Rural Health
News by Topic: Access
May 1, 2026 - The Nez Perce Tribe's Nimiipuu Health Clinic and the Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center at the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation offer diabetes management programs, providing patients access to registered dietitians, fitness classes and cooking classes.
Source: Northwest Public Broadcasting
May 1, 2026 - Highlights 3 graduates of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine practicing comprehensive dentistry in rural Nevada and Texas.
Source: UNLV News Center
Apr 30, 2026 - Announces proposed bipartisan legislation to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program 5 more years. RCHD allows for innovative hospital payment model testing under Medicare to maintain healthcare access for rural communities.
Source: Office of Senator Chuck Grassley
Apr 30, 2026 - Summarizes recent research finding a barrier in access to newer neuroendocrine tumor screening and treatment equipment for rural communities. The study compares use of gallium-based and copper-based tracers with patient commute, finding that copper-based tracers were more likely to be used in rural communities due to a significantly longer half-life of the copper agent. Discusses the benefits of copper agents in reducing access challenges for rural communities.
Source: Radiology Business
Apr 29, 2026 - Describes rural disparities in suicide rates and work one rural Utah community is doing to connect residents and students in crisis with mental health care and resources.
Source: Fox 13
Apr 29, 2026 - Describes the implementation of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program in Choctaw Nation and Osage Nation. Discusses the opportunities that become available to communities once reliable broadband is available.
Source: KOSU, NPR
Apr 28, 2026 - Profiles a University of Wisconsin-Madison medical student from a Puerto Rico island with no hospital and a primary care clinic destroyed by a hurricane in 2017. Describes the transportation specific barriers for accessing healthcare for island residents, challenges in attracting healthcare professionals to the island, and the student's intention to practice there.
Source: The Cap Times
Apr 27, 2026 - Profiles Sandy Guzman, a community health worker (CHW) in rural Oregon, who serves as an intermediary between patients and the healthcare system. CHWs can help patients apply for food and housing benefits, coordinate follow-up appointments, administer cognitive and mental health screenings, and help with other non-medical needs.
Source: KFF Health News
Apr 27, 2026 - Littleton Regional Healthcare CMO Richard McKenzie believes that success in rural healthcare delivery is dependent on how systems are designed, and how they provide access, support clinicians, and ensure sustainable revenue. McKenzie previously worked as a manufacturing engineer, combining efficiency with frontline realities.
Source: HealthLeaders Media
Apr 26, 2026 - The Veterans Affairs' TelePharmacy program, available in selected areas across the country, gives remote access to veterans who live in areas without a pharmacy specialist. The My HealtheVet app can be used to verify appointment times, refill prescriptions, and send secure messages to patients' VA care teams.
Source: VA News