Rural Health
News by Topic: Health conditions
May 12, 2026 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking comments on proposed revisions to an information collection project titled "National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Respiratory Data." The NHSN Respiratory Data collection provides situational awareness of the impact of respiratory diseases including information about COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Proposed revisions include the addition, modification, or removal of certain questions and the adjustment of burden to more accurately reflect the time needed to respond to the NHSN modules. Comments are due by July 13, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
May 11, 2026 - Highlights the dangers of grain bin entrapment, profiling a rescue operation in Switzerland County, Indiana. A grain rescue tube developed at Purdue University was used successfully by first responders who had practiced with it regularly.
Source: FarmProgress
May 5, 2026 - According to research done for the Appalachian Regional Commission, deaths associated with drug overdoses, alcohol, and suicide have been declining, but Appalachian deaths of despair remain 33% higher than those in the rest of the U.S. People born between 1981-1999 are among those most affected by deaths of despair.
Source: The Daily Yonder
May 1, 2026 - The Nez Perce Tribe's Nimiipuu Health Clinic and the Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center at the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation offer diabetes management programs, providing patients access to registered dietitians, fitness classes and cooking classes.
Source: Northwest Public Broadcasting
Apr 30, 2026 - Summarizes recent research finding a barrier in access to newer neuroendocrine tumor screening and treatment equipment for rural communities. The study compares use of gallium-based and copper-based tracers with patient commute, finding that copper-based tracers were more likely to be used in rural communities due to a significantly longer half-life of the copper agent. Discusses the benefits of copper agents in reducing access challenges for rural communities.
Source: Radiology Business
Apr 20, 2026 - Describes a pilot program using telehealth that aims to expand access to cardiology care in rural Arkansas.
Source: KNWA/KFTA
Apr 10, 2026 - Announces updates to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's National Emphasis Program - Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards, guidance that protects outdoor and indoor workers from heat stress in 55 high-risk industries including agriculture. Updates include an evaluation of employer heat programs.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor
Apr 9, 2026 - Describes cardiovascular health disparities in rural Oklahoma, driven in part by limited access to healthcare facilities, specialists, and transportation.
Source: KOKH
Mar 29, 2026 - Describes long distances to cancer treatment common in rural areas and how one Texas medical facility added the service in a small community. Discusses challenges in attracting oncologists to rural facilities and offering access to more modern, advanced treatments.
Source: CNN
Mar 26, 2026 - Describes a telestroke program in Oklahoma connecting rural patients to specialty care. Discusses the funding that makes the program possible, plans to expand the program using Rural Health Transformation Program funding, and a similar program in Arkansas.
Source: KOSU, NPR