North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a new funding opportunity to help rural health care providers strengthen and modernize electronic medical record systems.

The Electronic Medical Record Enhancement funding opportunity is designed to support enhancements to existing electronic medical record systems that improve service delivery and health outcomes for rural North Dakotans. Examples may include technology enhancements, expanded functionality and artificial intelligence-supported tools that help providers better manage patient care and improve operational efficiency.

The funding opportunity aligns with Initiative 4: Connect Tech, Data, and Providers for a Stronger North Dakota, part of North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). This initiative focuses on modernizing health care delivery, improving access to information, and helping providers leverage technology to better serve their communities. 

Approximately $500,000 per awardee in first-year funding is available, with the possible opportunity to request additional funding. The funding is designed to support practical, locally driven solutions that help rural and tribal communities.

Eligible applicants include:

• Critical access hospitals
• Rural hospital systems
• Rural Federally Qualified Health Centers
• Non-federally operated Indian Health Service facilities and tribally run 638 health facilities

Applications are due by July 29, 2026, at 5 p.m. CT. A technical assistance call will be held July 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. CT. More information, application materials, and technical assistance resources are available at hhs.nd.gov/rural-health-transformation/funding.

SRT is your locally owned telecommunications cooperative with deep roots in north-central North Dakota. For 75 years, we have worked alongside community-based organizations as an economic catalyst, providing advanced infrastructure to improve opportunity and quality of life. As rural healthcare continues to evolve through telehealth, mobile clinics, remote monitoring, and data-driven care, dependable technology infrastructure will be critical.

We are available to support technology-based projects that align with RHTP funding opportunities, to ensure your rural healthcare organization is technically prepared for what comes next. Thank you for dedication to the health of your communities’ residents.