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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Access

Jul 26, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Advisory Committee on HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STD Prevention and Treatment (CHAC) will hold a public meeting on October 21-22, 2024. Agenda items include discussions re-engaging people with HIV out of care, the use of long-acting injectables for HIV care and treatment, and increasing access to mental health services for people with HIV and STDs. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 25, 2024 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will hold a public meeting of the Communications Equity and Diversity Council (CEDC) on August 13, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eastern. The CEDC makes recommendations to the FCC on advancing equity in the provision of and access to digital communication services and products. The agenda will include introductions of working group chairs, discussions of plans, and the receiving of information from the FCC Office of Communications Business Opportunities. The meeting will be streamed on the FCC website.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 25, 2024 - Highlights the impact of no access to obstetric care on communities and families in rural and other parts of Kansas. Discusses community growth, distance to care, telehealth, training for healthcare workers, and quality of care.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Jul 25, 2024 - Announces proposed legislation to require hospital systems either closing or eliminating services to notify the Department of Health and Human Services as well as develop with the public a plan for continuing accessible care for patients. The bill would also require annual Congressional reports on hospital closure trends and capacity for surge demand.
Source: Office of Senator Tammy Baldwin
Jul 19, 2024 - Highlights the challenges with recovery for a rural Vermont county following a flood disaster. Discusses gaps in emergency resource provision for smaller communities lacking the civic infrastructure for an emergency response.
Jul 19, 2024 - Describes a new program led by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences which will use mobile health units to expand access to contraceptives and reproductive health education to women in rural Arkansas. Provides overview of challenges affecting women in rural Arkansas, including high rates of unplanned teenage pregnancy and limited access to maternal healthcare.
Source: Arkansas Advocate
Jul 18, 2024 - Highlights a new mobile unit offering cancer screening services in rural Virginia. The service is expected to reduce wait times and increase access to care for communities with persistent health disparities.
Source: VCU Health News
Jul 17, 2024 - Provides an overview of the mental health workforce shortage in Texas, with data on various provider types. Notes that shortages are particularly acute in rural counties, some of which have no providers. Reviews efforts by state lawmakers to address the issue, including loan repayment programs and increased Medicaid reimbursement for mental health services.
Source: The Texas Tribune
Jul 17, 2024 - Describes the role of dental therapists, a provider type licensed to provide basic preventative care under the supervision of a dentist, in expanding oral healthcare access in rural and underserved communities. Highlights the work of dental therapists in tribal communities in Alaska and Washington, where oral health needs are significant and dentists are in short supply.
Source: Stateline
Jul 16, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families to amend the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) regulations to allow all Indian tribes and tribal organizations operating CCDF program to establish eligibility criteria regardless of family income. Comments on the proposed rule are due September 16, 2024.
Source: Federal Register