Rural Health
News by Topic: Access
Jul 19, 2024 - Highlights the challenges with recovery for a rural Vermont county following a flood disaster. Discusses gaps in emergency resource provision for smaller communities lacking the civic infrastructure for an emergency response.
Jul 19, 2024 - Describes a new program led by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences which will use mobile health units to expand access to contraceptives and reproductive health education to women in rural Arkansas. Provides overview of challenges affecting women in rural Arkansas, including high rates of unplanned teenage pregnancy and limited access to maternal healthcare.
Source: Arkansas Advocate
Jul 18, 2024 - Highlights a new mobile unit offering cancer screening services in rural Virginia. The service is expected to reduce wait times and increase access to care for communities with persistent health disparities.
Source: VCU Health News
Jul 17, 2024 - Provides an overview of the mental health workforce shortage in Texas, with data on various provider types. Notes that shortages are particularly acute in rural counties, some of which have no providers. Reviews efforts by state lawmakers to address the issue, including loan repayment programs and increased Medicaid reimbursement for mental health services.
Source: The Texas Tribune
Jul 17, 2024 - Describes the role of dental therapists, a provider type licensed to provide basic preventative care under the supervision of a dentist, in expanding oral healthcare access in rural and underserved communities. Highlights the work of dental therapists in tribal communities in Alaska and Washington, where oral health needs are significant and dentists are in short supply.
Source: Stateline
ACF, HHS: Increase Flexibility for Tribes in Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Eligibility
Federal Register
Jul 16, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families to amend the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) regulations to allow all Indian tribes and tribal organizations operating CCDF program to establish eligibility criteria regardless of family income. Comments on the proposed rule are due September 16, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 16, 2024 - Outlines new investment by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support the creation of a multi-state licensure compact, allowing social workers to practice across state lines without applying for multiple licenses. Notes the potential impacts of the licensure compact on rural communities by easing provider shortages and expanding telehealth service availability.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
FCC: Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
Federal Register
Jul 16, 2024 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on performance testing measures for its Universal Service Programs. Comments are due by September 16, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 15, 2024 - Highlights the impact of transportation costs on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits between rural and urban areas. Discusses rural grocery store access, broadband access, local industry, and county-level data on SNAP coverage.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Jul 15, 2024 - Discusses rural healthcare viability challenges including telehealth and broadband access, reimbursement rates, and an end of pandemic-era funding.
Source: Health Leaders Media