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Rural Health
News by Topic: Sustainability of programs

Oct 15, 2026 - Describes financial challenges for rural Arizona fire departments due to high equipment costs and unsustainable funding models. Discusses how industry standards are harder for rural departments to meet and how federal funding fills some budget and equipment gaps.
Source: Cronkite News
Oct 14, 2026 - Mississippi officials are creating a new state health plan focusing on access to care, workforce, and sustainability in public health systems. The new plan will update the last plan published in 2023. The process is being funded with Rural Health Transformation Program funds.
Source: Mississippi Today
Oct 8, 2026 - Offers guidance for optimizing existing technology as learned by a rural chief information officer in a New Hampshire nonprofit health system. Discusses planning for the future, evaluating organizational workflows, process improvement, understanding full costs, and piloting programs, particularly artificial intelligence technology.
Source: Healthcare IT News
Oct 6, 2026 - Discusses the mixed results of the Pennsylvania Rural Health Model, an experimental payment structure program that aimed to stabilize the finances of rural hospitals. Explores what worked and what did not, how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the program, lessons learned about rural hospital reimbursement, and how community resources and services can impact hospital stability.
Source: WHYY
Sep 28, 2026 - Announces awarded funding for rural water and wastewater system technical assistance grants that will strengthen water and waste disposal services through training and the promotion of sustainable infrastructure solutions for rural communities.
Source: USDA Rural Development Newsroom
Sep 4, 2026 - Describes the loss of childcare slots across North Carolina and the financial and regulatory challenges with offering childcare services. Highlights 2 rural childcare pilot programs that will inform future policy to address identified challenges.
Aug 21, 2026 - Discusses recent federal and state policy measures supporting the community health worker workforce including the Rural Health Transformation Program, training and certification, and sustainable funding.
Source: Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
Aug 20, 2026 - Highlights a philanthropic program in 9 states to ensure rural hospitals have access to generic drugs during drug shortages. Discusses how the pilot program will offer rural hospitals more consistency in drug availability, potential cost savings, and the goal to offer the program nationally.
Source: The Daily Yonder