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Rural Health
News by Topic: Funding

RUS: ReConnect Pilot Program Federal Register
Dec 12, 2019 - Announcement from United State Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) of the application window and for the second round of funding through the ReConnect Program, which provides loans, grants, and loan-grant combinations for broadband deployment in rural areas. Applications will be accepted from January 31, 2020 to March 16, 2020. RUS is also seeking comments from applicants of the first funding cycle to provide input on the availability of data, frequency of collection, clarity of instructions, and other program elements. Comments are due by March 16, 2020.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 10, 2019 - The United States Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service is seeking information from tribal and state organizations that administer the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) that will be used to develop additional criteria for a self-determination demonstration project for the purchase of agricultural commodities through the FDPIR. Submissions are due by February 10, 2020.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 10, 2019 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces its investment of $237 million to help farmers and rural-based businesses to lower energy costs through the Rural Energy for America Program. Recipients can use the funding to install renewable energy systems or improve current heating, refrigeration, and cooling infrastructure.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Dec 9, 2019 - Several states consider ways to boost mental health services for rural and agricultural populations and address the rising suicide rates among farmers. Discusses the different state approaches, such as increasing the number of mental health specialists in rural areas, expanding telehealth, and creating programs that offer counseling vouchers and workshops.
Source: Stateline, Pew Charitable Trusts
FCC: Connect America Fund Federal Register
Dec 9, 2019 - The Federal Communications Commission has reviewed performance measures for recipients of Connect America Fund support to ensure that the standards are balanced between the effective use of funds while also allowing flexibility for providers deploying broadband networks. The performance measures are effective January 8, 2020.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 6, 2019 - The Health Resources and Services Administration is seeking comments on the extension of an information collection to approve the continued use of the Reviewer Recruitment Module (RRM) to collect information about potential reviewers of competitive grants proposals. Comments are due by February 4, 2020.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 5, 2019 - Announcement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of funding and grant application information for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. The program focuses on ending homelessness among veterans and seeks to support services equitably across geographic regions, including rural and tribal areas. Eligibility is limited to existing grantees only. Grant applications are due January 24, 2020.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 4, 2019 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai announces his intent to establish the 5G Fund, in which $9 billion of Universal Service Fund support would go towards deploying 5G wireless service in rural communities. The fund intends to bridge the information gap in rural and urban areas of America.
Source: Federal Communications Commission
Dec 3, 2019 - Highlights the importance of Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in rural areas of Washington state and discusses the implications if any were to close in the future. A study determined one third of the state's CAHs are in financial trouble, with some relying on levies to survive.
Source: Crosscut
Dec 2, 2019 - The new Center for Economic Analysis for Rural Health (CEARH), funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health policy, will focus on increasing awareness of the economic benefits of local health systems and their communities. Housed at the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, CEARH will be a partnership between the UK and Oklahoma State University with the goal of producing research, response, and solutions to pressing issues facing rural communities.
Source: The Lane Report