Rural Health
News by Topic: Broadband
May 17, 2022 - Highlights a discussion of the future of telehealth at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Telehealth Conference. Notes the importance of telehealth and issues of accessing telehealth as shared by National Rural Health Association CEO Alan Morgan, particularly related to broadband, training of the rural workforce, and sharing information with rural communities about telehealth options.
Source: MedCity News
May 11, 2022 - Announces the launch of a resource guide to support rural community organizations as they access funding and resources from the USDA and the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Describes the guide's focus areas in planning and technical assistance, infrastructure and broadband, entrepreneurship and business support, and workforce development and livability.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
May 6, 2022 - Describes barriers to providing equal access to telehealth, covering racial, age, and rural disparities in telehealth use, issues related to technology access and literacy, and broadband access. Notes ongoing telehealth challenges and concerns related to primary language, housing instability, substance use disorder medications, and patient privacy.
Source: mHealth Intelligence
May 4, 2022 - Announces 19 grants to tribal communities in 10 states through the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to support internet adoption projects related to healthcare, workforce development, housing, education, and social services. Highlights the need for expanded high-speed internet in tribal communities and information on federal investments in broadband infrastructure. Provides a list of funded projects.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
May 3, 2022 - Announces nearly $200 million in authorized funding for new broadband deployments in 26 states and the North Mariana Islands, which is the 9th round of funding through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. Describes the Rural Broadband Accountability Plan and efforts to strengthen oversight of the funding program.
Source: Federal Communications Commission
Apr 28, 2022 - Describes the widespread implementation of telemedicine in Oklahoma during the COVID-19 pandemic and the experiences of providers across the state, including perspectives on quality, access, and reimbursement. Notes provider hesitation based on the technology available before the pandemic and acceptance of telehealth since the pandemic, situations when telehealth may or may not be the best option for delivering care, and concerns about access to internet service in rural and underserved areas. May require a subscription to view the full article.
Source: The Oklahoman
NTIA: First Responder Network Authority; Public Combined Board and Board Committees Meeting
Federal Register
Apr 25, 2022 - Notice from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) announcing a public meeting of the FirstNet Authority Board and Board Committees on May 4, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items are being finalized and will be published on the FirstNet Authority website. Public attendance will be available online only.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 4, 2022 - Perspective piece adapted from the opening remarks of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond's Investing in Rural America conference describing the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities related to grant writing capacity, particularly as federal funding for rural broadband, healthcare, and transportation has increased. Notes rural barriers related to the time and effort required of grant processes, fundraising requirements, and the need for experienced grant writers. Highlights examples of successful rural approaches and collaboration.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Mar 28, 2022 - Describes the importance of broadband access to community development in both metro and rural areas, highlighting new data that suggests that a 1% increase in broadband subscriptions contributes to a $40 increase in county-level median income per household. Discusses broadband access as a form of digital human capital, which allows for greater access to jobs, education, and healthcare, as well as commercial development.
Source: The Brookings Institution
Mar 25, 2022 - Announces over $313 million to support broadband deployment through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, which is in its 8th round of funding and to date has provided over $5 billion to deploy broadband in 47 states and over 2.8 million locations. Describes efforts to monitor and ensure compliance with the program's funding rules.
Source: Federal Communications Commission