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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare needs and services

Mar 13, 2024 - A new mobile crisis response program is launching in rural Oregon, aiming to bring mental healthcare access to residents that may be far from services or without transportation. Discusses current and planned future funding, workforce challenges, and support for other first responders.
Source: KLCC, NPR
Mar 13, 2024 - Highlights the history of telehealth use by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Describes how access to specialists, behavioral healthcare, and prescription medication in particular has been improved by telehealth. Discusses how rural healthcare access is managed for veterans without reliable internet access.
Source: Cronkite News
Mar 12, 2024 - Highlights a telehealth cart being used in a rural Nebraska hospital to offer behavioral health services. The service began when the emergency room saw an increase in mental health crises. The cart is also used for virtual substance abuse counseling.
Source: KTIV
Mar 12, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is requesting information to assist in the development of a national standard of practice for VA peer specialists. Outlines the proposed national standard of practice for VA peer specialists, who are Veterans who self-identify with a lived experience of recovery from a mental health condition and have been professionally trained to help other Veterans with similar experiences. Comments are due by May 13, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 11, 2024 - Offers overview of priorities in the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 Budget for the Health Resources & Services Administration including youth mental health, maternity care deserts, access to primary care, opioid treatment and recovery, the healthcare workforce, and organ donation. Discusses rural specific needs throughout.
Source: Health Resources & Services Administration
Mar 11, 2024 - Notice from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcing the revocation of one Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) issued to Eli Lilly and Co. (Lilly) for bamlanivimab and etesevimab administered together. The revocation is effective December 14, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 11, 2024 - The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for the Indians into Nursing (NU) program. The purpose of this program is to recruit, retain, graduate, and increase the number of registered nurses, certified nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners who deliver healthcare services to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Specifically, this program aims to recruit and train AI/AN individuals in nursing fields and provide continuing education to nurses and advanced practice nurses serving AI/AN communities. Applications are due by May 14, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 7, 2024 - Highlights the use of telemedicine in ambulances in an effort to improve health outcomes for patients being transported long distances to receive emergency care. Discusses loss of ambulance and hospital services in addition to limited specialty care in rural communities. Describes implementation in South Dakota and Minnesota.
Source: MPR News