National Rural Health Association Resource: Rural Healthy Aging - Policy and Infrastructure Opportunities for the Rural Health Transformation Program
The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) and Stratis Health, together with six partner organizations, have released a resource, "Rural Healthy Aging: Policy and Infrastructure Opportunities for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)."
This resource is intended to support states, rural communities, and providers as they design and implement age-friendly rural health transformation strategies, and highlights how states can integrate healthy aging priorities into the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).
The guide outlines how states can leverage existing aging infrastructure—including Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), Community Care Hubs, caregiver supports, and long-term services and supports (LTSS)—to help older adults age safely in place while strengthening rural health systems.
Key opportunity areas include:
- Aligning RHTP with Multisector Plans for Aging and age-friendly initiatives.
- Strengthening access and navigation for older adults and caregivers.
- Supporting family caregivers and the direct care workforce.
- Expanding technology, housing, transportation, and community integration.
- Advancing integrated care models, including PACE.
NRHA has also published:
- Resources Hub Page: Implementing RHTP with a Rural Aging Lens
- RHTP States' Breakdown of Aging Initiatives - Jan 2026, a summary of state initiatives that incorporate activities to support rural aging populations in their RHTP applications
- Incorporating Age-Friendly Strategies into the Rural Health Transformation Program_Jan 2026 NRHA blog
- Integrating Rural Age-Friendly Care Initiatives into States’ RHTP Implementation ASA Generations Now blog
Explore the resource.
Learn more about the National Rural Age-Friendly Initiative.
Go to NRHA's Resources Hub, Implementing RHTP with a Rural Aging Lens.
Learn more and register for NRHA's Rural Health Policy Institute February 10-12.
Learn more about NRHA.
Learn more about Stratis Health.
Learn more about JAHF's co-support of NRHA.
