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Rural Health
News by Topic: Behavioral health workforce

Jul 20, 2024 - Discusses factors contributing to mental healthcare provider shortages in rural Colorado and solutions for addressing the shortage including telemedicine, interventions for farmers and farmworkers, and other policy measures. Highlights the role of stigma as a barrier to care.
Source: Colorado Politics
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 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
Jul 12, 2024 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Advisory Council (NAC) will hold a virtual public meeting on August 29, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items include remarks from the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use; updates on SAMHSA priorities; follow-up on topics from the previous meeting. Presentations and discussions will focus on older adults; workforce; legislative updates; the Office of Management, Technology, and Operations (OMTO); budget; and credentialing work. Registration is required to attend the meeting. Individuals interested in making oral presentations must notify Carlos Castillo by 1:00 p.m. Eastern on August 22, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 11, 2024 - Notice from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announcing a public meeting of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention National Advisory Council (CSAP NAC) on August 27, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items will include an update from the CSAP NAC Substance Use Prevention Workforce Subcommittee and an overview and discussion on CSAP's primary prevention portfolio. Registration is required. Individuals interested in making oral presentations must notify Jennifer Fan by 1:00 p.m. Eastern on August 20, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 8, 2024 - A new report indicates that Alabama's crisis response needs improvements to expand its coverage and effectiveness. Kim Boswell, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health, said the Opioid Commission has appropriated $3 million to help with call center capacity.
Source: Public News Service
Jul 6, 2024 - Discusses a study addressing rural mental health workforce shortages, by analyzing factors that influence where healthcare professionals practice. Uses survey data collected by the Minnesota Department of Health from February 2022-2023, and includes responses from mental health clinicians who prescribe medications, licensed mental health professionals, licensed psychologists, and licensed alcohol and drug counselors.
Source: Echo Press
Jun 24, 2024 - Describes the launch of a pilot program supporting Life Care Specialist positions at two rural Georgia hospitals. Describes services offered by Life Care Specialists, including pain medication education, pain management planning, development of healthy coping skills, and local resource referrals.
Source: Mercer University
Jun 18, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposing amending its regulations governing the VA Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP). Changes include implementing the mandates of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, which expands the number of scholarships available to those who are pursuing degrees or training in mental health programs. This rule is effective July 18, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 6, 2024 - Highlights a shortage of psychiatrists and mental health services in rural north Florida. Discusses services offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which reaches rural populations through a variety of free online support groups. Explores additional efforts to increase access to services in rural areas, including the integration of mental health services into primary care and a nonprofit clinic network staffed by psychiatric nurse practitioners.
Source: WCTV