Adults living in rural communities experience higher rates of chronic disease than those living in urban and suburban areas. Food insecurity and barriers to health care and supportive services can make these conditions harder to prevent and manage. Food is Medicine (FIM) strategies offer states an opportunity to improve rural health by integrating nutrition supports into health care delivery. FIM strategies can also help build critical connections between communities, local agriculture, and health care, supporting economic development.
The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) provides federal funding that states can use to advance FIM strategies. Through RHTP, states are exploring how nutrition services can support broader efforts to strengthen health care access and delivery. To advance this work, the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) is convening an 11-month state affinity group. Participating states will learn from peers and subject matter experts, share implementation experiences, and explore approaches tailored to rural communities.
Affinity Group Activities
The affinity group will offer peer learning and support through:
- Six peer-to-peer exchange sessions, held every other month and focused on topics identified by participating states; and
- Five office hour sessions, held every other month to address state-specific questions, challenges, and opportunities.
Sessions will explore:
- How FIM strategies can address health and nutrition needs in rural communities;
- Opportunities to use RHTP funding and related resources to advance FIM initiatives;
- Policy and operational considerations for implementing these strategies; and
- Emerging approaches and lessons from participating states.
CHCS will share lessons from the affinity group nationally to inform other states’ efforts.
Interested in Participating?
CHCS invites teams from state Medicaid agencies, rural health authorities, or related agencies to submit an Expression of Interest by November 13, 5:00 pm ET.
