Rural Health
News by Topic: Wellness, health promotion, and disease prevention
Feb 11, 2026 - The Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust has awarded more than $600,000 to research and prevention projects at Mercer University School of Medicine. The projects address substance use in Georgia and emphasize prevention, treatment, and impact in rural communities most affected by the opioid epidemic.
Source: The Den
Feb 4, 2026 - Analyzes 211 call data to identify areas of need at the county level in South Dakota, including housing, food, and utility assistance. Highlights the work of 211 staff.
Source: South Dakota News Watch
Feb 3, 2026 - Summarizes new research finding that rural Arkansans with type 2 diabetes had improved health outcomes following virtual delivery of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES). The study also compared standard and family-centered models DSMES and discusses the benefits of the family model for the patient and others in their support network.
Source: UAMS News
Feb 3, 2026 - Executive Order from the Office of the President establishing the White House Great American Recovery Initiative. The Initiative will coordinate the Federal Government's response to the addiction crisis, including advising heads of executive departments and agencies on how to implement programs that integrate prevention, early intervention, treatment, recovery support, and re-entry into all relevant systems. The Initiative will be co-chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Senior Advisor for Addiction Recovery, and will have an Executive Director who shall administer the Initiative who will report to the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 3, 2026 - Discusses the rural-focused work at a primarily rural health system. Highlights the use of telehealth and artificial intelligence to tackle common rural health challenges.
Source: Health Leaders Media
Feb 2, 2026 - Offers the ability to provide comments regarding the inclusion of 24 Measures Under Consideration List for the purpose of offering additional feedback to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid. Comments are due February 16, 2026.
Source: Partnership for Quality Measurement
Feb 2, 2026 - Describes a study for a virtual exercise program, Response-Driven Individualized Virtual Exercise for Rural Survivors (RIVERS), aiming to positively impact rural cancer outcomes.
Source: University of Colorado Anschutz Health Science News and Features
Jan 28, 2026 - Highlights new funding for a mobile health clinic designed to expand access to healthcare in rural New York and support training healthcare workers.
Source: St. Bonaventure University News & Events
Jan 27, 2026 - Highlights high rates of Parkinson's disease in Kansas and programs across the state helping diagnosed Kansans manage symptoms. Describes a rural organization offering art therapy and exercise classes, including how they manage to offer support using technology.
Source: KCUR, NPR
Jan 21, 2026 - Highlights a Arizona diaper bank program that includes incontinence supplies for aging rural residents. Notes the improved mental and physical health outcomes associated with easy access to diapers and similar products across the lifespan. Discusses the programs successes, replication in other communities, and reliance on volunteers
Source: National Rural Health Association