Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Racial and ethnic groups

Sep 23, 2024 - Highlights the increases in rural suicide with focus on the impact on Black farmers in Tatums, Oklahoma. Discusses farming-related stressors, stigma, historic racism, workforce issues, and mental health resources.
Sep 19, 2024 - Announces funding for tribal and urban Indian health systems offering dementia care and services. Notes that American Indian and Alaska Native people have higher rates of dementia and cognitive impairment compared to other populations.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Sep 17, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on the potential to require a winning bidder in the 5G Fund Phase I auction to demonstrate Tribal consent during the long-form application process. Specifically, the FCC seeks input on how it can best assess an applicant's eligibility to be authorized to receive 5G Fund support for the purpose of deploying network facilities that would enable 5G mobile broadband service located on Tribal lands, while incorporating Tribal government consent into the Commission's approval process. Comments are due by October 17, 2024. Reply comments are due by November 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 16, 2024 - Provides an overview of the Navajo Nation's Digital Equity Initiative, which aims to expand internet access and cellular connectivity to every household on the Navajo Nation. Notes the importance of broadband infrastructure and cellular service for emergency response services. Outlines progress made by the Initiative, current funding sources, and efforts to navigate regulatory barriers.
Source: Navajo-Hopi Observer
Sep 11, 2024 - Discusses efforts by the Ho-Chunk Nation's Department of Agriculture to support a strong local food system by drawing on traditional knowledge and cultural practices. Highlights programs that support Indigenous farmers and increase access to fresh produce in tribal communities.
Source: WUWM
Sep 10, 2024 - Highlights efforts by the Center for Alaska Native Health Research (CANHR) to address high suicide rates in the remote Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region. Details the development of culturally-relevant programming which builds upon community strengths and traditions. Discusses funding barriers and efforts to implement the program model in other communities, including military settings.
Source: NPR
Sep 5, 2024 - A new injury prevention research center funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been established at the University of Washington. The Harborview Injury & Prevention Research Center will focus on 4 key topics: overdose prevention in rural areas, adverse childhood experiences, enhancing school safety, and fall prevention for rural American Indian and Alaska Native adults.
Source: UW Medicine Newsroom
Sep 4, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will hold a public meeting of the Advisory Committee on Infant and Maternal Mortality (ACIMM) on October 16-17, 2024. Agenda items are being finalized but may include committee discussions on the workgroup topics of rural healthcare access, social drivers of health, and women's health before/between pregnancies; federal updates; and possible recommendations to achieve optimal maternal health and overall birth outcomes for underserved populations, including Black/African-American families. The webinar link and log-in information will be available at the ACIMM website before the meeting. Requests for public comment should be sent via email to SACIM@hrsa.gov.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 3, 2024 - Highlights the growing need for Spanish-language healthcare services in Utah, particularly in rural areas with large immigrant populations. Discusses the role of partnerships and diverse organizational leadership for meeting the needs of bilingual patient populations. Details efforts to address bilingual provider shortages through pipeline programs and regulatory changes.
Source: Utah News Dispatch
Aug 30, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Indian Health Service (IHS) finalizing regulations governing the administration of the Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund (CHEF). 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 the IHS. This regulation establishes 1) definitions governing the CHEF, including definitions of disasters and catastrophic illnesses; 2) that a Service Unit shall not be eligible for reimbursement for the cost of treatment from the CHEF until its cost of treating any victim of such catastrophic illness or disaster has reached a certain threshold cost; 3) a procedure for reimbursement of the portion of the costs for authorized services that exceed such threshold costs; 4) a procedure for payment from the CHEF for cases in which the exigencies of the medical circumstances warrant treatment prior to the authorization of such treatment; and 5) procedure that will ensure no payment will be made from the CHEF to a Service Unit to the extent the provider of services is eligible to receive payment for the treatment from any other Federal, state, local, or private source of reimbursement for which the patient is eligible. This rule is effective October 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register