report<\/u><\/a>\u00a0as of January 31, 2026, which details enrollment trends given the expiration of the ePTCs. Approximately 50,000 fewer New Yorkers\u201420% of total qualified health plan (QHP) enrollment\u2014are receiving financial assistance to purchase QHP coverage for 2026 as compared to 2025. Statewide, the premium for consumers who are still eligible for PTCs is $104 higher per month on average in 2026 as compared to 2025, a 20% increase.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>North Carolina<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u2013 The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)\u00a0<a id=\"OWA57495b46-02b3-cc4c-2553-03f7255a9843\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/www.ncdhhs.gov\/news\/press-releases\/2026\/04\/21\/ncdhhs-names-melanie-bush-deputy-secretary-nc-medicaid. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncdhhs.gov%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2026%2F04%2F21%2Fncdhhs-names-melanie-bush-deputy-secretary-nc-medicaid&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7C63e5938b5de3476c325e08dea22e3335%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639126516479844503%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=NqPlGZo6EDpMDsCeP000pnnZdDpFv6g31y1Z%2F8aOnUM%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"12\"><u>announced<\/u><\/a>\u00a0Melanie Bush as the next Deputy Secretary of Medicaid for the NCDHHS Division of Health Benefits. In this role, Deputy Secretary Bush will continue to provide leadership, strategic direction, operational oversight, and managed care supervision for NC Medicaid, which serves more than 3 million North Carolinians who rely on these critical services.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>North Dakota<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u2013 North Dakota Health and Human Services announced\u00a0<a id=\"OWA481a0b53-bad9-57bf-bf9a-b4935ed30585\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/www.hhs.nd.gov\/news\/north-dakota-announces-36-million-school-community-based-grant-opportunities-rural-health. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hhs.nd.gov%2Fnews%2Fnorth-dakota-announces-36-million-school-community-based-grant-opportunities-rural-health&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7C63e5938b5de3476c325e08dea22e3335%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639126516479863059%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=ezqJhqX6ORiJAztra8A06E6Tri2K9qU5owZ8erkmsdo%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"13\"><u>$3.6 million in three new RHTP grant opportunities<\/u><\/a>. The grant opportunities include a Zero Hour Physical Education initiative, community gardens projects, and community-based walking programs. Additional funding opportunities for healthcare, school and community-based organizations will roll out in coming weeks.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Oklahoma\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u2013 The Oklahoma State Department of Health posted an\u00a0<a id=\"OWA504954ea-c181-eb7e-3e4d-702e46bb6be2\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/oklahoma.gov\/content\/dam\/ok\/en\/health\/health2\/aem-documents\/health-promotion\/rhtp\/webinar\/20260421%20RHTP%20Virtual%20Touchpoint%20vFinal.pdf. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Foklahoma.gov%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Fok%2Fen%2Fhealth%2Fhealth2%2Faem-documents%2Fhealth-promotion%2Frhtp%2Fwebinar%2F20260421%2520RHTP%2520Virtual%2520Touchpoint%2520vFinal.pdf&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7C63e5938b5de3476c325e08dea22e3335%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639126516479881527%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=XPrFgJpo748wSP%2BbonDVjmvwNa3xHLA%2BYkTdshzLCTM%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"14\"><u>update on its RHTP program<\/u><\/a>, including programmatic, operational, and public engagement efforts. The update also includes an overview of the competitive procurement opportunities anticipated in year one and the initial funding opportunities that have been released.\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Pennsylvania<\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\">The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services created a\u00a0<a id=\"OWA40c51501-290b-3aa3-4769-78bbd952306e\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/agencies\/dhs\/programs-services\/healthcare\/rural-health\/rhtp-funding-opportunities. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pa.gov%2Fagencies%2Fdhs%2Fprograms-services%2Fhealthcare%2Frural-health%2Frhtp-funding-opportunities&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7C63e5938b5de3476c325e08dea22e3335%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639126516479900813%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=ogvOosV9ThPhwn7l9dJvLUq7r6K6kZ16d4nfd5ySYLo%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"15\"><u>webpage listing RHTP funding opportunities<\/u><\/a>.\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\">Governor Josh Shapiro released a\u00a0<a id=\"OWA298f02ff-db80-fdd6-1653-124cc6e38213\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/governor\/newsroom\/2026-press-releases\/gov-shapiro-statement-on-court-ruling-striking-medicaid-abortion. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pa.gov%2Fgovernor%2Fnewsroom%2F2026-press-releases%2Fgov-shapiro-statement-on-court-ruling-striking-medicaid-abortion&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7C63e5938b5de3476c325e08dea22e3335%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639126516479921241%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=380M9mI28Po092Pg6xn307c6YH8RxwkGdUTCqa0mCro%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"16\"><u>statement<\/u><\/a>\u00a0in response to Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania\u2019s decision in Allegheny Reproductive Health Center vs. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, which affirms a fundamental right to reproductive autonomy and finds that under Pennsylvania law, a state ban on Medicaid coverage for most instances of abortion care is unconstitutional.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Texas\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u2013 Governor Greg Abbott announced the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is making\u00a0<a id=\"OWA981e6021-1e90-7ee3-de81-5e7a67852415\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/gov.texas.gov\/es\/news\/post\/governor-abbott-hhsc-announce-60-million-in-federal-funding-to-make-rural-texans-healthy-again. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgov.texas.gov%2Fes%2Fnews%2Fpost%2Fgovernor-abbott-hhsc-announce-60-million-in-federal-funding-to-make-rural-texans-healthy-again&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7C63e5938b5de3476c325e08dea22e3335%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639126516479941256%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=re3QL2x4WgT11Zp0Bu3acGTNrUGs4jUnyAbrCGYl%2BUY%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"17\"><u>$60 million in initial federal funding available through the RHTP to rural hospital districts<\/u><\/a>\u00a0to create or improve community-based prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Virginia<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u2013 Governor Abigail Spanberger\u00a0<a id=\"OWAe8257a90-cb9a-ba72-306b-546f95c1c5cf\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/www.governor.virginia.gov\/newsroom\/news-releases\/2026\/april-releases\/name-1116677-en.html. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.governor.virginia.gov%2Fnewsroom%2Fnews-releases%2F2026%2Fapril-releases%2Fname-1116677-en.html&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7C63e5938b5de3476c325e08dea22e3335%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639126516479960594%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=D7saO%2B2tweSeEMOLuAZs8NWNOY8ed9%2Fz%2BeAL8HvW%2BD0%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"18\"><u>signed a package of legislation to improve and expand healthcare coverage for Virginia mothers<\/u><\/a>\u00a0and families, particularly women who face the highest risks: HB1400 increases access to maternal mental healthcare screenings; HB1403 directs the Department of Health to develop a reporting system to better track Severe Maternal Morbidity; HB425 expands Medicaid reimbursements to include remote monitoring of pregnant women; and HB1353 directs the Commissioner of Health to assess a future statewide maternal health safety initiative.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>West Virginia<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u2013 Governor Patrick Morrisey signed\u00a0<a id=\"OWA5666de3b-b5dd-af98-e45f-b26b3f0eb1cf\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/governor.wv.gov\/article\/governor-signs-landmark-rural-health-legislation-secures-199-million-statewide. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.wv.gov%2Farticle%2Fgovernor-signs-landmark-rural-health-legislation-secures-199-million-statewide&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7C63e5938b5de3476c325e08dea22e3335%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639126516479986249%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=dES7nNiObUaRm4GEK75MPb4TH4E5%2Fe74TVHgYKqWWsM%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"19\"><u>Senate Bill 570, officially authorizing the use of federal funds to launch the RHTP<\/u><\/a>. The Department of Health will begin releasing competitive awards for funding availability on a rolling basis over the next two weeks. These initial grants will focus specifically on the workforce pipeline, recruitment, and community-based nutrition challenges.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Alabama\u00a0\u2013 The Alabama Department of Public Health\u00a0wants to hear from state residents about health issues\u00a0they believe are the most important in their communities. The 2026 Community Health Opinion Survey is a component of the State Health Assessment that identifies health issues and challenges at the community level. Results will be used to guide future public [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[2,223],"class_list":["post-19579","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-shvs","tag-state-updates"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19579","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19579"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19579\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19586,"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19579\/revisions\/19586"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19579"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19579"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19579"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}