Rural Health
News by Topic: Access
Feb 2, 2026 - Discusses overdose death disparities in rural Georgia and new funding for 18 communities to support community-based responses. Notes rural-specific challenges in addressing the opioid crisis.
Source: The Georgia Virtue
Feb 2, 2026 - Describes a study for a virtual exercise program, Response-Driven Individualized Virtual Exercise for Rural Survivors (RIVERS), aiming to positively impact rural cancer outcomes.
Source: University of Colorado Anschutz Health Science News and Features
HHS: Request for Information: Diagnostic Imaging Interoperability Standards and Certification
Federal Register
Jan 30, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking comment on the potential adoption of diagnostic imaging technical standards and certification criteria for health information technology (IT) under the ONC Health IT Certification Program and whether such standards would improve the access, exchange, and use of diagnostic images for providers and patients. Comments are due by March 16, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 29, 2026 - Describes an increase in mental health needs in rural Kerr County, Texas following devastating floods in July 2025. Discusses the long-term impact of trauma, limited mental healthcare options in the area, and planned philanthropic funding to address the community's mental health needs.
Source: The Texas Tribune
Jan 29, 2026 - Discusses food deserts in rural and other parts of Mississippi, associated health disparities, and proposed legislation to support communities in food deserts. Notes that rural residents are on average 30 miles away from a grocery store.
Source: Twin States News
Jan 28, 2026 - Describes proposed bipartisan legislation to support food banks and others in delivering food boxes to low-income rural older adults. Notes food access challenges for rural older adults in Arizona and Ohio.
Source: Office of Senator Mark Kelly
Jan 28, 2026 - Highlights new funding for a mobile health clinic designed to expand access to healthcare in rural New York and support training healthcare workers.
Source: St. Bonaventure University News & Events
Jan 27, 2026 - Highlights high rates of Parkinson's disease in Kansas and programs across the state helping diagnosed Kansans manage symptoms. Describes a rural organization offering art therapy and exercise classes, including how they manage to offer support using technology.
Source: KCUR, NPR
Jan 26, 2026 - Highlights innovative childcare models being implemented in rural Kansas, Indiana, and Minnesota, noting positive impacts on the community workforce and in alleviating childcare shortages.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Jan 25, 2026 - Highlights the Mobile Prosthetic and Orthotic Care (MoPOC) truck, a mobile unit from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with support from the VA's Office of Rural Health bringing prosthetic and orthotic care to rural veterans in Texas.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs