Rural Health
News by Topic: Access
Aug 27, 2026 - Highlights Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding in Ohio to connect pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, health systems, and other partners across the state through a health information exchange. The goal is to build a rural pharmacy network, expand clinical services in pharmacies, and conduct a pharmacy needs assessment across the state.
Source: Ohio Pharmacists Association
Aug 27, 2026 - Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding of $55.7 million through the Telehealth, Health-Monitoring, and Response Innovation for Vital Expansion initiative and $93.6 million through the Promoting Access Coordination and Transformation priority. Arkansas is expected to receive approximately $1 billion in RHTP funding in the next five years.
Source: Office of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Aug 26, 2026 - Discusses the use of texting services for mental health support in rural Mississippi following a report showing the state has the 3rd highest rate of rural users in the nation. Notes that texting services can increase access to mental healthcare and provide anonymity for rural residents.
Source: Mississippi Today
Aug 26, 2026 - Describes a plan to use drone technology to support timely medical delivery in a rural Kansas community. Discusses the resources and labor that could be repurposed, particularly during emergency situations.
Source: KSNT
Aug 25, 2026 - Discusses the work of 3 Minnesota-based researchers to address Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) in rural communities. Highlighted projects focus on tribal communities, overcoming barriers to exercise, and identifying innovative work in the ADRD space already happening in rural communities.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Aug 24, 2026 - Describes challenges in emergency medicine services (EMS) delivery in Colorado and how EMS agencies across the state are supported. Discusses long response times, mobile training methods, community outreach and volunteers, and rural blood shortages.
Source: University of Colorado Anschutz Health Science
Aug 21, 2026 - Summarizes discussions among policymakers and maternal healthcare stakeholders in Arkansas regarding maternal and postpartum healthcare access across the state. Includes discussion on labor and delivery department losses and barriers to care with particular focus on rural communities.
Source: 40/29 News
Aug 20, 2026 - Summarizes discussions from a National Conference of State Legislatures convening regarding coordination between federal and state officials to address healthcare workforce shortages, rural healthcare access gaps, and maternal health needs. Discusses the Federally Qualified Health Center program and telehealth.
Source: National Conference of State Legislatures
Aug 20, 2026 - Highlights a study in progress investigating the impact of a food as medicine program on health outcomes in the rural Mississippi Delta. Also discusses the way the study is positively impacting area farmers through investments in the local food production economy. Notes that preliminary study outcomes are positive, but full results will not be ready until the study concludes in 2027.
Source: Farm Press
Aug 20, 2026 - Highlights a philanthropic program in 9 states to ensure rural hospitals have access to generic drugs during drug shortages. Discusses how the pilot program will offer rural hospitals more consistency in drug availability, potential cost savings, and the goal to offer the program nationally.
Source: The Daily Yonder