Rural Health
News by Topic: Access
Sep 22, 2026 - Describes the benefits of a telestroke program including the improved outcomes as well as time and money saved for rural residents in need of emergency and follow-up care.
Source: Sanford Health
Sep 21, 2026 - Describes the importance of childcare access in responding to and recovering from disasters in rural communities, as seen in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Discusses the needs of childcare providers to reopen, including their own health and safety concerns and funding.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Sep 21, 2026 - Describes disparities in buprenorphine treatment availability in rural areas despite new data showing a national increase in the medication in pharmacies and emergency departments. Discusses challenges that continue to exist in rural Pennsylvania and highlights telehealth as a tool that could support improved access to the medication.
Source: WHYY
Sep 21, 2026 - More neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) have opened across Oklahoma, increasing access for rural families across the state.
Source: News 9
Sep 18, 2026 - Describes technology being used in Nebraska that may facilitate better access to healthcare for rural patients and enhanced training for healthcare students.
Source: WOWT
Sep 17, 2026 - Discusses recent research highlighting labor and delivery service access issues and describes challenges for rural Missouri. Discusses long travel times to care, why offering labor and delivery care is challenging for rural facilities, and how Rural Health Transformation Program funding is supporting doula and other services aiming to fill gaps.
Source: KCUR, NPR
Sep 17, 2026 - Highlights innovative work in pelvic health rehabilitation for veterans that expands training for rural physical therapists and connects veterans with specialized care.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Sep 17, 2026 - Describes transportation access issues in Kansas for people experiencing mental health or substance use crises. The state's Rural Health Transportation Program is seeking applicants to create a statewide mental health transportation system.
Source: Kansas Public Radio
Sep 16, 2026 - Announces newly awarded funding from the Indian Health Service to expand the Community Health Aide Program, which increases access to primary, behavioral, and oral healthcare in tribal communities.
Source: Indian Health Service
Sep 15, 2026 - Discusses medical loan closet programs for people struggling to afford expensive medical equipment. Notes that equipment may be more expensive for rural residents with more limited access to equipment and loan closets can fill that gap.
Source: High Plains Public Radio