C.R.I.S.
COORDINATED REGIONAL INTEGRATED SYSTEMS INITIATIVE
C.R.I.S.
COORDINATED REGIONAL INTEGRATED SYSTEMS INITIATIVE
MSRHTP
better access, better outcomes
and a stronger, more sustainable rural healthcare system.
The Coordinated Regional Integrated Systems (CRIS) Initiative is Mississippi’s effort to connect the pieces of rural healthcare into one coordinated system—so patients can get the right care, at the right time, closer to home.
Instead of operating in silos, CRIS brings together:
EMS and Emergency Response
Hospitals and Clinics
Public Health Agencies
Community and Social Service Organizations
These partners will work together within Regional Healthcare Districts, using shared data, aligned protocols, and coordinated care pathways.
Who should be paying attention?
CRIS is designed to support a wide range of organizations that play a role in rural health.
If your organization helps deliver care—or support the health of rural communities—there may be opportunities for you to participate.
EMS providers and emergency response systems
Rural hospitals and health systems
Clinics (RHCs, FQHCs, and primary care providers)
Community mental health and behavioral health providers
Public health organizations
Community-based organizations (transportation, food access, housing, etc.)
Technology and data partners
Educational institutions and workforce partners
What success looks like
Through CRIS, Mississippi is working toward:
- Faster EMS response times and better coverage
- Fewer unnecessary hospital transports
- Improved follow-up care and fewer readmissions
- Expanded access to care—especially in rural and underserved areas
- Better coordination between providers and services
- More efficient use of healthcare resources
- Stronger, more resilient local healthcare systems
What CRIS will fund and support
CRIS is not a single program—it is a coordinated set of investments and pilots designed to strengthen how care is delivered across the state.
Regional EMS Coordination
Mississippi will build regional EMS systems that align emergency response with hospital capacity and community needs.
Funding may support:
- Shared dispatch and communication systems
- Standardized protocols across regions
- Vehicles, equipment, and technology
- Workforce training and development
- Data dashboards to track performance and outcomes
EMS Treat in Place (Pilot)
EMS providers will be supported to treat certain patients on-site, rather than automatically transporting to the hospital.
Funding may support:
- Telehealth tools and mobile connectivity
- Clinical decision support protocols
- Training for EMS providers
- Data systems to track outcomes and cost savings
Care Coordination After Discharge
Patients leaving the hospital—especially those with chronic or complex conditions—will receive ongoing support to stay connected to care.
Funding may support:
- Nurse navigators and care managers
- Referral tracking and care coordination tools
- EHR integration across providers
- Patient education and support programs
24/7 Nurse Navigation and Remote Clinical Support
CRIS will expand access to real-time clinical guidance for patients, EMS, and providers.
Funding may support:
- 24/7 call centers or telehealth lines
- Clinical triage and care coordination systems
- Technology platforms connecting patients and providers
- Data systems for monitoring access and outcomes
AI and Decision Support for EMS
Mississippi will pilot advanced tools to help EMS providers make faster, more informed decisions in the field.
Funding may support:
- AI-enabled triage and routing tools
- Data integration across EMS, hospitals, and dispatch
- Training and implementation support
- Evaluation and continuous improvement
Connecting Patients to Social Services
CRIS will support closed-loop referral systems that connect patients to services like:
- Transportation
- Food access
- Housing
- Behavioral health support
Funding may support:
- Digital referral platforms
- Care coordination staff
- Community partnerships
Data tracking and outcome measurement
911 and Emergency System Integration
CRIS will strengthen coordination between 911 dispatch, EMS, hospitals, and providers.
Funding may support:
- Technology upgrades and integration
- Real-time performance dashboards
- Workforce training
- Cybersecurity and system maintenance
What’s Next?
Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) will be released soon.
These will outline:
- Who can apply
- Eligible activities
- Funding levels
- Application requirements
Important to Know Before Applying:
All CRIS funding must:
- Align with Mississippi’s approved Rural Health Transformation Plan
- Support system-level improvements—not standalone or duplicative efforts
- Comply with federal funding rules and limitations
Funding is intended to support coordinated, sustainable solutions, not one-time or isolated projects.