Rural Health
News by Topic: Emergency preparedness and response
Jul 20, 2024 - Highlights emergency disaster training offered to rural fire departments and healthcare students in Wisconsin. Notes the value in maintaining skills for first responders in areas with fewer emergency situations in a year.
Source: News 8 Now
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.
SAMHSA: Meeting of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services National Advisory Council
Federal Register
Jul 16, 2024 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services National Advisory Council (CMHS NAC) will hold a public meeting on August 27, 2024. Agenda items include updates from the SAMHSA CMHS director, remarks from SAMHSA's Assistant Secretary, updates on disasters, and updates on subcommittee tasks. The agenda and information on how to join the meeting will be posted on the SAMHSA website prior to the meeting. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 12, 2024 - Announcement of a public health emergency beginning July 5, 2024 from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) related to Hurricane Beryl in Texas. Offers information and resources for those impacted and responding to the hurricane including CMS waivers, healthcare enrollment, a disaster toolkit, dialysis care, and medical equipment and supplies replacement.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Jun 27, 2024 - Approximately 12% of people in Texas live in counties without a hazard mitigation plan, many of which are rural. Communities lacking plans are ineligible for federal disaster preparation funding, further widening the gap in infrastructure development between urban and rural communities.
Source: The Texas Tribune
Jun 21, 2024 - Highlights the recovery challenges in rural New Mexico for those displaced by recent wildfires. Notes that limited cellular and internet service in particular has hampered efforts.
Source: Source NM
Jun 17, 2024 - Announces the conclusion of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Accelerated and Advance Payment (AAP) Program, which launched in March to address payment disruptions resulting from the Change Healthcare cyberattack. Notes that over $2.55 billion has been distributed to Part A providers as a result of the program, which will conclude on July 12.
Source: Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Jun 10, 2024 - Highlights federal efforts to improve cybersecurity in healthcare. Discusses unique impacts on rural hospitals and notes private sector partnerships to support cybersecurity resiliency in those facilities.
Source: The White House
May 31, 2024 - Details federal efforts to respond to the H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle and mitigate risks to farmworkers. Highlights initiatives related to PPE distribution, safety guidance, treatment, education, and testing.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services