Rural Health
News by Topic: Access
VA: Veterans Rural Health Advisory Committee
Federal Register
Apr 6, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announcing that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) intends to reestablish the Veterans Rural Health Advisory Committee for a 2-year period. The committee advises the Secretary of VA on rural healthcare issues affecting Veterans, examines programs and policies that impact the delivery of VA rural health care to Veterans, and discusses ways to improve and enhance VA access to rural healthcare services for Veterans.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 6, 2026 - Profiles a recovery high school in rural Maine in response to substance use among youth. The high school will have a boarding component to better reach the dispersed rural population. Discusses the lack of youth addiction services in the area, maintaining educational achievement while using substances, stigma, and funding.
Source: The Hechinger Report
Apr 3, 2026 - Announces a new partnership between the Atlanta VA Healthcare System (VAHCS) and the Morehouse School of Medicine's Graduate Education in Nursing (GENIE) program. The partnership will enhance nursing education for veterans with a focus on female veterans and improving access to rural and other underserved communities in Georgia.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Mar 30, 2026 - Describes the work of Nebraska researchers who are investigating treatment barriers and facilitators of success for rural people with addiction. Discusses the impact of both stigma and support networks in treatment.
Source: WJAG
Mar 30, 2026 - Describes the problems older adults in rural Ohio face in accessing food pantry programs they are eligible for due to transportation and mobility challenges. Notes proposed legislation that would assist food pantries with expanding food delivery services into more rural parts of their service area.
Source: The Ohio Newsroom
Mar 30, 2026 - Announces U.S. Department of Agriculture funding for one hub site and 5 end-user sites in rural Kentucky with distance learning and teleconferencing equipment. The equipment will allow for mental health and substance use telehealth services in addition to college and career readiness.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Mar 29, 2026 - Describes long distances to cancer treatment common in rural areas and how one Texas medical facility added the service in a small community. Discusses challenges in attracting oncologists to rural facilities and offering access to more modern, advanced treatments.
Source: CNN
Murkowski, Schatz Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand and Modernize Native Housing Programs
Mar 27, 2026 - Highlights the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026, bipartisan reauthorizing legislation addressing access to safe, affordable housing for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.
Source: United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
Mar 27, 2026 - Discusses food insecurity in South Dakota and efforts by some South Dakota-born members of the Pittsburgh Steelers to raise awareness and money for a local nonprofit. Discusses the particular challenges for a rural and native communities.
Source: KOTA
Mar 26, 2026 - Interviews the Deputy Director of Rural LISC, discussing her career path, access and infrastructure challenges for rural communities, engaging with communities, projects at LISC, and leadership tips.
Source: Rural LISC