Missouri Workforce Retention and Enablers Funding

DSS.RHTP@dss.mo.gov

Funded by the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), Missouri Workforce Retention and Enablers Funding will help rural healthcare organizations in Missouri address persistent barriers to recruiting and retaining essential workers. The opportunity is designed to put local needs at the center of workforce investments, helping providers overcome practical challenges that can make it difficult to attract skilled professionals, support existing teams, and sustain essential healthcare services.

Proposals may address 5 areas:

1. Housing assistance
2. Training and retention
3. Transportation
4. Workplace organizational support
5. Innovative, locally designed workforce solutions

Eligible applicants are healthcare providers serving rural Missouri.

Healthcare providers include, but are not limited to:

• Rural hospitals
• Clinics
• Behavioral health organizations
• EMS agencies
• Pharmacies
• Other healthcare providers

Each of Missouri's Care Hubs will be allocated approximately $412,000 over two program years to advance workforce priorities identified by local providers and community partners. Rather than prescribing a single statewide solution, the initiative gives each Hub the opportunity to direct resources toward the barriers that matter most in its communities, while addressing needs not already covered by other RHTP workforce programs.

Begin the process by connecting with the appropriate Hub leadership board(s) to share workforce needs and participate in the Hub's proposal.

The proposal window for providers to share needs with Hubs is November 2 – November 22, 2026.

Applicant webinar
(Registration required)
November 12, 2026
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Central

The webinar will explain eligible funding uses, the anticipated proposal process and timeline, key program requirements, and resources available to help organizations prepare.