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Rural Health
News by Topic: Funding

May 25, 2023 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) confirming the January 30, 2023, final rule. This final rule makes updates to the Rural eConnectivity Program (ReConnect Program) regulation to remove outdated requirements to ensure that requirements are clear, accurately presented, and in compliance with Federal reporting requirements. This rule is effective May 1, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
May 24, 2023 - Rural Mississippi hospitals are increasingly endangered, as poverty, declining populations, and dwindling inpatient revenue chip away at profits. Federal aid appropriated during the pandemic seemed to slow the rate of closures, but now some are in worse shape than before, as they struggle with ongoing staff shortages and rising costs.
Source: Roll Call
May 24, 2023 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) seeking to increase tribal government participation in the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program. This rule proposes revising the definition of small and emerging business to clarify the relationship of tribal governments and tribal-owned entities, which will improve tribal government accessibility to both the regular RBDG program and RBDG funds appropriated specifically to support projects that benefit federally recognized tribes and their members. Comments are due by July 24, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
May 22, 2023 - The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) announced the 14 communities chosen as finalists for the 2023 RWJF Culture of Health Prize. The prize is awarded to celebrate communities improving health for their members through collaboration to build positive solutions to barriers that have created unequal opportunities for health and wellbeing.
Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
May 19, 2023 - The Department of Health and Human Services has awarded over $65 million in funds to implement innovative approaches to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce disparities for patients at highest risk. This will help ensure healthier pregnancy and postpartum outcomes and address health disparities among women of color and women in rural and medically underserved areas.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
May 18, 2023 - U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Joni Ernst of Iowa led a bipartisan group of colleagues in introducing the Farmers First Act of 2023, legislation to address the mental health epidemic in rural America and expand access to critical mental health support and resources for agricultural communities.
Source: Office of Senator Tammy Baldwin
May 18, 2023 - Announcement from the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Housing Service of funding available for the Native Community Development Financial Institution (NCDFI) Relending Demonstration Program. The program will provide loans to qualified NCDFIs to relend funds to low-income recipients to acquire, build, rehabilitate, improve, or relocate dwellings on tribal land in rural areas. Applications are due July 17, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding: Native Community Development Financial Institution Relending Demonstration Program
May 16, 2023 - Describes the differing opinions about how opioid settlement money should be used in rural Greene County in northeastern Tennessee. Some feel the money should be used directly for mental health and addiction treatment, while others say the county has for years funded programs to help people harmed by addiction, and settlement money can legitimately be used to pay down debt incurred partly due to those programs.
Source: KFF Health News
May 16, 2023 - Nonprofits and other civic agencies in rural areas are at a disadvantage when navigating complex bureaucracies and applying for federal funds. The Ford Family Foundation and the T.L.L. Temple Foundation are using rural-to-rural collaboration to generate scalable solutions that create a more level playing field for rural communities seeking new development pathways.
Source: Inside Philanthropy
May 15, 2023 - A collaborative effort coordinated by MCD Global Health now gives school students and staff in Washington County, Maine access to virtual behavioral health services and other needed resources. A $500,000 matching grant from Point32Health Foundation helped the Baileyville, Maine community get started on the initiative.
Source: The Daily Yonder
May 15, 2023 - Highlights a Federal Office of Rural Health Policy-funded Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMS) program located in Clayton, New Mexico. The RMOMS program was created to increase access to maternal healthcare in rural communities through the use of telehealth and the creation of networks of hospitals and clinics.
Source: KFF Health News
May 11, 2023 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) confirming the February 1, 2023, final rule regarding revisions to the Section 306C Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) Loans and Grants program regulations. These revisions are being made to implement changes recommended by the May 15, 2018, Government Accountability Office (GAO) Audit Report, "Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure: Opportunities Exist to Enhance Federal Agency Needs Assessment and Coordination on Tribal Projects." This final rule also implements other changes to clarify terminology and policies, update scoring criteria, and allow the program to run more efficiently. This rule is confirmed as of May 2, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding: Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program
May 11, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Labor announced the award of more than $78 million to help grant recipients improve diversity in the healthcare workforce and address the health equity gap in America's underserved communities by embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility strategies into their programs. By doing so, the programs will ensure people from historically marginalized and underrepresented communities have pathways to good jobs and careers in nursing.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor
May 10, 2023 - The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for the National Indian Health Outreach and Education (NIHOE) program. The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to further the IHS mission and goals related to providing quality health care to the AI/AN community through outreach and education efforts with a focus on improving healthcare, promoting awareness, visibility, advocacy, training, technical assistance, and education efforts. Applications are due by July 10, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
May 8, 2023 - The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) Tribal Assessment and Planning (TAP) program. The national CHAP will increase access to direct health services, including inpatient and outpatient visits, by providing a network of health aides trained to support licensed health professionals while providing direct health care, health promotion, and disease prevention services. The purpose of the TAP program is to support the assessment and planning of Tribes and Tribal Organizations (T/TO) in determining the feasibility of implementing CHAP in their respective communities. Applications are due by August 7, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding: Community Health Aide Program: Tribal Assessment and Planning
May 8, 2023 - Describes the impact of inflation and interest rate increases on small rural hospitals. Notes that large capital expenses, such as purchasing new equipment, facility maintenance, or expansion, become more expensive because money is more likely to be borrowed than larger facilities with more resources. Hospitals with bigger reserves are more likely able to outlast higher interest rates.
Source: Marketplace
May 4, 2023 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Housing Service (RHS) correcting dates in the April 21, 2023, notice of solicitation of applications. Electronic submissions are due June 15, 2023, and paper submissions must be received by RHS by June 20, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
May 4, 2023 - The USDA Rural Housing Service is accepting applications for the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) for fiscal year 2023. RCDI provides funding for nonprofit housing and community development intermediary organizations to support housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas. Applications that will assist rural communities reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support, ensure rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development programs and benefits from Rural Development funded projects, and assist rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure are encouraged. Electronic applications are due by June 28, 2023, and paper applications must be received by July 3, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
May 3, 2023 - The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) Tribal Assessment and Planning (TAP) program. The national CHAP will increase access to direct health services, including inpatient and outpatient visits, by providing a network of health aides trained to support licensed health professionals while providing direct health care, health promotion, and disease prevention services. The purpose of the TPI program is to support the planning and implementation for Tribes and Tribal Organizations (T/TO) positioned to begin operating a CHAP or support a growing CHAP in the contiguous 48 states. Applications are due by August 1, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding: Community Health Aide Program: Tribal Planning and Implementation
May 2, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) is accepting applications for the Delta Health Care Services (DHCS) grant program for fiscal year 2023. The purpose of the program is to address the unmet healthcare needs in the Delta Region through cooperation among health care professionals, institutions of higher education, research institutions, and economic development entities in the region. Applications are due by July 3, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding: Delta Health Care Services Grant Program
Apr 30, 2023 - Highlights the expansion of community paramedicine programs while focusing on a particular program in Wyoming. Notes that 55% of community paramedicine programs are located in rural areas. Programs increase access to healthcare by doing home visits, transportation to appointments, and more. Early data show that these programs can increase positive health outcomes and reduce costs for patients. Discusses funding challenges for programs, including coverage by Medicaid and private insurance.
Source: Louisiana Illuminator, KFF Health News
Apr 28, 2023 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) announcing updates to the process for competitive lender submissions regarding proposed projects for the Section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program (GRRHP). The purpose of the GRRHP is to increase the supply of affordable rural rental housing using loan guarantees to encourage partnerships between the Agency, private lenders, and public agencies. These updates are effective April 28, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 26, 2023 - Announces funding awarded from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for projects to modify homes and make repairs necessary for low income elderly homeowners to remain in their homes. Funded projects are grouped by "substantially rural" and urban locations.
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Apr 26, 2023 - The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) is accepting applications for the fiscal year 2023 Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program. The RCDG program awards grants up to $200,000 to improve the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative development. Applications are due by June 26, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 24, 2023 - The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for a cooperative agreement for the Produce Prescription Pilot Program (P4). The purpose of this program is to help establish Produce Prescription Programs through collaborations with stakeholders from various healthcare and food industries in Tribal communities. The P4 will help increase access to fruits, vegetables, and healthy traditional foods for AI/AN people by allowing eligible individuals to receive a fruit and vegetable voucher from a participating healthcare provider to redeem at a local market. Applications are due by June 8, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 21, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Housing Service (RHS) is accepting applications for the 2023 Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) Grant program. The funding supports organizations that will provide technical assistance and training regarding the essential community facilities programs. Electronic submissions are due June 15, 2023, and paper submissions must be received by June 20, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding: Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant
Apr 20, 2023 - Announces the availability of grant funding for organizations assisting rural New Mexicans impacted by forest fires in 2022. Funding up to $50,000 is available through the Housing Preservation Grants program for residents in eligible rural areas and presidentially declared disaster areas. Grants must be submitted by June 5, 2023.
Source: Rural Development, United States Department of Agriculture
Apr 19, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is accepting applications for the Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) for fiscal year (FY) 2023. Broadband Technical Assistance provides competitive cooperative agreement funding to eligible entities to receive or deliver broadband technical assistance and training that promotes the expansion of broadband into rural areas. Applications are due by June 20, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 17, 2023 - The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced $171.2 million in grants for 115 new projects in 29 Continuum of Care (CoC) communities, and adds to the first set of grant awards announced in February. This brings the total value of grants to $486 million to 62 CoC communities.
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Apr 17, 2023 - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of $20 million to deliver broadband technical assistance resources for rural communities, and to support the development and expansion of broadband cooperatives.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Apr 13, 2023 - Highlights initiatives in rural communities in Maine, Minnesota, and Kentucky that are benefiting from impact investing, which prioritizes community development over financial returns.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Apr 13, 2023 - Highlights ways in which Spring Grove, Minnesota planned to create a community center that would not only serve as a hub for residents but also make young people feel like they belong and that there's a place for them in the community. In the summer of 2022, Spring Grove was selected as a recipient to the Citizens' Institute on Rural Design, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts and the Housing Assistance Council.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Apr 11, 2023 - Highlights the closure of a residency training program in rural northeastern Nevada, and describes common barriers to establishing and sustaining training programs for doctors throughout rural America.
Source: Kaiser Health News
Apr 11, 2023 - Notice of final order from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) summarizing the March 15, 2023, Fifth Report and Order regarding the Affordable Connectivity Program. The Report and Order directs the FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau to offer an additional funding opportunity of up to $10 million for the National Competitive Outreach Grant Program (NCOP) and the Tribal Competitive Outreach Grant Program (TCOP), which are components of the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program. This notice is effective April 11, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 10, 2023 - The Helmsley Charitable Trust is equipping first responders in communities across rural states in the Midwest and West with automated external defibrillators (AEDs), to enhance rural healthcare. The trust has provided over $60 million in funding for more than 25,000 AEDs to local law enforcement agencies in Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nevada.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Apr 7, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is providing funding to Pennsylvania to support community wellness and resilience, following the train derailment and chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio, on the Pennsylvania border. Pennsylvania will receive an initial $48,782, with additional funding expected after 90 days to continue for an additional 12 months to support activities.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Apr 6, 2023 - Notice from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of four virtual listening sessions on the Digital Equity Act Request for Comment. The listening sessions will be held on throughout April and are designed to inform the development of the State Digital Equity Capacity and State Digital Equity Competitive grant programs. The goal of these programs is to promote the adoption and meaningful use of the internet across covered populations, including low-income individuals, aging individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, and rural residents, among others. Meeting details will be posted on the Internet For All website.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 31, 2023 - The Department of Health and Human Services awarded nearly $23 million to 46 grantees to plan and develop Teaching Health Center residency programs. These programs prioritize training residents in community-based outpatient settings, such as Federally Qualified Health Centers or community mental health centers, which primarily serve people in rural and high-need areas.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Mar 31, 2023 - Notice from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) of funding available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for fiscal years (FY) 2023 and 2024. The two specific grant programs included in the announcement are: 1) Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants (EA/REDA) Renewable Energy Systems, and 2) Energy Efficiency Improvements and Energy Efficient Equipment and Systems Assistance (RES/EEI). Deadlines are included in this notice. The final total amount of funding available through the REAP program will be published on the USDA Rural Development website at a later date.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding: Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Grants and Guaranteed Loans
Mar 31, 2023 - Illinois Senator Dick Durbin spoke on the U.S. Senate floor about the importance of supporting rural fire and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies. Durbin spoke about the SIREN Act, which was passed in the 2018 Farm Bill to provide grant funding for public, tribal, and private nonprofit fire and EMS agencies in rural communities nationwide.
Source: National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
Mar 31, 2023 - The University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health will launch ELEVATE CHWs, a new program to increase the number of community health workers in Kentucky by providing training for new CHWs and offering additional training for existing ones. The center received nearly $2.6 million in grant funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Source: University of Kentucky News