Rural Health
News by Topic: Farmers and farmworkers

RHS: Updates to the Off-Farm Labor Housing (Off-FLH), Loan and Grant Rates and Terms; Clarification of Grant Agreement Terms Federal Register

Oct 25, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Rural Housing Service (RHS) amending the current regulation for the Off-Farm Labor Housing (Off-FLH) program to clarify the grant agreement term and adopt the period of performance as required by Federal award information requirements. This rule is effective October 25, 2024.

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USDA/HHS Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Takes New Action to Halt the Spread of Bird Flu, Including in California and Washington

Oct 24, 2024 - Highlights work by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture to stop the spread of H5N1 in California, Washington, and at a national level. Discusses efforts to safeguard human health, animal health, farming businesses, and the food supply.

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RHS: Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for the Multifamily Housing Preservation and Revitalization Demonstration Program (MPR) and for Section 515 Subsequent Loans for Preservation Activities for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024; Correction Federal Register

Oct 23, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) making corrections to dates in the September 27, 2024, notice of funds availability (NOFA) for the Multifamily Housing Preservation and Revitalization Demonstration Program (MPR) and Section 515 Loan Program. This notice is applicable on October 23, 2024.

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USDA Offers Resources, Adds Flexibilities to Disaster Assistance Programs To Help Hurricane Helene-Impacted Farmers, Foresters and Communities

Oct 4, 2024 - Describes efforts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist communities and individuals impacted by Hurricane Helene. Highlights resources for farmers, foresters, and communities including expedited crop insurance payments, disaster assistance programs, and nutrition assistance programs.

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RHS: Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for the Multifamily Housing Preservation and Revitalization Demonstration Program (MPR) and for Section 515 Subsequent Loans for Preservation Activities for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Federal Register

Sep 27, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) announcing it is accepting applications for the Multifamily Housing Preservation and Revitalization Demonstration Program (MPR) and Section 515 Loan Program. These loan and grant funds may be used to preserve and improve existing Rural Rental Housing (RRH) and Off-Farm Labor Housing (OFF-FLH) projects to extend their affordable use. Applicants must send an email message to the RHS Production and Preservation Division by 12:00 p.m. Eastern on December 16, 2024. Applications are due by December 26, 2024.

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Black Farmers Face Specific, Outsized Challenges in Rural Mental Health Crisis

Sep 23, 2024 - Highlights the increases in rural suicide with focus on the impact on Black farmers in Tatums, Oklahoma. Discusses farming-related stressors, stigma, historic racism, workforce issues, and mental health resources.

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Free Suicide Prevention Course Available for Rural Veterinarians, Farm Workers

Sep 19, 2024 - Highlights free online course designed for veterinarians and agribusiness professionals on mental health and suicide prevention in rural communities. Discusses the disproportionately high rates of suicide and barriers to mental health care in rural communities. Notes that veterinarians and agribusiness professionals may be well-positioned to identify at-risk individuals during their interactions with clients, but must also be trained to recognize warning signs in themselves.

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Start With Mental Health Communication

Sep 19, 2024 - Highlights increased stressors faced by farmers during the fall harvest, and free resources available through the University of Minnesota Extension, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and Mental Health Minnesota. Features the perspective of one Minnesota farmer who journals regularly to cope with stress. Notes the importance of reaching out to others for support, and potential barriers related to the changing social fabric of farming communities.

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As Kansas Farms Grow Bigger, More People Leave and Rural Life Gets Lonelier

Sep 17, 2024 - Examines the economic pressures that have led to farm consolidation and widespread changes to agricultural practices, and how these issues intersect with farmer mental health and the vitality of rural communities. Discusses the related issue of population loss in rural Kansas, leading to increased risks for social isolation and loneliness.

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USDA Seeks Applications for Technical Assistance Grants to Expand Access to Safe, Affordable and Equitable Housing for People Across the Nation

Sep 17, 2024 - Announcement of technical assistance grants available from USDA Rural Development to support the preservation of affordable housing in rural communities. Awardees will provide technical assistance to property owners through one of two programs, focused on either multifamily housing property transfer or supporting affordable housing availability for farmworkers. Applications are due on November 18, 2024 at noon.

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