Missouri Department of Social Services Invites Rural Organizations to Apply as ToRCH Care Hub Anchors

A foundational element of the RHTP is to establish a statewide network of healthcare “Hubs” designed to bring care closer to home, make clinical and non-clinical services more seamless, and ensure that no rural resident is left behind. Each Hub serves as an organizing structure across approximately three to five counties, uniting a coalition of partners including local hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, EMS, community-based organizations, and more. Within a Hub, partners collaborate to understand and track local needs, coordinate care through connected referral systems, and implement programs targeted to improve community-specific needs. 

Selected Hub Anchors will function as the neutral coordinator of this regional ecosystem by hosting Hub staff, supporting governance through a Leadership Board, and ensuring coordination workflows function effectively. Additionally, the Hub Anchor organizes and facilitates collaboration across the local healthcare ecosystem. 

The Hub Anchor Application outlines criteria regarding eligibility, governance expectations, staffing requirements, data-sharing commitments, and evaluation standards. DSS strongly encourages qualified organizations to work collaboratively within their communities to determine the most appropriate Hub Anchor or consortium structure prior to submission. This pre-application alignment is vital to ensuring shared ownership and long-term sustainability among rural providers. 

A webinar to support prospective applicants will be held on May 19, 2026, at 11 A.M. CT. Organizations can register here. 

Applications and materials are due by 11:59 P.M. CT on June 18, 2026. Applications should be submitted via email to the DSS.RHTP@dss.mo.gov inbox.  

To learn more about the Rural Health Transformation Program, review Missouri’s Rural Health Transportation Program Overview.