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Rural Health
News by Topic: Populations

Apr 17, 2026 - Notice from the Department of Defense (DOD) making corrections to the April 10, 2026, notice announcing the extension of the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD) through December 31, 2031. This correction is effective April 17, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 16, 2026 - The Birmingham, Alabama VA Health Care System is starting a mobile prosthetics program, which will make it easier for rural veterans to get specialty care. The unit will visit 3 community outpatient clinics, and can provide on-site evaluations, adjustments, and fittings.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Apr 15, 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 June 18, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Pacific in Costa Mesa, California.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 15, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) is accepting nominations of candidates to serve as primary and alternate delegates for the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity Tribal Advisory Committee (CIIHE TAC). CIIHE TAC delegates must be elected tribal officials from a federally recognized tribe acting in their official capacity or individuals designated by an elected tribal official. There are vacancies for all Indian Health Service areas. Nomination letters are encouraged by May 18, 2026, but nominations will be accepted until all primary and alternate delegate positions are filled.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 15, 2026 - The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan announced a new grant to strengthen food sovereignty and safety in tribal communities across the state over the next 4 years. The project will improve communities' access to nourishing, locally-grown foods and support community-driven food safety training and infrastructure projects.
Source: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Apr 14, 2026 - The Utah Department of Health and Human Services is investing $2.1 million in a one-year project to support preschool through early elementary school in rural Utah communities. The initiative emphasizes improving preschool classrooms, expanding summer STEM camps, and encouraging family engagement to address student attendance.
Source: Utah State Today
Apr 13, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) amending its regulations to implement changes related to income calculation and net family assets for properties that receive funding from the Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Section 515 Rural Rental Housing and the Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing Direct Loan and Grant programs. This rule is effective April 13, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 12, 2026 - Describes psychiatry workforce shortages in Iowa where agriculture is a significant industry and farmers are in need of mental healthcare. Discusses expansion of a psychiatry residency program with a rural practice focus in hopes of retaining more workforce.
Source: KCRG
Apr 10, 2026 - Notice from the Department of Defense (DOD) announcing the extension of the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD) by five years, through December 31, 2031. The purpose of CBSD is to evaluate the cost, quality of care, and impact of covering the services of doulas and lactation consultants or counselors not otherwise authorized by TRICARE on maternal and fetal outcomes. This notice also seeks comments on CBSD and its potential integration into the TRICARE Basic benefit. Comments are due by May 11, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 10, 2026 - Highlights 4 forensic healthcare programs from Indian Health Service providers in South Dakota, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and New Mexico for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Includes resources and information for healthcare providers and the general public.
Source: Indian Health Service