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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Networking and collaboration

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 - The National Alliance for Rural Health Improvement (NARHI) has been acquired by Stratis Health and renamed the Rural Health Quality Improvement Exchange (RHQIX). RHQIX is a membership organization aiming to impact rural healthcare access, quality, and outcomes through education, professional development, peer networking, and rural-focused resources.
Source: Stratis Health News
May 27, 2026 - Announces new funding for rural health work that expands workforce capacity; supports startup growth and private investment; strengthens technology infrastructure; builds pathways for piloting and scaling solutions; and creates partnerships between government, providers, and industry. Supported by the state's Rural Health Transformation Program plan.
Source: Louisiana Economic Development
May 26, 2026 - 5 rural eastern Kentucky county health departments have created a collaborative to work on prevention, education, access to resources, and long-term strategies for improving chronic disease outcomes in the area.
Source: Kentucky Health News
May 12, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Heartland Forward, a nonprofit organization focused on driving economic growth and stronger communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. HHS and Heartland Forward will collaborate on initiatives to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and strengthen care before, during, and after pregnancy.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
May 12, 2026 - The Collaborative for Healthy Rural America announced that Instacart's new affiliation with the organization will help provide food access as part of healthcare delivery models focused on chronic disease prevention and rural healthcare access. The group is focused on helping states implement Rural Health Transformation initiatives.
Source: Pulse 2.0
Apr 20, 2026 - A private insurance company has announced a pilot program that exempts many rural providers from most prior authorization requirements, increases payment speeds, and introduces a hub-and-spoke model of care to connect rural communities with regional expertise. The program, initially available in 4 states, is expanding to an additional 5 states now.
Source: UnitedHealth Group Newsroom
Apr 9, 2026 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announcing a one-year funding extension for recipients of grants through the fiscal year 2022 Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program and the fiscal year 2023 Delta States Network Development Program. Funding for both cohorts is extended from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027.
Source: Federal Register