Making Data Meaningful: The Power of Data Storytelling in CMS Rural Health Transformation Programs

Strong evaluation results do not speak for themselves. Even the most rigorous analysis can fail to drive action if stakeholders do not understand what the findings mean, why they matter, and what should happen next. 

For states participating in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a meaningful evaluation is an opportunity to demonstrate how federal investments are improving America’s rural health systems. The challenge is describing these impacts—stronger access to care, local innovation, and better health outcomes—in a way that resonates with CMS reviewers, state leaders, legislators, providers, and the public. That way is often through data storytelling. 

Abt Global has supported state and local leaders for decades to describe the true value of their work. Here are a few of our primary data storytelling principles:

1. Start with the Audience

A common reporting mistake is assuming every audience needs the same information. Actually, each group views program success through a different lens. Here are some for RHTP:

• For CMS, the focus is often on implementation progress, program effectiveness, compliance with cooperative agreement requirements, and alignment with strategic goals. CMS' RHTP reporting framework supports program oversight, monitors performance, assesses compliance, and facilitates data-driven decision-making. Continued eligibility for future funding is tied to satisfactory performance and compliance with reporting requirements. 
• Legislators and governors' offices may be more interested in return on investment, workforce impacts, economic benefits, and improved constituent health outcomes. 
• Providers want practical lessons that improve implementation.
• Community members want to know whether services are making a difference in people's lives. 

The underlying data may be the same, but the story should be tailored to the audience. 

Here’s an example: Abt Global supports Customer Value Partners (CVP) to evaluate the HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP). We collect and report vast amounts of qualitative and quantitative data for reporting to HRSA and Congress. 

But when we presented this program at the 2026 New England Rural Health Association Conference, we narrowed the focus to match the conference audience: rural healthcare and service providers. Abt and CVP described measurable improvements in access to services, and the best practices and challenges encountered by RCORP grantees to share lessons learned and build connections among New England’s service providers.

2. Make Data Easier to Understand

States participating in RHTP collect significant amounts of performance and implementation data. Effective communication requires translating those data into outcome and impacts, paired with appropriate programmatic context so decision-makers can quickly understand.

Data visualizations are the key here, as long as they:

• focus on a single message,
• use clear labels,
• eliminate unnecessary complexity, 
• and make the intended takeaway obvious within seconds. 

Interactive dashboards can help CMS and state leadership monitor progress, while infographics, one-page briefs, and executive summaries may be more effective for legislators and community audiences. 

As part of Abt’s evaluation of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s (MCHB) Autism CARES programs, we developed a data snapshot for each program. These included background on the need, MCHB’s role, programmatic outputs, and broader impacts of the program’s work. These brief snapshots have transformed how our clients communicate the value of their programs to federal leaders, partners, grantees, and communities.

3. Move from Reporting Data to Telling a Story

Data tell stakeholders what happened. Storytelling explains why it matters. A useful framework includes the following components: 

What changed?
Identify the most important outcomes and accomplishments. For RHTP, ask:

• Did access to care improve? 
• Were workforce shortages addressed? 
• Did rural residents receive services more efficiently? 

Quantitative data establishes credibility and demonstrates measurable progress.

Why did it change?
Explain the strategies behind the results. Provide context, such as new care coordination models, provider partnerships, workforce initiatives, technology investments, and community engagement efforts. 

Why does it matter?
Connect findings to broader goals. Reduced barriers to care, improved health outcomes, stronger rural health systems, and enhanced service delivery are outcomes that resonate with policymakers and funders. 

What should happen next?
Translate evaluation findings into actionable recommendations. 

• Should an intervention be expanded? 
• Integrated into routine operations? 
• Replicated in other regions?