Rural Health
News by Topic: Health workforce
Sep 19, 2025 - Describes the shortage of nurses in North Carolina, particularly among licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Discusses factors driving shortages, a history of the shortage, and areas where progress has been made, particularly in training new LPNs. Looks at workforce projections for the coming decades. Discusses the impact on rural throughout.
Source: North Carolina Health News
Sep 18, 2025 - Highlights new ambulatory care pharmacy residency positions in South Carolina. The goal of the program is to focus on outpatient clinic work and community-based care with the aim of increasing the rural workforce.
Source: University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy
Sep 18, 2025 - Describes emergency maternity training for staff in a rural Arizona hospital without a labor unit. Highlights increasing maternal mortality rates in the state.
Source: KOLD
Sep 17, 2025 - Highlights a collaborative between Arkansas organizations working to improve rural healthcare outcomes, discussing its growth since its founding. The group recently launched the Arkansas Rural Health Academy to provide additional training to healthcare students across the state as a way to address workforce gaps.
Source: Talk Business & Politics
Sep 17, 2025 - Highlights proposed legislation that aims to improve access to healthcare for veterans by allowing rural Veterans Administration (VA) clinics to contract with outside healthcare providers. The bill is in response to staffing issues in VA facilities.
Source: KOLD
Sep 15, 2025 - Announces information for states to apply for funding under the Rural Health Transformation Program. Funded projects should address one or more of the stated goals related to healthcare access, rural health innovation, workforce development, and technology. The deadline to apply is November 5, 2025.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Newsroom
Related funding:
Rural Health Transformation Program
Sep 15, 2025 - Announces a new pathway for enrolled American Indian/Alaska Native members to participate in a free post-baccalaureate program aiming to recruit, train, and retain medical students for tribal communities. The program is open to previously unsuccessful medical school applicants. Discusses the differences in health outcomes for tribal communities.
Source: Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine News
Sep 12, 2025 - Highlights 2 doctors in New Mexico who are leaving their small community as part of a larger national trend of declining access to physicians in rural areas. Discusses common challenges including reimbursement and other financial concerns. Notes policy measures proposed by governors in New Mexico and other western states to address healthcare workforce shortages.
Source: KUNC
Sep 11, 2025 - Discusses a recent report on the mental healthcare worker shortage in New Mexico. Highlights programs at New Mexico State University working to fill workforce gaps with focus on training students to meet the needs of rural residents. Notes potential policy changes related to integrated care and certifications.
Source: Source NM
Sep 9, 2025 - Highlights the work of the North Carolina Psychiatry Access Line (NC-PAL), a free phone line allowing medical providers to consult with behavioral health specialists about their patients. Discusses ways in which they are reaching rural communities to increase access to mental health services.
Source: North Carolina Health News