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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Access

Oct 9, 2024 - Highlights a new program offering mental health services to rural residents and farmers in Louisiana through teletherapy. The program addresses broadband issues by offering a mobile unit with internet access and devices.
Source: BRProud
Oct 9, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) seeking comments on the revision of an information collection titled "Survey of Veteran Enrollees' Health and Use of Health Care." Information collected is used to gain insights into factors influencing health care choices, enrollees' perceived health status and need for assistance, available insurance, self-reported utilization of VA services versus other health care services, barriers to seeking care, ability and comfort level with accessing virtual care, and more. Comments are due by December 9, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 8, 2024 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will hold a virtual public meeting on October 24, 2024, from 8:00 - 4:30 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
Oct 7, 2024 - Highlights the work of the South Texas VA in offering telehealth for palliative and Long COVID care and their recent designation as a Nationally Designated Telehealth Hub. Discusses the challenges in access to care for veterans in rural areas.
Source: VA News
Oct 4, 2024 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will hold a virtual public meeting on October 24, 2024, from 8:00 - 5:30 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
Oct 3, 2024 - Announces anticipated shortages of IV fluids following damage to the factory that produces 60% of the nation's supply during Hurricane Helene. Discusses the unique challenges for preparing for a shortage for rural Alaska emergency medical service providers.
Source: Alaska Beacon
Oct 3, 2024 - Discusses the reasons for closures of labor and delivery departments across rural Arkansas and the impact on pregnant women. Highlights doulas as potential options for filling gaps in care.
Source: THV 11
Oct 2, 2024 - Discusses how recent federal funding for rural healthcare services will be used in Mississippi and Alabama. Mississippi is focusing on maternal health, noting that Black Mississippi women in particular have high mortality rates. Alabama is focusing on opioid use disorder. Discusses workforce needs for the 2 states, measuring success, and the anticipated positive impact on surrounding states.
Source: WWNO
Oct 1, 2024 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) will hold a virtual public meeting of the Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee (ISMICC) on March 27, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern. The meeting will provide information on federal efforts related to serious mental illness (SMI) and serious emotional disturbance (SED). The agenda and information on how to join the meeting will be posted on the SAMHSA website before the meeting.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 30, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical and typographical corrections to the April 23, 2024, final rule. This correcting amendment is effective September 30, 2024.
Source: Federal Register