Rural Health
News by Topic: Funding
FCC: Establishing a 5G Fund for Rural America
Federal Register
Sep 17, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on the potential to require a winning bidder in the 5G Fund Phase I auction to demonstrate Tribal consent during the long-form application process. Specifically, the FCC seeks input on how it can best assess an applicant's eligibility to be authorized to receive 5G Fund support for the purpose of deploying network facilities that would enable 5G mobile broadband service located on Tribal lands, while incorporating Tribal government consent into the Commission's approval process. Comments are due by October 17, 2024. Reply comments are due by November 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
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.
Source: USDA Rural Development
Sep 16, 2024 - Provides an overview of the Navajo Nation's Digital Equity Initiative, which aims to expand internet access and cellular connectivity to every household on the Navajo Nation. Notes the importance of broadband infrastructure and cellular service for emergency response services. Outlines progress made by the Initiative, current funding sources, and efforts to navigate regulatory barriers.
Source: Navajo-Hopi Observer
Sep 13, 2024 - Describes a new initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation which will equip ambulances in rural southwest Minnesota with telemedicine rigs. Notes that the program aims to connect those involved in rural vehicle crashes more quickly with advanced trauma care.
Source: MPR News
Sep 12, 2024 - Announcement of grant funding to support veteran suicide prevention programming, with priority given to applicants based in rural, Tribal, and other under-resourced areas. Notes that the grant program is part of the VA's larger National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide. Outlines additional components of the strategy, including free crisis care, a crisis phone line, outreach campaigns, and more.
Source: VA News
Sep 11, 2024 - Discusses community infrastructure as a driver of the health gap between urban and rural areas. Highlights a South Carolina organization addressing these issues through community engagement and patient education and support. Notes the challenges for rural communities in accessing funding to address health disparities.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Sep 10, 2024 - Highlights efforts by the Center for Alaska Native Health Research (CANHR) to address high suicide rates in the remote Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region. Details the development of culturally-relevant programming which builds upon community strengths and traditions. Discusses funding barriers and efforts to implement the program model in other communities, including military settings.
Source: NPR
Sep 10, 2024 - Examines a new federal economic development program, The Recompete Pilot Program, designed to be accessible to rural grantees. Notes that the program allows rural communities and organizations to apply as regional coalitions and allows for flexible use of funding to address multiple development goals. Highlights a coalition in rural Washington using program funds to invest in transportation infrastructure and address workforce issues.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Sep 5, 2024 - Announces investment of $7.3 billion in clean energy financing for rural electric cooperatives through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program. Notes that the investment, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to lower energy costs for rural consumers while supporting new jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Source: The White House
Sep 4, 2024 - Discusses plans to reopen a Critical Access Hospital in Tillman County, Oklahoma after eight years of closure. Describes how the closure increased transportation time for locals seeking hospital-level care. Notes that the new facility is supported by a mix of federal and state funding.
Source: High Plains Public Radio