Rural Health
News by Topic: Population health
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
May 22, 2026 - A proposed health initiative focused on chronic disease prevention could help residents of rural Ellis County, Kansas avoid preventable hospital visits. The Kansas Regional Chronic Disease Intelligence and Action Pilot Program would encourage use of shared data tools, evidence-based public health strategies, and regional coordination efforts.
Source: Hays Post
May 22, 2026 - Discusses the current H5N1 risks in the U.S. for farmworkers and others. Discusses use of personal protective equipment and the role of public health departments in building community trust for improved reporting and prevention efforts.
Source: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine News
May 19, 2026 - The Dartmouth Rural Health Symposium convened on May 13, with several hundred researchers, clinicians, policymakers, educators, and community members. Discussion covered systemic and structural barriers that contribute to rural health disparities, and the impact various factors can have on the health and wellness of people in rural communities. Presenters noted that improving rural health outcomes requires strategic collaboration and medical innovation.
Source: Dartmouth College
May 15, 2026 - Interview with former Mayo Clinic lead lab technologist Jim Checkel, who has developed a curriculum to train future rural healthcare providers and researchers. Since buying a Minnesota farm in 1992 Checkel has hosted over 12,000 people at events where students learn about agriculture-related topics, including mechanical injuries and diseases related to farming.
Source: The Daily Yonder
May 13, 2026 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is
encouraging HRSA-funded health centers to expand efforts to
promote proper nutrition as part of the Administration's
Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. Expanding
access to food-based interventions can help improve health
outcomes for patients with chronic diseases and other
conditions.
Source: Health Resources & Services Administration
VA: Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP)
Federal Register
May 13, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) seeking comments on the reinstatement of an information collection related to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP). The information collected will be used by the VA to award grants under the SSG Fox SPGP and to assess services and compliance with the grants. Comments are due by June 12, 2026.
Source: Federal Register