Substance Use & Recovery · Partnerships · 5 min read
Who should substance use and recovery programs partner with for RHTP success?
Because states apply and are accountable; sub-recipients (providers, plans, vendors) deliver, substance use and recovery programs succeed through partnerships: SUD providers usually participate as sub-recipients of a state behavioral health or rural health agency, often partnering with hospitals for warm handoffs. Strong proposals show a coordinated set of partners rather than a single organization acting alone.
Why partnerships win
RHTP rewards statewide, sustainable approaches. SUD providers usually participate as sub-recipients of a state behavioral health or rural health agency, often partnering with hospitals for warm handoffs. A proposal that names committed partners and a clear division of labor is more credible than a solo bid.
Who to bring to the table
For substance use and recovery programs, the most valuable partners typically include the state agency holding the award, anchor providers, and the technology or service partners that deliver and measure the work.
Aligning incentives
Programs that cannot show retention and engagement data struggle to compete; build measurement in from day one.
Frequently asked questions
- Can substance use and recovery programs apply alone?
- Rarely effectively. RHTP favors coordinated, statewide approaches, so partnerships materially improve competitiveness.
Figures reflect the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program NOFO and the December 2025 award announcement. RHTP Tracker is an independent resource by Moodr Health and is not affiliated with CMS.