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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Populations

Aug 18, 2026 - Notice from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announcing a Tribal Consultation session between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ACF Office of Head Start (OHS) and the leadership of tribal governments operating Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The purpose of this consultation session is to discuss ways to better meet the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) children and their families, taking into consideration funding allocations, distribution formulas, and other issues affecting the delivery of Head Start services in their geographic locations. The meeting will be held on September 16, 2026, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 18, 2026 - Announces a partnership between the University of Arizona and Gila River Health Care, a tribally operated healthcare system, to establish the first medical school branch on sovereign tribal lands. The goal of the partnership is to train future physicians in tribal communities while expanding access to care for tribal residents. It's an accelerated 3-year program and includes a full scholarship. Discusses rural and tribal physician workforce shortages.
Source: University of Arizona News
Aug 14, 2026 - Highlights suicide prevention support options available through the Veterans Administration (VA) with a focus on rural residents, veterans not enrolled in VA healthcare, and veterans who have never received suicide support before.
Source: VA News
Aug 13, 2026 - Notice of a final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) prohibiting the use of Medicaid funds for procedures identified as gender-affirming care for children under 18. Additionally, the rule prohibits the use of federal Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funds for procedures identified as gender-affirming care for children under 19. This rule is effective October 13, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 12, 2026 - The New Mexico Department of Health has signed a data sharing agreement with the Navajo Area Indian Health Services with the goal of improving public health initiatives.
Source: KUNM
Aug 11, 2026 - Discusses risks associated with farming, prevention measures, and how emergency medical services can save lives. Highlights how access to EMS can be challenging for rural areas and the importance of volunteers for maintaining services.
Source: Farm Progress: Dakota Farmer
Aug 10, 2026 - Summarizes a panel at an agricultural conference discussing farmer mental health. Discusses stigma, health insurance access, preventive care, healthcare access, and the impact of healthcare on rural communities.
Source: Oklahoma Farm Report
Aug 7, 2026 - Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) proposing to rescind and replace the Head Start Program Performance Standards. Among other things, the proposed revisions intend to reduce Federal regulation and duplication; empower states, local programs, and families with greater authority and flexibility; advance the health and well-being of children and communities; and reinforce evidence-based standards for health, nutrition, and physical activity. Comments are due by October 6, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 7, 2026 - Describes a book prescription program that is expanding across Pennsylvania, including into rural areas. The program includes a book at each checkup and aims to improve literacy, promote brain development, and build trust between pediatricians and families.
Source: 90.5 WESA
Aug 6, 2026 - Describes a telehealth pilot program in Montana to address rural child abuse by connecting rural providers with training, resources, and referrals to medical providers who have specialized training in child abuse care. Discusses the lifelong health, wellness, and economic challenges that can be avoided through early intervention.
Source: University of Montana News