Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) – Models and Innovations

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

Other Project Examples

Indiana Statewide Rural Health Network (InSRHN)

Updated/reviewed July 2023

• Need: To improve sustainability and financial viability for rural healthcare providers throughout Indiana.
• Intervention: A network of rural healthcare providers for Critical Access and other hospitals in Indiana that are dedicated to improving their ability to deliver efficient and high-quality healthcare for their rural residents.
• Results: The network has been leveraged to increase access to resources, coordinate services, and improve and expand healthcare access.

The Minnesota Integrative Behavioral Health Program

Updated/reviewed May 2023

• Need: Out of 79 Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) surveyed in Minnesota in 2015, behavioral health was the most frequently cited service requested.
• Intervention: In response, Rural Health Innovations launched the Minnesota Integrative Behavioral Health Program. This initiative engaged representatives across all sectors in health integration between hospital, primary care, and community services.
• Results: Strategy sessions resulted in the creation of resource directories to improve care coordination, evaluation measurements to document results, and an overall better understanding of integrative care challenges.