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Rural Health
News by Topic: Access

May 20, 2026 - The Helmsley Charitable Trust is funding a pilot program through the Civica Foundation that will give participating hospitals access to a consistent supply of drugs at wholesale prices, without having to buy in bulk. Dozens of independent hospitals in rural areas of Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming are eligible.
Source: Wyoming Public Media
May 19, 2026 - Congresswoman Kim Schrier of Washington, along with representatives Randy Feenstra of Iowa, Jill Tokuda of Hawaii, and Darin LaHood of Illinois have reintroduced the Rural Maternity Options for Medical Support Act. This legislation would allow Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) to count labor and delivery beds separate from acute care rooms, allowing hospitals to offer these services without putting their CAH status in jeopardy.
Source: Office of Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA)
May 19, 2026 - The Dartmouth Rural Health Symposium convened on May 13, with several hundred researchers, clinicians, policymakers, educators, and community members. Discussion covered systemic and structural barriers that contribute to rural health disparities, and the impact various factors can have on the health and wellness of people in rural communities. Presenters noted that improving rural health outcomes requires strategic collaboration and medical innovation.
Source: Dartmouth College
May 18, 2026 - The University of Arizona's Center for Rural Health is helping organizations in rural and tribal areas apply for funds provided through the Arizona Rural Health Transformation Program. The Center has published a toolkit and can provide letters of support to organizations writing grant applications.
Source: Tucson Spotlight