Rural Health
News by Topic: Recruitment and retention of health professionals
Nov 3, 2026 - Discusses long-term provider recruitment plans as a strategy to limit gaps in care for rural hospitals, particularly as the existing workforce ages. Describes best practices including considering both current and future needs, succession planning, opportunities for improved operational efficiencies, opportunities for feedback, relationship building, and a culture of retention.
Source: Stroudwater Associates
Oct 26, 2026 - Highlights a Missouri program that helps healthcare employers provide childcare support for their employees in an effort to attract and retain workforce. The program is being expanded with Rural Health Transformation Program money. Discusses the challenges with finding child care in rural communities.
Source: The Beacon: Kansas City
Oct 23, 2026 - Announces a new initiative to support recruiting and retaining nurses for rural and higher labor shortage area nursing homes through loan repayment and stipends in exchange for 3 years of employment in qualified facilities. Describes eligibility guidelines for nurses interested in the program.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Related funding:
Nurses for Nursing Homes
Oct 22, 2026 - Announces newly awarded Rural Health Transformation Program funding in Texas. Initiatives funded will address chronic disease conditions, recruiting and retaining healthcare workforce, and upgrading facilities and equipment.
Source: Office of Governor Greg Abbott
Oct 7, 2026 - Highlights the healthcare work happening in rural communities during a tour of a rural health system in Minnesota. Discusses the outcomes following financial investment, access to specialty care, the focus on building the rural healthcare workforce, and how collaboration impacts the future of rural healthcare.
Source: Sanford Health
Sep 25, 2026 - A hospital in Alaska will begin offering childcare to employees after being awarded Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funds. The service will address employee needs including challenges like childcare for shift work and inconsistent schedules. The service is meant to aid with employee recruitment and retention. Includes a table of all RHTP funding awarded in Juneau.
Source: KTOO
Sep 23, 2026 - Offers an interview with the Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services discussing emergency medical services (EMS) workforce challenges in rural Michigan.
Source: EMS World
Sep 22, 2026 - Announces newly awarded funding for telehealth and technology-enabled learning projects focused on testing innovative solutions, increasing access to nutrition services, and improving provider retention to strengthen the rural healthcare workforce.
Source: Health Resources & Services Administration
Sep 10, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced awards to 132 hospitals in 13 states through the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program. This will help eligible small rural hospitals maintain their workforce, sustain essential services, and strengthen patients' access to care.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services