Rural Health
News by Topic: Health conditions
Jun 25, 2026 - Pre-publication notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making changes related to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS) for calendar year 2027 and proposing updates to the payment rate for renal dialysis services furnished by an ESRD facility to individuals with acute kidney injury (AKI). Among other things, this rule also proposes updated requirements for the ESRD Quality Incentive Program and includes requests for information (RFI) to inform future policies related to increasing home dialysis uptake, improving palliative dialysis, and supporting alternative dialysis schedules. Comments are due within 60 days of the publication of this notice, which is scheduled for June 26, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 24, 2026 - Discusses new research on sleep quality in Eastern Kentucky and its impacts on quality of life. Highlights the pervasiveness of sleep disorders, including insomnia and sleep apnea, throughout Appalachia and their associations with trauma, poverty, and other challenges common in Appalachian communities.
Source: Daily Yonder
Jun 12, 2026 - Announces that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have activated a level 3 emergency response for the recently detected New World Screwworm infections in Texas and New Mexico. Notes that humans working with livestock are at risk, though the current risk to the public remains low. Offers guidance to healthcare providers who suspect a potential human infestation.
Source: CDC Newsroom
HHS: Solicitation of Nominations for Membership on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS
Federal Register
Jun 11, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking nominations for membership on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA). PACHA was established to provide advice, information, and recommendations to the Secretary regarding programs, policies, and research to promote effective treatment, prevention and cure of HIV and AIDS, including considering common comorbidities, as needed to promote effective HIV diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and quality care services. Nominations are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 9, 2026 - A new bill has been proposed aiming to expand veterinary care in rural and tribal communities. Describes the increase in animal-related injury and zoonotic diseases for communities with limited access to veterinary care.
Source: Brownfield Ag News
Jun 8, 2026 - Describes a recent study finding that a U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) telenephrology program improved mortality rates and increased guideline-directed medication prescriptions for veterans at rural VA clinics receiving treatment for chronic kidney disease. The program uses a hub-and-spoke system to connect rural veterans with specialized care. Notes additional research finding veterans are satisfied with telenephrology care.
Source: Military.com
Jun 3, 2026 - Describes a pilot program that aims to increase lung cancer screenings in rural Minnesota. Discusses higher rates of tobacco use for rural adults compared to urban adults and how the program addresses cancer screening barriers through a "whole-of-office" approach.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Jun 2, 2026 - Describes the American Heart Association's Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator, a program designed to assist rural hospitals with implementing evidence-based heart disease and stroke care. The 3-year free program includes access to resources, peer-learning and collaboration, and the AHA's Get With The Guidelines program. Highlights improved outcomes at hospitals across the country as part of participation in the program. Enrollment is open through June 2028.
Source: National Rural Health Association
Related funding:
Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator
Jun 2, 2026 - Highlights North Dakota Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding that will address nutrition and physical activity. Discusses chronic illness in the state and describes some of the programs hoping to be awarded funding including community walking programs, gardening programs, and school-based physical activity programs.
Source: ND News Cooperative
May 28, 2026 - A rural Alabama county sheriff's office has purchased 16 automated external defibrillators and 2 trauma first aid kits. Notes that area emergency medical services units have large service areas and law enforcement often respond to emergencies more quickly.
Source: WTVM