Rural Health
News by Topic: Women
Jan 15, 2025 - Announces the final policy and funding initiatives from the Enhancing Maternal Health Initiative from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Funded work will sustain the work of the year long initiative and also develop recommendations for preventing cardiovascular conditions in women. Includes a report on the work of the committee and highlights work throughout 2024 including rural health initiatives.
Source: Human Resources and Services Administration
Jan 5, 2025 - Provides an overview of new research led by the University of Washington that found higher rates of menopause symptoms among rural women compared to their urban counterparts. Discusses possible contributing factors including lifestyle differences and long travel times to access care. Features the perspective of a rural nurse practitioner on changing attitudes and increased interest among her patients in menopause care.
Source: The Spokesman-Review
HRSA: Update to the Health Resources and Services Administration-Supported Women's Preventive Services Guidelines
Federal Register
Dec 30, 2024 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announcing updates to the HRSA-supported Women's Preventive Services Guidelines relating to screening and counseling for intimate partner and domestic violence, breast cancer screening for women at average risk, and patient navigation for breast and cervical cancer screening. For most non-grandfathered group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage, this update will take effect in 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 30, 2024 - Describes the findings of new research on hospital obstetric units published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Notes that, between 2010 and 2022, a greater proportion of rural hospitals lacked obstetric services compared to urban hospitals. Discusses the wide-ranging health implications for rural mothers and babies, and provides an overview of proposed federal legislation to address the issue.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Dec 26, 2024 - Highlights the discontinuation of labor and delivery services in some rural Wyoming communities due to low demand. Discusses efforts to increase reimbursement rates for Medicaid births to help stabilize rural labor and delivery services. Notes the potential impacts of lower birth rates on the quality of care.
Source: Public News Service
Dec 16, 2024 - Highlights the way telehealth can improve access to healthcare for rural residents, discussing access to specialty care, services for children, economic barriers, services for women, travel difficulties for working adults and older adults, and equity.
Source: Tech Times
Dec 13, 2024 - Announces a major update to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Mapping Broadband Health in America platform. Notes that the tool can be used to analyze data at the intersection of broadband connectivity and a range of public health challenges, now including maternal morbidity and mortality.
Source: Federal Communications Commission
Dec 6, 2024 - Features a program led by the Oklahoma Breastfeeding Resource Center (OBRC) which works to expand access to breastfeeding education in rural communities. Notes the health benefits of breastfeeding and lower rates of breastfeeding initiation in some rural areas. Describes how OBRC offers training to rural providers on evidence-based best practices and helps hospitals achieve Baby-Friendly designation.
Source: National Rural Health Association
Dec 2, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will hold a public meeting of the Advisory Committee on Infant and Maternal Mortality (ACIMM) on January 7-8, 2025. Agenda items are being finalized but may include committee discussions of draft recommendations on achieving optimal maternal health and overall birth outcomes for underserved populations, including Black/African-American families, and a vote on whether to send the draft recommendations forward. 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
Nov 19, 2024 - Highlights a recent study examining the challenges for female farmers. Discusses their roles on and off the farm, running a household, and the mental stressors unique to them. Notes policy measures that could ease the burden for female farmers including more childcare options in rural communities.
Source: UGA Today