Good morning, Policy Committee. Per our meeting discussion, please find the attached project narrative for the Washington State Rural Health Transformation Project. In Brief; Washington's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) focuses on expanding behavioral/maternal health, strengthening the workforce with recruitment/retention, modernizing technology (telehealth, data), building community-based care models (hub-and-spoke), and ensuring financial sustainability for rural providers, tackling high rates of chronic disease by integrating care and supporting underserved populations, including Native families, to improve overall access and outcomes. Key Highlights of Washington's RHTP Plan: - Behavioral & Maternal Health Expansion: Creating integrated systems, mobile crisis support, and school-based services to meet growing needs and reduce hospital strain. - Workforce Development: Incentivizing clinicians to stay long-term (5+ years) in rural areas and expanding training programs. - Technology & Data Innovation: Upgrading IT, cybersecurity, implementing telehealth, remote monitoring, and AI tools to improve efficiency and patient access. - Community-Based Care Models: Developing regional "hub-and-spoke" networks connecting hospitals with clinics, tribal health, and community centers, using telehealth to bridge gaps. - Chronic Disease Management: Focusing on prevention and management of conditions like diabetes and hypertension through tech and evidence-based models. - Financial Sustainability: Strategies to help rural hospitals remain solvent and right-size services to meet community needs. - Focus on Underserved Populations: Specific investments in Native American health and supporting rural residents across all 39 counties. Overall Goals: - Improve access to the right level of care at the right time. - Enhance health outcomes for rural residents. - Foster strong regional partnerships and data-driven solutions. Lola Phillips | Deputy Administrative Officer | Spokane Regional Health District | Administration Direct: 509. 324.1452 | Cell:509.599.2439 | Fax: 509.324.1507 | lphillips@srhd.org | srhd.org