Rural Health
News by Topic: Population health
Jan 29, 2026 - Notice of proposed rulemaking from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on potential options for Medicare participating hospitals to help foster a more resilient supply chain for American-made personal protective equipment and essential medicines, as well as a possible new "Secure American Medical Supplies" friendly designation that could be earned by hospitals. Among other things, this notice also seeks input on a potential new structural quality measure as part of the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting (IQR) Program that could promote hospital commitments to invest in domestic procurement. Comments are due by March 30, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 29, 2026 - Discusses food deserts in rural and other parts of Mississippi, associated health disparities, and proposed legislation to support communities in food deserts. Notes that rural residents are on average 30 miles away from a grocery store.
Source: Twin States News
Jan 28, 2026 - Highlights new funding for a mobile health clinic designed to expand access to healthcare in rural New York and support training healthcare workers.
Source: St. Bonaventure University News & Events
Jan 27, 2026 - Highlights high rates of Parkinson's disease in Kansas and programs across the state helping diagnosed Kansans manage symptoms. Describes a rural organization offering art therapy and exercise classes, including how they manage to offer support using technology.
Source: KCUR, NPR
Jan 21, 2026 - Highlights a Arizona diaper bank program that includes incontinence supplies for aging rural residents. Notes the improved mental and physical health outcomes associated with easy access to diapers and similar products across the lifespan. Discusses the programs successes, replication in other communities, and reliance on volunteers
Source: National Rural Health Association
Jan 16, 2026 - Describes the impact of sleep on safety in farming work and overall health. Discusses the impact of poor sleep and notes that a traditional farming schedule can disrupt sleep patterns. Offers recommendations for good sleep practices and treating common sleep disorders.
Source: Farm Progress: Nebraska Farmer
CDC: Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review
Federal Register
Jan 15, 2026 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is allowing an additional 30 days for comments on a proposed information collection project titled "Assessment and Monitoring of Breastfeeding-Related Maternity Care in Intrapartum Care Facilities in the United States and Territories." The Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) survey is a census of maternity care hospitals in the United States and territories to better understand national breastfeeding supportive maternity practices and changes in these practices over time. Information collected will be used to identify, document, and share information related to changes in practices processes over time at the hospital, state, regional, and national levels. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 14, 2026 - Describes various rural healthcare-focused investments across Oklahoma. Discusses long-term investment strategies, telehealth, workforce training and retention, cancer care access, and preventive care.
Source: News 9
Jan 13, 2026 - Discusses a recent study finding that portable water stations installed in rural Alaskan homes without piped water as part of COVID-19 mitigation efforts are decreasing contagious diseases and increasing water use. Discusses the cost savings associated with this system, making water associated public health practices more achievable than in the past.
Source: Alaska Beacon
Jan 12, 2026 - Discusses a program offering mental healthcare to students in a rural Virginia school. Highlights the program's funding, the increased mental healthcare access for rural children through school-based programs, and mental health awareness.
Source: Cardinal News