Rural Health
News by Topic: Funding
Sep 4, 2026 - Describes the loss of childcare slots across North Carolina and the financial and regulatory challenges with offering childcare services. Highlights 2 rural childcare pilot programs that will inform future policy to address identified challenges.
Sep 4, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) seeking comments on proposed revisions to an information collection titled "Rural Development (RD) Loan Modernization Initiative." RD is developing an Online Loan Application for the applicants to submit requests for Direct Loan assistance electronically. Initial release of the online application system will be available for RBCS Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program, and then RHS Community Facilities programs and RUS Water and Environmental Programs. Comments are due by November 3, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 3, 2026 - Describes community paramedicine programs funded by the Rural Health Transformation Program in 5 states. Highlighted programs will expand access to care, upgrade equipment, address reimbursement issues, and introduce mobile integrated health programs.
Source: Healthcare Innovation
Sep 3, 2026 - Highlights U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development programs available for disaster preparation, response, and recovery with focus a on their use in Illinois.
Source: USDA Rural Development Newsroom
Sep 2, 2026 - The University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine has received $10 million to be used toward a program training primary care physicians in rural communities. 42% of Alabama's population lives in rural areas, and 16.4% of those are uninsured.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Sep 2, 2026 - Describes newly funded research investigating chronic pain among rural older adults using machine learning to extract data and make it more useful to clinicians.
Source: Virginia Tech News
Sep 1, 2026 - Hawaii has received $58 million in federal funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program to improve access to healthcare and strengthen services in rural and underserved communities. This includes $45 million for the University of Hawaii School of Medicine to administer workforce development programs and $13 million for the Hawaii Department of Health to acquire new ambulances and upgrade emergency communications systems.
Source: Kaua'i Now
Sep 1, 2026 - Highlights a new hospital in rural Louisiana funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development's Community Facilities Program. The new facility will offer area residents greater access and a more modern experience by replacing the existing facility.
Source: USDA Rural Development Newsroom
FCC: Promoting Telehealth in Rural America
Federal Register
Aug 31, 2026 - Notice of proposed rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on possible Rural Health Care (RHC) Program improvements related to Telecommunications (Telecom) Program support calculations, RHC Program supported services, and RHC Program processes. Specifically, the FCC is interested in comments on the scope of the similar service and rural area comparability requirements, existing cost study method of determining rural telecommunications rates, a proposal to establish an eligible services list for the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program, and more. Comments are due by September 30, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 28, 2026 - Various Virginia community-based organizations are among the first wave of grantees who will use Rural Health Transformation Fund (RHTF) money to hire and retain rural healthcare providers, invest in healthcare technologies, and strengthen the healthcare workforce in rural areas. Virginia received a total $189 million in RHTF money late last year.
Source: Virginia Mercury