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Rural Health
News by Topic: Public health

Oct 30, 2026 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for membership on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). ACIP advises the CDC director regarding the use of vaccines and related immunobiologic agents for the prevention and control of vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States. Nominees will be selected to represent a balanced range of scientific, clinical, and public health expertise, including individuals knowledgeable about consumer perspectives and/or social and community aspects of immunization programs. Nominations are due by December 31, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 21, 2026 - The medical school at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) in Fort Smith has announced the launch of its Doctor of Public Health in Leadership for Rural Health and Sustainable Development program. The first cohort comprises physicians, nurse practitioners, and people working in government agencies, hospital systems, and health-focused nonprofits.
Source: Texarkana Gazette
Oct 13, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking comments to inform the development of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition Supplement: 2027 Steps and Muscle-Strengthening Guidance. Specifically, HHS seeks comments regarding existing high-quality, evidence-based reports, programs, or campaigns related to steps and/or muscle-strengthening physical activity and related positive health outcomes. Comments are due by November 12, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 13, 2026 - Notice from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Office of Autism Research Coordination (OARC) seeking research articles for consideration for inclusion in the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) Summary of Advances. The Summary of Advances is a statutorily mandated report that highlights the most consequential autism research of the past year. Respondents may suggest up to five peer-reviewed studies published since January 1, 2025, and may also identify gaps in current autism research. Comments must be submitted via the web-based form by October 23, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 30, 2026 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is requesting information from public health, healthcare, health information exchange, and other organizations serving rural communities on how to support secure, scalable, standards-based public health data exchange. Comments are due November 20, 2026.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Rural Health
Sep 21, 2026 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) seeks comments on how data intermediaries can be used to support secure, scalable, standards-based public health data exchange. Information collected will be used to evaluate and explore how data intermediaries can advance broader goals to prevent disease; detect emerging threats; drive state-of-the-art solutions that empower communities; and strengthen public health systems for a safer, healthier nation. Includes specific questions and topics of interest to the CDC. Comments are due by November 20, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 21, 2026 - Describes the importance of childcare access in responding to and recovering from disasters in rural communities, as seen in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Discusses the needs of childcare providers to reopen, including their own health and safety concerns and funding.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Sep 21, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extending the solicitation period for nominations for the National Vaccine Advisory Committee. Nominations are due 30 days from publication of this notice.
Source: Federal Register