Rural Health
News by Topic: Infectious diseases
Oct 27, 2026 - Announces a new 3-year partnership between the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Indian Health Service (IHS) to improve identification and management of sepsis in IHS emergency care facilities. Notes that many IHS facilities are in rural areas where specialty care is often limited, making early identification important. The partnership will include culturally relevant toolkits and resources as well as evaluation of their effectiveness.
Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Oct 6, 2026 - Discusses the mixed results of the Pennsylvania Rural Health Model, an experimental payment structure program that aimed to stabilize the finances of rural hospitals. Explores what worked and what did not, how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the program, lessons learned about rural hospital reimbursement, and how community resources and services can impact hospital stability.
Source: WHYY
Sep 29, 2026 - Discusses the rise of alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne disease, in a rural Kentucky region. Describes the higher risks of contracting the disease for farmworkers and others who work outdoors, symptoms, and managing the disease.
Source: Kentucky Lantern

