New Profile Report: SMHAs and the Rural Health Transformation Program, 2026

Congress's new $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program is sending money to all 50 states, but how much of it will go to behavioral health, and who decides? NRI's latest State Profiles report draws on responses from 40 State Mental Health Authorities. It finds that 80% helped shape their state's RHT application but fewer than half will help administer the funds. However, at least 13 states have set aside more than $220 million for behavioral health projects such as workforce development, crisis services, and telehealth. Read the full report to see how states are using this once-in-a-generation investment in rural mental health care.

Profiles reports are available at: www.nri-inc.org/profiles. State Mental Health Agency staff have access to detailed accompanying materials through the NRI’s State Profiles restricted access website. Please contact NRI at [email protected] with any questions or comments.