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Rural Health
News by Topic: Population health

May 26, 2023 - The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will hold a virtual public meeting of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) on June 28-29, 2023. The agenda and information on how to join the meeting will be posted on the PACHA website prior to the meeting. Preregistration is encouraged by June 20, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
May 25, 2023 - Outlines research showing that art can positively impact a person's health and highlights a community in Wisconsin using art to address mental health for youth. Describes a partnership between a local arts organization, mental health organization, and the health system to advocate for mental health support through art and a skatepark. Notes that a local study found lack access to mental healthcare and initiatives regarding art can be creative attempts to address the lack of access.
Source: National League of Cities
May 23, 2023 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is allowing an additional 30 days for comments on an information collection request titled "Data Collection Through Web Based Surveys for Evaluating Act Against AIDS Social Marketing Campaign Phases Targeting Consumers." Information collected will be used to assess the effectiveness of social marketing messages aimed at increasing HIV/AIDS awareness, increasing prevention behaviors, and improving HIV testing rates among consumers. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
May 22, 2023 - Describes challenges faced by women seeking maternity care in rural South Carolina counties. Infant death rates in South Carolina are higher than the national average, and a report published by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control shows the rate for non-Hispanic Black babies is growing worse. The death rate among infants born to Black mothers in the state increased by nearly 40% from 2017 to 2021.
Source: KFF Health News
May 22, 2023 - The Appalachian Community Cancer Alliance has launched a lung cancer screening initiative to improve cancer care in rural Appalachia. Through partnerships with local advocates in communities at risk, the initiative will focus on developing and implementing new patient-centric approaches to promote the importance of and raise awareness about lung cancer screening in rural Appalachia.
Source: The ASCO Post
May 19, 2023 - The Department of Health and Human Services has awarded over $65 million in funds to implement innovative approaches to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce disparities for patients at highest risk. This will help ensure healthier pregnancy and postpartum outcomes and address health disparities among women of color and women in rural and medically underserved areas.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
May 18, 2023 - U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Joni Ernst of Iowa led a bipartisan group of colleagues in introducing the Farmers First Act of 2023, legislation to address the mental health epidemic in rural America and expand access to critical mental health support and resources for agricultural communities.
Source: Office of Senator Tammy Baldwin
May 15, 2023 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) will hold a virtual tribal consultation session on July 12, 2023, from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern. This consultation session will provide opportunities for elected American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribal officials to speak openly about the public health issues affecting their tribal nations. CDC and ATSDR are seeking feedback on how the agencies can better engage with Indian Country through meaningful consultation and on how the agency can ensure that a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) from the CDC's Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) program is sensitive to the needs and concerns of tribal communities and is as effective as possible regarding the prevention of sexual violence, as well as on how the agency can better support tribes and tribal communities address health inequities related to RPE and injury prevention.
Source: Federal Register
May 11, 2023 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) confirming the February 1, 2023, final rule regarding revisions to the Section 306C Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) Loans and Grants program regulations. These revisions are being made to implement changes recommended by the May 15, 2018, Government Accountability Office (GAO) Audit Report, "Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure: Opportunities Exist to Enhance Federal Agency Needs Assessment and Coordination on Tribal Projects." This final rule also implements other changes to clarify terminology and policies, update scoring criteria, and allow the program to run more efficiently. This rule is confirmed as of May 2, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding: Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program
May 10, 2023 - The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for the National Indian Health Outreach and Education (NIHOE) program. The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to further the IHS mission and goals related to providing quality health care to the AI/AN community through outreach and education efforts with a focus on improving healthcare, promoting awareness, visibility, advocacy, training, technical assistance, and education efforts. Applications are due by July 10, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
May 8, 2023 - Announces the launch of the COVID Treatment Access Tool, a web tool that connects American Indian and Alaska Native communities in California with COVID-19 treatment near them. The tool will also feature culturally relevant materials about COVID-19 medications and treatment. The tool was created to address difficult to access health resources specifically for rural Native populations. Notes that a similar tool will launch later this year for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
Source: Native News Online
May 5, 2023 - Describes food insecurity issues for seniors in the Arkansas Delta region and a new program to address it - The Good Food Rx. Started by the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this program aims to use food to improve health outcomes for the region's 65 and older population with a diagnosed chronic health condition. Participants receive delivered weekly meals and a cookbook for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Health metrics will be tracked to measure the program's success at improving health outcomes.
Source: Magnolia Banner News
May 5, 2023 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for membership on the Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD). The ACD consists of up to 15 experts knowledgeable in areas pertinent to the CDC mission, including public health, global health, health disparities, biomedical research, and public health disciplines. Nominations are due by June 5, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
May 5, 2023 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on a proposed information collection regarding three programs authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 that aim to promote resiliency and mental health in the health workforce: 1) the Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Training Program; 2) the Promoting Resilience and Mental Health among Health Professional Workforce Program; and 3) the Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Technical Assistance Center. The information collected will inform HRSA leadership about the progress, costs and benefits, and impact of these efforts to support the delivery of healthcare.
Source: Federal Register
May 4, 2023 - Notice from the Food and Drug Administration announcing a virtual meeting of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee on June 15, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Eastern. The agenda will include a discussion and recommendations on the selection of strains to be included in the periodic updated COVID–19 vaccines for the 2023–2024 vaccination campaign. Includes information on how to submit public comments or request permission to make a public comment during the meeting.
Source: Federal Register
May 4, 2023 - The USDA Rural Housing Service is accepting applications for the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) for fiscal year 2023. RCDI provides funding for nonprofit housing and community development intermediary organizations to support housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas. Applications that will assist rural communities reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support, ensure rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development programs and benefits from Rural Development funded projects, and assist rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure are encouraged. Electronic applications are due by June 28, 2023, and paper applications must be received by July 3, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
May 2, 2023 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing that in-person delivery of Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) services can be suspended through December 31, 2023. This extension allows MDPP suppliers additional time to resume in-person services as the COVID-19 public health emergency concludes. This notice is effective May 2, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
May 1, 2023 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the charter renewal of the Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD). The renewal is effective through April 15, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 30, 2023 - Highlights the expansion of community paramedicine programs while focusing on a particular program in Wyoming. Notes that 55% of community paramedicine programs are located in rural areas. Programs increase access to healthcare by doing home visits, transportation to appointments, and more. Early data show that these programs can increase positive health outcomes and reduce costs for patients. Discusses funding challenges for programs, including coverage by Medicaid and private insurance.
Source: Louisiana Illuminator, KFF Health News
Apr 28, 2023 - Outlines the Indian Health Service's work on alcoholism in tribal communities as part of Alcohol Awareness Month. Includes alcohol use statistics for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Source: Indian Health Service
Apr 28, 2023 - Summary of an interview describing the impact of the digital divide on rural healthcare, particularly as it relates to access to healthcare. University of Cincinnati epidemiologist Diego Cuadros was interviewed by the podcast Cincinnati Edition to discuss his research. Telehealth is named as a possible solution to some health disparities between rural and urban communities. Also highlights a $73 million investment by the federal government to make affordable high-speed internet available to more Americans.
Source: University of Cincinnati News
Apr 27, 2023 - Announcement of a needs assessment survey from the Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention to update the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. Survey is targeted at suicide prevention professionals in the U.S. Deadline for the survey is May 12th, 2023.
Source: Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
Apr 27, 2023 - The National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) will hold a virtual public meeting on May 31, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items include the discussion of a report from the Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Work Group on potential elements of a proposed heat injury and illness prevention standard. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 27, 2023 - Summarizes a study finding poor health outcomes for rural Ohio women before and between pregnancies when compared to the women of Ohio overall. 98% of the rural women surveyed had at least one high-priority risk factor increasing the odds of health risks and poor outcomes during pregnancy. Recommends data collection methods for future research that better account for the health status of rural women.
Source: Regenstrief Institute
Apr 24, 2023 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is seeking comments on a proposed information collection titled Medical Monitoring Project (MMP). Information gathered will guide national and local HIV-related service organization and delivery and monitor the receipt of HIV treatment and prevention services and clinical outcomes. Written comments must be received on or before June 23, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 24, 2023 - The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for a cooperative agreement for the Produce Prescription Pilot Program (P4). The purpose of this program is to help establish Produce Prescription Programs through collaborations with stakeholders from various healthcare and food industries in Tribal communities. The P4 will help increase access to fruits, vegetables, and healthy traditional foods for AI/AN people by allowing eligible individuals to receive a fruit and vegetable voucher from a participating healthcare provider to redeem at a local market. Applications are due by June 8, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 23, 2023 - Describes a program between the Champaign County Farm Bureau and the Carle Illinois School of Medicine in Urbana to incorporate agriculture specific health and safety issues into the curriculum. Students take field trips to farms and then present on issues and potential solutions. Discusses broadband problems, physical injuries, mental health, and access to healthcare.
Source: Jacksonville Journal-Courier
Apr 21, 2023 - Examines the lack of access to clean water on the Navajo Nation reservation in New Mexico which has led to an increase in consumption of sugary drinks. Highlights efforts by local organizations to combat the obesity and related health issues in children on the reservation. Describes similar rates of obesity in the greater Native child population noting that American Indian and Alaska Native children are 30% more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic white children.
Source: KUNC
Apr 20, 2023 - Announces a new initiative from the Indian Health Service to address asthma issues in in tribal communities including asthma-related morbidity and mortality. Asthma is chronic condition with higher prevalence in the American Indian and Alaskan Native communities than other racial and ethnic groups.
Source: Indian Health Service
Apr 20, 2023 - Summarizes a study from the Rural and Minority Health Research Center that investigates disparities in healthcare access by ZIP code. Finds that rural ZIP codes are further from healthcare facilities and services than their urban counterparts and rural ZIP codes with high proportions of minorities are even more likely to be far away from those services, with American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) populations have the least access.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Apr 19, 2023 - Describes factors surrounding the death of a Wisconsin dairy farmer by suicide and efforts by health professionals and religious leaders to provide help for farmers suffering from depression and anxiety. Discusses higher rates of suicide among farmers compared to the general population. Subscription may be needed to read the entire article.
Source: New York Times
Apr 19, 2023 - The omnibus appropriations bill signed in December 2022 gave the CDC $5 million for the 2023 fiscal year to create the Office of Rural Health inside the agency. Congress directed the CDC to sharpen its focus on public health in rural areas with the new office, after COVID-19 had an outsize impact on rural America.
Source: KFF Health News
Apr 18, 2023 - The Department of Health and Human Services announces a new program that will provide support for the existing public sector vaccine safety net, which is implemented through local health departments and Health Resources and Services Administration-supported health centers. It will also create a novel, funded partnership with pharmacy chains that will enable them to continue offering free COVID-19 vaccinations and treatments to the uninsured.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Apr 17, 2023 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for the CDC/HRSA Advisory Committee on HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STD Prevention and Treatment (CHACHSPT). The Committee is charged with advising CDC and HRSA on objectives, strategies, policies, and priorities for HIV, viral hepatitis, and other STD prevention and treatment efforts. Nominations are due by October 1, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 17, 2023 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced the 2024 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters Final Rule, which finalizes standards for issuers and Marketplaces, as well as requirements for agents, brokers, web-brokers, and Assisters who help consumers with enrollment through Marketplaces that use the federal platform. The rule also builds on the Affordable Care Act by expanding access to quality, affordable health coverage and care and making it easier to select and enroll in health coverage.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Apr 15, 2023 - Highlights a bill in the Oregon State Senate to fund a state suicide helpline for agricultural workers struggling with mental health issues.
Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting
Apr 14, 2023 - Highlights a fact sheet detailing the upcoming amendments to the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act declaration which allows broad access to COVID-19 countermeasures.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Apr 10, 2023 - Correction to the date published in the April 5, 2023, announcement of a meeting of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) enter for Substance Abuse Prevention National Advisory Council (CSAP NAC). The meeting will be held on April 25, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 7, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is providing funding to Pennsylvania to support community wellness and resilience, following the train derailment and chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio, on the Pennsylvania border. Pennsylvania will receive an initial $48,782, with additional funding expected after 90 days to continue for an additional 12 months to support activities.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Apr 5, 2023 - Release from the Indian Health Service in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Highlights general sexual assault statistics, as well as for American Indian populations, and includes resources to support sexual violence prevention and recovery support programs.
Source: Indian Health Service
Apr 5, 2023 - Notice from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announcing a public meeting of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention National Advisory Council (CSAP NAC) on April 25, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items will include the discussion of substance abuse prevention priorities and updates on CSAP program developments.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 4, 2023 - Notice of a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) updating the hospice wage index, payment rates, and aggregate cap amount for fiscal year 2024. Includes updates to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program; discusses the Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation tool; provides an update on Health Equity and future quality measures; and provides updates on the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, Hospice Survey Mode Experiment. Among other things, this rule also includes information on hospice utilization trends and solicits comments regarding information related to the provision of higher levels of hospice care; ownership transparency; and ways to examine health equity under the hospice benefit. Includes rural considerations throughout. Comments are due by May 30, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 4, 2023 - A new study from the University of Cincinnati found that although the rise in technology use benefits many aspects of healthcare delivery, telehealth access disparities are likely to continue in rural areas due to limited resources and weaker internet access. Researchers found that access to high-speed internet was highly inconsistent across the country.
Source: mHealthIntelligence
Mar 31, 2023 - The University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health will launch ELEVATE CHWs, a new program to increase the number of community health workers in Kentucky by providing training for new CHWs and offering additional training for existing ones. The center received nearly $2.6 million in grant funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Source: University of Kentucky News