The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced on Apr. 6 that Maggie Woods has been appointed as the Rural Health Transformation Program Director to lead efforts in improving health care access for more than 3.5 million rural residents in the state.
The appointment is significant as it aims to address long-standing challenges faced by rural communities, such as workforce shortages, hospital sustainability, and limited access to mental health and primary care services. The initiative is supported by $213 million in federal funding approved by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and will support over 400 rural health facilities across North Carolina over the next five years.
Woods previously served as director of the North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s Office of Digital Opportunity, where she worked to close the digital divide in the state. “RHTP is a vital investment in rural communities in North Carolina,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “We are excited to welcome Director Woods to the team as we work quickly to get these federal dollars out the door to the communities that need them the most and ensure we have a structure in place for local decision-making.”
“I am honored to join NCDHHS and work with the team to build a stronger, more connected health system that meets the needs of today while preparing for the future,” Woods said. “I grew up in rural America, and I understand first-hand many of the healthcare challenges facing rural communities. This program represents an opportunity to strengthen health systems, expand access to care and ensure that everyone across our state has the opportunity to achieve their best health.”
Deputy Secretary for Health Debra Farrington also welcomed Woods: “We are happy to have Director Woods join our team, and we look forward to continuing our work together to improve health care in our rural communities,” Farrington said. “We recognize how important this program is for all North Carolinians, and having leadership with experience and knowledge of rural communities across our state is critical.”
A key component of NCRHTP includes launching locally governed NC ROOTS (Rural Organizations Orchestrating Transformation for Sustainability) Hubs which will serve as regional networks connecting medical, behavioral health, and social supports throughout North Carolina.
Looking ahead, NCDHHS plans further expansion through increased prevention services, chronic disease management programs, nutrition initiatives, greater availability of mental health treatment options—including substance use disorder treatment—and investments supporting providers transitioning toward value-based care models aimed at sustaining a robust workforce within rural areas.
