Rural Health
News by Topic: Access
Nov 5, 2026 - Highlights rates of mental health conditions in children as well as the distribution of mental health providers both nationally and in North Carolina. Highlights a telepsychiatry program that aims to increase access to care for youth across the state.
Source: America's Health Rankings
Nov 4, 2026 - A Washington Meals on Wheels program has added a new van to its fleet capable of handling tough rural terrain and winter weather to ensure food delivery can continue. Describes the increase in demand, nutrition services offered by the program, and the social connections meal delivery offers.
Source: FOX 13 Seattle
Nov 2, 2026 - Announces the distribution of Rural Health Transformation Program funding in Ohio. Funded projects focus on increased access to care for children through school-based health centers as well as vision and oral health programs in schools.
Source: Office of Governor Mike DeWine
Nov 2, 2026 - Discusses non-emergency medical transportation, including both the benefits of the service and the health impacts on patients who lack transportation. Highlights ongoing research investigating the service in Minnesota, including the impact on hospital finances, reimbursement issues, and certifying drivers.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Oct 29, 2026 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announcing that it will hold an open meeting on October 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern. Agenda items include a discussion of notices of proposed rulemaking that would seek comment on proposals for implementing the Rural Broadband Protection Act (RBPA) and would modernize the FCC's accessibility rules to keep pace with the rapidly changing communications landscape, promote innovation, better match consumer expectations, and remove barriers to accessibility. The meeting can be viewed on the FCC website.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 29, 2026 - Describes food access challenges in rural Utah and highlights a rural food bank working to address area needs, particularly for residents who are homebound or without transportation.
Source: Fox 13
Oct 28, 2026 - Describes the higher risk of stroke among farmers and the challenges they experience in accessing emergency medical care. Highlights an American Heart Association program that helps hospitals identify opportunities to improve care for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Source: Farm Press
Oct 28, 2026 - Describes the Rural Grocery Initiative, an opportunity for legislators, funders, economic developers, and other stakeholders to visit with Kansas grocery stores to learn about their funding models, community programs, and challenges operating in rural communities.
Source: Rural Grocery Initiative, Kansas State University
Oct 28, 2026 - Highlights efforts to expand access to obstetric and gynecological care for rural Kentucky women, particularly for ovarian cancer screening and care as well as prenatal care and complications. Discusses the importance of partnerships between local providers and specialists.
Source: UK Now
Oct 27, 2026 - Announces a new 3-year partnership between the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Indian Health Service (IHS) to improve identification and management of sepsis in IHS emergency care facilities. Notes that many IHS facilities are in rural areas where specialty care is often limited, making early identification important. The partnership will include culturally relevant toolkits and resources as well as evaluation of their effectiveness.
Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

