Immediate Impact Awards (IIA) are non-competitive funding opportunities designed to support projects that address urgent and high-priority needs in rural communities.
Immediate Impact Award Wave 1 Projects
This document offers high-level summaries of Oregon's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Wave 1 Immediate Impact Award projects. Oregon's first round of Immediate Impact Awards invests in high-impact, community-driven solutions to address urgent healthcare needs in rural and underserved communities. These projects expand access to care, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and improve health outcomes across the state. OHA continues to work with the partners named below to refine amounts and activities based on state and developing federal (CMS) guidance and approvals. The amounts below are first year estimates based on award amounts provided to organizations in their Notice of Intent to Award; all estimated awarded amounts are tentative, subject to budget negotiations, and contingent upon final agreement execution.
Connected Care for Older Adults – Columbia Gorge Health Council
(Healthy Communities Initiative)
Current Award Estimate for Year 1 - $618,000
Helping rural seniors stay healthy, independent, and safely in their homes
This project addresses a critical gap in care for older adults in rural communities who are not currently receiving in-home support. Through a clinic-based community health worker model, individuals will receive in-home visits and coordinated care focused on maintaining independence and preventing avoidable health crises. Funding supports workforce capacity and service delivery. This work is expected to improve health outcomes, reduce strain on emergency services, and help older adults remain safely in their homes.
Naloxone Access Expansion – Alano Club, Comagine Health, Tabor North
(Healthy Communities Initiative)
Current Award Estimate for Year 1 - $1,113,000
Expanding life-saving overdose response tools in communities that need them most
Rural communities across Oregon continue to face high rates of opioid overdose and limited access to life-saving interventions. This project expands naloxone distribution through community-based networks to ensure the medication is available where it is most needed. Funding supports procurement, distribution infrastructure, and outreach efforts. This work is expected to reduce overdose deaths and strengthen local capacity to respond to opioid-related emergencies.
Chronic Disease Management Training – Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network (ORPRN), Oregon Community Health Workers' Association (ORCHWA), Familia's en Acción, and Oregon Wellness Network (OWN)
(Healthy Communities Initiative)
Current Award Estimate for Year 1 - $363,000
Strengthening community-based care to better manage chronic illness in rural Oregon
Chronic disease disproportionately impacts rural communities, where access to ongoing care and support is often limited. This project provides training for community health workers and caregivers to better manage conditions for themselves and their families, such as diabetes, heart disease, dementia, and other chronic illnesses. Funding supports training development and delivery. This work is expected to improve long-term health outcomes and reduce preventable complications through stronger community-based care.
Advancement of Rural Provider Education – Oregon ECHO Network (ORPRN)
(Workforce Capacity & Resilience Initiative)
Current Award Estimate for Year 1 - $159,000
Equipping providers with tools to identify and respond to trauma early
To address workforce capacity and resilience challenges, ORPRN will use the ECHO model to deliver remote education and peer learning opportunities for providers across Oregon. The first year will include an ECHO providing training on trauma-informed care, particularly related to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Pending additional CMS funding, additional ECHO's could include, but are not limited to, integrating nutrition into primary care, cardiometabolic (diabetes, renal), palliative care, promoting independence in older adults, and ICU best practices.
Brain Health and Dementia Initiative – Portland State University
(Healthy Communities Initiative)
Current Award Estimate for Year 1 - $107,000
Improving access to dementia support and brain health resources statewide
As rural populations age, communities face growing challenges related to dementia and cognitive decline, often without adequate resources or support systems. This project creates a centralized, accessible hub for brain health promotion and dementia care resources. Funding supports development of tools and statewide access. This work is expected to improve awareness, early detection, and care coordination for individuals and families navigating cognitive decline.
School Nursing Access Pilot – Oregon School Nurses Association & Regional ESDs
(Healthy Communities Initiative)
Current Award Estimate for Year 1- $403,000 – $778,000
Bringing critical healthcare services directly into rural schools
Many rural schools lack consistent access to nursing services, leaving students without timely care for both physical and behavioral health needs. This project expands school nursing capacity through partnerships with up to 3 Education School Districts (ESDs) across multiple regions, ensuring students can access care directly in school settings. Funding supports staffing, needs assessments, and nursing model design and implementation. This work is expected to improve student health outcomes, reduce barriers to care, and support better attendance and learning.
Mobile Obstetrics Simulation Unit – Oregon Perinatal Collaborative
(Workforce Capacity & Resilience Initiative)
Current Award Estimate for Year 1 - $610,000
Strengthening maternal care through hands-on training for rural providers
Rural providers often have limited access to hands-on training for obstetric emergencies, which can impact maternal and infant outcomes. This project brings a mobile simulation unit directly to rural communities, allowing providers to train in real-world scenarios. Funding supports equipment, travel, and training delivery. This work is expected to improve provider readiness and enhance the safety of maternal care in rural settings.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Simulation Training – Healthcare Safety Solutions
(Workforce Capacity & Resilience Initiative)
Current Award Estimate for Year 1 - $502,000
Improving emergency response outcomes in high-risk, time-sensitive situations
Emergency medical providers in rural areas must respond to complex situations with limited resources and fewer training opportunities. This project delivers simulation-based training to strengthen emergency response skills and collaboration between hospitals, EMS systems, and other community partners. Funding supports training design and delivery. This work is expected to improve patient outcomes during emergencies by enhancing provider confidence and clinical decision-making.
24/7 Obstetric Addiction Advice Line – Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)
(Workforce Capacity & Resilience Initiative)
Current Award Estimate for Year 1 - $398,000
Expanding access to expert care for pregnant individuals with substance use disorders
Providers in rural and underserved areas often lack access to specialized expertise when caring for pregnant individuals with substance use disorders. This project establishes a 24/7 advice line connecting clinicians to experts in obstetric and addiction care. Funding supports staffing and operations. This work is expected to expand access to expert guidance and improve outcomes for both parents and infants.
School-Based Mental Health & Substance Use Early Intervention – Regional Partners
(Healthy Communities Initiative)
Current Award Estimate for Year 1 - $102,000 - $194,000
Delivering early intervention services directly where students are
Youth in rural communities often face barriers to accessing mental health and substance use services. This project integrates early intervention services directly into school settings through partnerships with up to 3 regional partners across multiple counties. Funding supports program implementation and coordination. This work is expected to improve early identification of needs, increased access to care, and support healthier outcomes for students.
Nurse Home Visiting Expansion – Family Connects Oregon
(Healthy Communities Initiative)
Current Award Estimate for Year 1 - $631,000
Supporting families early to improve lifelong health outcomes
Access to early postpartum support is often limited for families in rural communities, despite its critical importance for both parent and infant health. This project expands the Family Connects model, Oregon's universally offered public health nurse home visiting program across multiple counties. Funding supports program expansion and service delivery. This work is expected to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and strengthen early family support systems.
Medical Assistant Workforce Pathway – Northwest Regional ESD, Clatsop Community College, Providence Seaside Hospital, Seaside School District
(Workforce Capacity & Resilience Initiative)
Current Award Estimate Year 1 - $186,000
Building a sustainable rural healthcare workforce from within the community
Rural communities across Oregon face ongoing healthcare workforce shortages, particularly in entry-level clinical roles. This project creates a career pathway for high school students to become medical assistants through partnerships with local education and healthcare organizations. Funding supports training and program development. This work is expected to build a sustainable local workforce and improve access to care.
Immediate Impact Award Wave 2 Recipients
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is pleased to share a list of organizations selected to receive Wave 2 Immediate Impact Awards. These projects represent an important step forward in advancing rural health across Oregon, supporting efforts related to access, workforce, community partnerships, and system transformation.
Please note: Selection for funding is contingent upon successful completion of award agreements. Additional details, including project implementation timelines and funding specifics, will be shared as agreements are finalized.
Healthy Families Expansion – The Next Door, Inc.
(Healthy Communities & Prevention Initiative)
The Next Door, Inc. will expand the Healthy Families Oregon home visiting model and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library into Gilliam, Sherman, and Wheeler counties, communities that currently lack consistent early childhood supports. Funding will be used to build and strengthen referral partnerships with local organizations, hire and train a dedicated family support specialist for the region, and provide supervision to ensure program fidelity. Families will receive in-home support focused on parenting, early childhood development, and connection to services, while children will receive monthly books to support early literacy. This project directly addresses gaps in early childhood access and is designed to improve long-term developmental, educational, and health outcomes for children and families in these rural communities.
State Plan for Every Child Belongs –Department of Early Learning & Care (DELC)
(Healthy Communities & Prevention Initiative)
The Department of Early Learning & Care (DELC) will develop a coordinated statewide plan to strengthen mental and behavioral health supports for young children and their families, with a focus on rural and remote communities. This work fulfills statutory requirements under HB 2166, which does not include dedicated funding, and includes coordination with the Oregon Health Authority to integrate mental health and social-emotional supports into early childhood systems. A key component is the development of a statewide resource list of diverse, community-based mental health consultants who can support early learning providers in preventing suspension and expulsion. This project lays the foundation for a more integrated and equitable early childhood system that improves access to behavioral health supports across Oregon.
System of Care Transformation Regional Convenings
(Healthy Communities & Prevention Initiative)
The System of Care Advisory Council (SOCAC) will host seven in-person regional convenings with local system of care partners across Oregon. These meetings will focus on identifying regional service gaps, reducing duplication, and comparing Oregon’s current behavioral health system to national and state models. Participants will also review and provide feedback on a drafted System of Care vision. Data gathered from these convenings will be synthesized into a proposed transformation model and shared with the Office of Rural Health, state agencies, and funding partners. This work is intended to inform future legislative concepts and policy option packages for the 2029 legislative session.
Family Network Expansion – Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities (ODHS)
(Healthy Communities & Prevention Initiative)
The Oregon Consortium of Family Networks (OCFN) will expand its services to reach additional rural communities and strengthen support in existing regions. OCFN currently supports families of children with developmental disabilities across 20 counties but lacks capacity to fully reach rural areas and expand into counties such as Benton, Coos, Curry, Hood River, and Wasco. Funding will support expanded partnerships, increased access to developmental disability and health service navigation, and delivery of trainings, support groups, and community events. This project strengthens family resilience, improves access to services, and supports families in becoming stronger advocates for their children.
EMS Overdose Reversal Pilot – Mercy Flights, & additional partners TBD
(Healthy Communities & Prevention Initiative)
Building on prior work conducted by Oregon Public Health Institute and Public Health Institute’s Bridge Center for OHA, this project will support the development of a new emergency medical services (EMS) pilot focused reversing overdoses by giving buprenorphine in the field. The project team is currently identifying additional EMS providers to participate, with Mercy Flights and partners in Jackson County expected to launch a pilot beginning in May 2026. This effort will test models that allow EMS providers to not only respond to overdoses but also initiate treatment and improve linkage to ongoing care. The pilot is anticipated to inform broader statewide implementation strategies for rural overdose response.
School Mental Health Expansion - Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness, Klamath Basin Behavioral Health, Trillium Family Services
(Healthy Communities & Prevention Initiative)
This project builds on an existing state-funded model that supports partnerships between community mental health programs and rural school districts. Funding will allow Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness and Klamath Basin Behavioral Health to expand services from 1–2 days per week to up to 4 days per week, significantly increasing student access to care. In addition, Trillium Family Services will introduce new school-based mental health services in Linn County. By increasing both frequency and geographic reach, this project strengthens early identification and treatment of student mental health needs.
Veggie Rx Expansion Oregon Community Food System Network
(Healthy Communities & Prevention Initiative)
This project expands Veggie Rx programs that allow healthcare providers to prescribe fresh food to patients experiencing food insecurity or diet-related health conditions. Participants receive produce through vouchers, boxes, or retail partnerships. Funding supports program expansion, relationship building between healthcare and food systems, technical assistance, and group learning opportunities. This model directly connects nutrition and healthcare to improve chronic disease outcomes.
Senior Meal Expansion Program – Area Agencies on Aging
(Healthy Communities & Prevention Initiative)
Area Agencies on Aging will expand access to meals for older adults in rural and remote communities. Funding supports outreach, staffing, infrastructure for meal storage and distribution, and transportation. Partnerships with local restaurants will provide meals while supporting local economies and enabling seniors to share meals with others. This project improves nutrition while addressing social isolation.
School-Based Health Center Planning Grants
(Healthy Communities & Prevention Initiative)
OHA will fund up to five grantees to conduct needs assessments evaluating readiness for school-based health services. Communities will assess demand for services such as school-based health centers, nursing services, or mobile clinics. Using existing tools from OHA’s Adolescent & School Health Unit, grantees will develop implementation plans for sustainable school-based healthcare models.
Transportation Infrastructure – Oregon Department of Transportation
(Healthy Communities & Prevention Initiative)
In partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation, this project will fund up to three infrastructure projects improving access to healthcare facilities. Investments include sidewalks, multi-use paths, signage, lighting, and curb ramps. Projects are being considered in Roseburg, Prineville, Sisters, and Hermiston to improve safe walking and rolling access to care.
Mobile Vision Care – OHSU Casey Eye Institute
(Healthy Communities & Prevention Initiative)
Oregon Health & Science University’s Casey Eye Institute will expand its mobile vision program, which visits communities across the state to provide adults free screenings, exams, and eyeglasses. The institute’s Casey Community Outreach Program will expand to Seaside, identified as a high-need area. A partnership with the Lions Club programs will ensure follow-up care for patients.
Mobile Dental Care – Medical Teams International
(Healthy Communities & Prevention Initiative)
Medical Teams International will expand its mobile dental program into Oregon’s North Coast (Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook counties). The project integrates oral health with chronic disease screening by embedding a nurse into the care model to address broader health conditions alongside dental care.
Nurture Oregon Site Expansions - Oasis Clinic of the Rogue Valley, ReConnections Counseling, BestCare Treatment Services, Oregon Washington health Network
(Healthy Communities & Prevention Initiative)
Nurture Oregon provides integrated care for pregnant individuals with substance use concerns, combining peer recovery support, medical care, behavioral health services, and social service coordination. Funding will expand services across multiple sites, including Oasis Center of the Rogue Valley, ReConnections Counseling, BestCare Treatment Services, and Oregon Washington health Network. Investments include emergency housing support, expansion of mobile services into new rural counties, transportation for participants, postpartum doula services, childcare staffing, and infant care supplies. This comprehensive approach addresses both clinical and social needs to improve maternal and infant outcomes.
Nurture Oregon Workforce Supports - Comagine
(Workforce Capacity & Resilience Initiative)
Comagine Health will expand implementation and technical support for Nurture Oregon sites by coordinating workforce trainings, enhancing technical assistance, and convening a statewide gathering to address emerging needs and strengthen cross-site collaboration. In parallel, Oasis Clinic of the Valley will use workforce funding to recruit new providers following a recent departure, helping stabilize and sustain care delivery.
Infant Mental Health Training - Oregon Infant Mental Health Association
(Workforce Capacity & Resilience Initiative)
Oregon Infant Mental Health Association will expand its fellowship model to train rural providers in evidence-based infant and early childhood mental health practices. Fellows will provide trainings within their communities and statewide. This approach aims to address workforce shortages while creating sustainable career pathways in rural communities.
Healthcare Preceptor Incentives - Northeast Oregon Area Health Education Center (NEOAHEC)
(Workforce Capacity & Resilience Initiative)
Modeled on the University of Washington School of Nursing’s preceptor program, NEOAHEC will establish a preceptor payment program to support health professionals across Eastern Oregon in mentoring students in nursing, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician associate, and behavioral health programs. By providing financial and other supports, this effort aims to reduce burnout, strengthen the training pipeline, and help retain providers in rural communities.
Family Medicine Residency – Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center
(Workforce Capacity & Resilience Initiative)
Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center will launch a family medicine residency program in Yamhill County, a designated health care shortage area. Based at the Newberg clinic with rotations in Sheridan, Willamina, and Hillsboro, the program will train residents in serving rural, underserved, and Medicaid populations.
K–12 Health Career Pathways - Oregon Area Health Education Center (AHEC)
(Workforce Capacity & Resilience Initiative)
Oregon AHEC will expand rural student exposure to healthcare careers through camps, mobile training, and clinical experiences, building future workforce pipelines. Middle and high school students will have access to hands-on camps, mobile training units, clinical observation opportunities, and faculty development across all five regional AHECs.
PRIME+ Training and Support for Peer Support Specialists
(Workforce Capacity & Resilience Initiative)
Comagine Health will strengthen peer support services for people with substance use disorders across Oregon by coordinating an annual peer gathering, facilitating learning collaboratives, and supporting ongoing peer connection through huddles and supervision. The project will also expand innovation training and provide technical assistance to organizations employing Certified Peer Support Specialists and Certified Recovery Mentors who serve individuals at risk of, or receiving treatment for, substance use–related health conditions.
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) Local Anesthesia Dental Workforce Expansion
(Workforce Capacity & Resilience Initiative)
Siskiyou Community Health Center will expand its workforce to improve access to dental care in rural Oregon by training seven dental assistants to administer local anesthesia. This approach will increase care team efficiency, reduce workflow bottlenecks, and shorten patient wait times, currently averaging about 45 days, by allowing dentists to focus on more complex procedures while improving overall patient flow.
Custody to Counseling Pipeline: CADC Training at Snake River Correctional Institution
(Workforce Capacity & Resilience Initiative)
Lines for Life, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Corrections, Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon, United We Heal, and leading addiction treatment providers, will expand Oregon’s behavioral health workforce through the Custody to Counseling Pipeline. This project trains adults in custody to become Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors and provides transition support to help them secure employment in the behavioral health field upon release.