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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

California Models and Innovations

These stories feature model programs and successful rural projects that can serve as a source of ideas. Some of the projects or programs may no longer be active. Read about the criteria and evidence-base for programs included.

Other Project Examples

Added March 2026

  • Need: To help Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and home visiting programs reduce smoking rates in rural Yuba County, California.
  • Intervention: A five-year initiative helped FQHCs with integrating tobacco user identification and cessation referral protocols and helped home visiting programs with tobacco screening and family wellness education.
  • Results: FQHCs and family-serving agencies achieved systems-level change through comprehensive tobacco-free policies, human resources procedures, and client screening protocols.

Added February 2026

  • Need: To improve the recruitment and retention of nurse practitioners and physician assistants in rural northern California.
  • Intervention: A community of practice and grant program for advanced practice providers sponsored by the California Health Care Foundation and Partnership HealthPlan of California.
  • Results: Five rural clinics and one clinic network have joined the program and hosted fellows.

Updated/reviewed April 2025

  • Need: Free, non-emergency air travel for people of all ages who need to access medical care and other essential services far from home.
  • Intervention: A network of more than 1,600 pilots donate their time, skills, aircraft, and all costs associated with flying to help families and individuals in need in 12 western states.
  • Results: Families are able to receive vital medical treatment and have other needs met that might not otherwise be possible because of financial, medical, or geographic limitations.
Last Reviewed: 8/31/2023