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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Access

Mar 2, 2026 - The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) will hold a virtual public meeting on March 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items include updates from VA leadership, the Executive Director of the VA Office of Rural Health, and the Committee Chair, as well as presentations by subject matter experts on general rural healthcare access.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 2, 2026 - Highlights a virtual emergency mental health program in rural South Dakota. The program connects law enforcement responding to mental health crises with behavioral health clinicians and offers the person in crisis access to resources available in their community. Following successful implementation in South Dakota, Wyoming is piloting a similar program.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Feb 27, 2026 - Highlights the Utah Stroke Trials Network, a National Institutes of Health research network increasing access to stroke treatment research trials for rural and frontier communities in Utah, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, and Washington.
Source: University of Utah Health News
Feb 26, 2026 - Highlights a program in rural South Carolina offering resources and support to people with diabetes. Notes common challenges for rural residents in accessing healthcare.
Source: WACH
Feb 26, 2026 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is allowing an additional 30 days for comments on the February 17, 2026, request for information regarding the potential use of rebates to effectuate the ceiling price under the 340B Program. Comments are now due by April 20, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 26, 2026 - Describes state-level legislation and community initiatives in Virginia to improve access to care for maternal mental health issues and cervical cancer screening. Discusses efforts to include rural residents to specialty care through telehealth.
Source: Cardinal News
Feb 25, 2026 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, and the Puerto Rico Department of the Family to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs are designed to facilitate and support access to affordable broadband services for low-income consumers and families. Comments are due by March 27, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 25, 2026 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs are designed to facilitate and support access to affordable broadband services for low-income consumers and families. Comments are due by March 27, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 25, 2026 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs are designed to facilitate and support access to affordable broadband services for low-income consumers and families. Comments are due by March 27, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 25, 2026 - Highlights the work of the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System in including rural veterans in research studies and developing new treatments. Describes the benefits of research inclusion for both the participating veterans and research generally.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs