MCD Global Health (MCD) has entered into an agreement with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to support technology and innovation initiatives under Maine’s DHHS-led Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Over the five-year program, MCD will work with Maine DHHS, healthcare providers, telehealth organizations, and other partners to expand practical digital health solutions that improve access, quality and health outcomes in Maine’s rural communities.

As an initial component of this work, the application portal is now open for approximately $30 million in first-year funding to help eligible rural Maine healthcare providers replace, upgrade and enhance electronic medical record systems. MCD is administering the application process on behalf of Maine DHHS and will provide information and technical assistance to support eligible providers through the application process.

“Strong, modern healthcare infrastructure is essential to preserving access to care in rural communities,” said DHHS Commissioner, Sara Gagné-Holmes. “This investment will help Maine providers enhance and upgrade the systems they rely on every day to coordinate care, support patients and improve health outcomes across the state.”

The agreement represents a step forward in strengthening healthcare systems for rural communities across Maine, building on MCD’s long-standing partnership with the state and decades of experience working alongside rural providers, public health agencies and communities.

Under this contract, MCD will provide technical expertise, project management and staffing to support a portfolio of innovations designed to expand access to care, improve quality and strengthen the long-term sustainability of rural health systems.

“This work reflects what MCD has always done best: partnering with states and communities to solve complex challenges in practical ways,” said Cristine Betters, president and CEO of MCD. “Together with our partners at the state, we are focused on delivering solutions that improve access, strengthen providers and create lasting impact for people in Maine.”

A long history with rural roots

For 60 years, MCD has worked in Maine rural communities supporting healthcare providers and public health systems to address persistent challenges in access, workforce and infrastructure.

MCD’s work has always been grounded in partnership, collaborating closely with local providers, community organizations and state agencies to design solutions that reflect the realities of rural care delivery. As Maine continues to invest in transforming its healthcare system, MCD brings both historical perspectives and practical experience to support implementation at scale.

Advancing technology to improve access and outcomes

A central focus of the RHTP work will be expanding digital health and technology-enabled care. MCD will support initiatives, such as expanding telehealth, modernizing electronic medical records and using emerging tools, including artificial or augmented intelligence, to improve care delivery and coordination.

These efforts are designed to ensure that rural patients can access care where and when they need it while also strengthening the ability of providers to deliver high-quality, efficient services.

“Technology is only part of the solution,” said Danielle Louder, co-director of MCD’s U.S. Programs and director of Technology and Innovation for RHTP. “What matters is how those tools are implemented, whether they work for providers, reach patients and can be sustained over time.”

By combining technological innovation with implementation support, MCD aims to help rural health systems move from pilot projects to sustainable, systemwide transformation.

“We’re here to do more than implement technology,” continued Louder. “We’re here to improve lives. Every connection we strengthen, every clinician we support and every digital solution we bring to rural communities in Maine has the potential to remove barriers to healthcare for someone who might otherwise go without.”

A trusted partner

MCD’s selection as an implementation partner reflects its track record working with state governments. MCD brings the experience needed to move from strategy to implementation, including managing complex, grant-funded initiatives and working with rural communities and digital health to ensure these investments deliver meaningful improvements for providers and patients across Maine.

The approach of bringing together policy, practice and implementation will be critical as the state advances a comprehensive strategy to strengthen its rural healthcare system, ensuring that rural communities have access to the care they need.

This program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $190,008,051 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.