Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Access

Apr 2, 2024 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comment on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, and the Connecticut Department of Social Services 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 May 2, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 2, 2024 - Profiles a library in rural Louisiana offering telehealth services in an area with Primary, Dental, and Mental Healthcare Shortages. Discusses rural economic vitality including healthcare access.
Source: The Current
Apr 1, 2024 - Offers highlights of public health priorities identified by Governors across the country during the National Governors Association's 2024 State of the State. Discusses behavioral health, public health, maternal and child health, rural healthcare workforce, and rural facility closures.
Source: National Governors Association
Apr 1, 2024 - Describes challenges rural health systems face when fighting infectious diseases, including shortages of infectious diseases physicians, geographic isolation, and difficulties in accessing mentoring in infection prevention and control.
Source: JAMA Network
Mar 29, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Social Services announced the approval of a waiver amendment allowing for full deployment of the Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) pilot project. This primary care case management model addresses social care challenges that affect people's ability to remain healthy and manage chronic conditions.
Source: Fox23
Mar 27, 2024 - Describes the Minnesota Bienvenido program, which provides support for rural Latino workers who are in high stress jobs with few support structures. Installments help participants connect with the community and learn skills to help manage stress and other emotions.
Source: MinnPost
Mar 26, 2024 - Describes virtual occupational therapy services offered by 2 Veterans Affairs facilities to reach rural veterans. Notes that the program is able to address social determinants of health issues such as home safety evaluations and fall risk assessments. Discusses how the program integrates with other virtual VA services.
Source: VA News
Mar 26, 2024 - Highlights social engagement in rural Maine communities for older adults. Describes the community services that allow them to stay in their communities. Discusses concerns about healthcare access.
Source: The Christian Science Monitor
Mar 26, 2024 - Describes the impact of increased internet access on a tribal reservation in Arizona. Training to increase digital literacy and safety on the internet is being offered. Increased access is also expected to improve economic opportunities and preserve culture such as language.
Source: Cronkite News
Mar 25, 2024 - Summarizes recent research finding that female patients at rural Community Health Centers are more likely to be behind on cervical cancer screenings than patients in urban community health centers. Discusses factors associated with the disparity including English proficiency, income levels, employment, and primary care physician access. Notes that the disparity grew during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: Medical Xpress