Rural Health
News by Topic: Populations
Mar 18, 2026 - Describes proposed legislation aiming to increase access to healthcare for veterans in rural areas. A 5-year pilot program would create a preauthorization pathway for outpatient services for veterans within 35 miles of a Critical Access Hospital.
Source: Office of Senator Kevin Cramer
CDC: Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women
Federal Register
Mar 17, 2026 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for the CDC/HRSA Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women (ACBCYW). Nominees will be selected based on expertise in the fields of breast health, breast cancer, disease prevention and risk reduction, survivorship, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, or in related disciplines with a specific focus on young women, or with personal experience with early onset breast cancer. Nominations are due by April 20, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
VA: Veterans Rural Health Advisory Committee
Federal Register
Mar 16, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announcing that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) intends to renew its Veterans Rural Health Advisory Committee for a 2-year period. The committee advises the Secretary of VA on rural health care issues affecting Veterans, examines programs and policies that impact the delivery of VA rural health care to Veterans, discusses ways to improve and enhance VA access to rural health care services for Veterans.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 13, 2026 - Profiles a rural Minnesota farmer, discussing his career in healthcare research at the Mayo Clinic. Describes the work he did integrating rural and farming culture into the work and knowledge base of Mayo Clinic researchers and medical students. Highlights Farm Days, a event on his farm to educate Mayo Clinic researchers about health and safety hazards in farm work.
Source: MPR News
Mar 12, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the Indian Health Service (IHS) announcing the Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund (CHEF) threshold for fiscal year 2026. The purpose of the CHEF is to meet the extraordinary medical costs associated with the treatment of victims of disasters or catastrophic illnesses who are within the responsibility of IHS.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 9, 2026 - Highlights the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Cardiology Access and Resources for Delivery of Integrated Outreach to VETerans Network (CARDIO-VET), a hub-and-spoke model of cardiology care. Describes how the program helped a rural veteran in coordination with the VA Office of Rural Health.
Source: VA Wichita Health Care Stories
Mar 6, 2026 - Highlights the StrongHearts Native Helpline, a helpline addressing domestic and sexual violence in Native American communities. Notes the program recently received new federal funding to continue connecting survivors with service providers. The program will also strengthen work for Alaska Native communities, enhance existing partnerships, and improve its website.
Source: Native News Online
Mar 5, 2026 - Describes challenges around building a new hospital on Navajo Nation. Discusses working within multiple levels of governments, funding, incorporating traditional medicine and facilities, and attracting workforce.
Source: Cronkite News
Mar 5, 2026 - Highlights the work of rural Southeastern Vermont organizations and initiatives to support aging in place for older adults. Discusses meeting the transportation, social connection, housing, and other needs of area older adults.
Source: Generations Now
Mar 2, 2026 - Describes progress made and upcoming plans for a grant aiming to train community health workers in Texas to deliver the 4Ms of Age-Friendly Care. This work is part of the National Rural Age-Friendly Initiative, an initiative developed through a partnership between the National Rural Health Association and The John A. Hartford Foundation.
Source: National Rural Health Association