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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Children and youth

Aug 7, 2026 - Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) proposing to rescind and replace the Head Start Program Performance Standards. Among other things, the proposed revisions intend to reduce Federal regulation and duplication; empower states, local programs, and families with greater authority and flexibility; advance the health and well-being of children and communities; and reinforce evidence-based standards for health, nutrition, and physical activity. Comments are due by October 6, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 7, 2026 - Describes a book prescription program that is expanding across Pennsylvania including into rural areas. The program includes a book at each checkup and aims to improve literacy, promote brain development, and build trust between pediatricians and families.
Source: 90.5 WESA
Aug 6, 2026 - Describes a telehealth pilot program in Montana to address rural child abuse by connecting rural providers with training, resources, and referrals to medical providers who have specialized training in child abuse care. Discusses the lifelong health, wellness, and economic challenges that can be avoided through early intervention.
Source: University of Montana News
Jul 30, 2026 - Highlights farm safety risks for both workers and non-working people such as children and other farm family members. Notes the economic impact of agricultural injuries.
Source: Farm Press
Jul 27, 2026 - Announces the annual adjustments to the federal and state funding levels and reimbursement rates for the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Updated rates are effective from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 20, 2026 - Describes an outreach tour in rural and tribal Utah to engage with high school students to promote healthcare careers and expose current University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine students to rural and tribal communities and their health needs.
Source: University of Utah
Jul 16, 2026 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) CHIP State Plan Eligibility; 2) Model Application Template and Instructions for State Child Health Plan Under Title XXI of the Social Security Act, State Children's Health Insurance Program; 3) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Quality Measure Set (QMS) Reporting; 4) Medicaid State Plan Eligibility; 5) Health Home State Plan Amendment (SPA); 6) Child and Adult Core Set Measures; and 7) Health Home Core Sets. Comments are due July 30, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 16, 2026 - Announces the annual adjustments to the federal and state funding levels and reimbursement rates for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs and the reimbursement rates for institutions participating in the Special Milk Program for Children. Updated rates are effective from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 10, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on an information collection request titled "Healthy Start Evaluation and Quality Improvement, OMB No. 0915-0338—Revision." Proposed revisions include changes to clarifying instructions, updating response options to replace obsolete categories, separating response options to better reflect current program priorities, and adding fields to capture the month of infant birth and/or death. Comments are due by September 8, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 10, 2026 - Describes the Idaho Community Resource Network, a statewide partnership of government and community groups that work to connect families to resources such as rental assistance, childcare, food assistance, and other similar human services with the goal of keeping children out of the foster care system. Discusses the partnership with United Way to make up-to-date information more accessible, particularly for rural residents.
Source: Idaho Capital Sun