Rural Health
News by Topic: Population health
Jun 4, 2026 - The Census Bureau is seeking comments on revisions to the Household Trends and Outlook Pulse Survey (HTOPS). HTOPS, a progression from the Household Pulse Survey, is designed to ensure the availability of frequent data collection for nationwide estimates on a variety of topics for a variety of subgroups of the population. The July, September, and November 2026 surveys will include content from the Household Pulse Survey, which serves as an experimental endeavor in cooperation with other federal agencies to produce near real-time data to understand the effects of current events, including health events, and other social or economic events facing the nation or a significant portion of the nation. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 3, 2026 - Describes a pilot program that aims to increase lung cancer screenings in rural Minnesota. Discusses higher rates of tobacco use for rural adults compared to urban adults and how the program addresses cancer screening barriers through a "whole-of-office" approach.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Jun 2, 2026 - Highlights North Dakota Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding that will address nutrition and physical activity. Discusses chronic illness in the state and describes some of the programs hoping to be awarded funding including community walking programs, gardening programs, and school-based physical activity programs.
Source: ND News Cooperative
May 28, 2026 - Describes high rates of suicides for farmers and rural residents and highlights free resources and services supporting mental health for those populations.
Source: American Ag Network
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 27, 2026 - Highlights a Maine mobile health unit as a solution for transportation barriers that keep rural residents from accessing healthcare. The unit offers maternal and child healthcare in addition to other services.
Source: WABI
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 26, 2026 - Describes rural disparities and unique risk factors leading to higher infant mortality. Highlights recent literature from the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center on obstetric care access as well as efforts to reduce infant mortality rates in Maine and Montana.
Source: AcademyHealth
May 26, 2026 - Describes agricultural occupation factors driving a higher rate of suicide, depression, and anxiety among farmers. Discusses disparities for women in the industry and resources for farmers in Illinois.
Source: Public News Service
May 26, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announcing the renewal of the charter for the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition. The Council advises the President on progress made in carrying out the provisions of Executive Order 14327, which aims to promote the economic, academic, and social benefits of youth sports, fitness, and nutrition. The charter is effective through May 8, 2028.
Source: Federal Register