https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/topics/access Rural Health & Human Services News by Topic: Access - Rural Health Information Hub en Copyright 2026 Rural Health Information Hub https://dailyyonder.com/bringing-lung-cancer-screening-to-rural-minnesota/2026/06/03/ Describes a pilot program that aims to increase lung cancer screenings in rural Minnesota. Discusses higher rates of tobacco use for rural adults compared to urban adults and how the program addresses cancer screening barriers through a "whole-of-office" approach. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38612 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://stratishealth.org/pagename/meeting-the-moment-in-rural-health-transformation-stratis-health-accelerates-national-impact-through-narhi-acquisition/ The National Alliance for Rural Health Improvement (NARHI) has been acquired by Stratis Health and renamed the Rural Health Quality Improvement Exchange (RHQIX). RHQIX is a membership organization aiming to impact rural healthcare access, quality, and outcomes through education, professional development, peer networking, and rural-focused resources. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38611 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/01/2026-10840/privacy-act-of-1974-matching-program Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Department for Community Based Services to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs are designed to facilitate and support access to affordable broadband services for low-income consumers and families. Comments are due by July 1, 2026. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38601 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/01/2026-10839/privacy-act-of-1974-matching-program Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, and the New Mexico Health Care Authority to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs are designed to facilitate and support access to affordable broadband services for low-income consumers and families. Comments are due by July 1, 2026. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38600 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/01/2026-10890/medicare-program-alternative-payment-model-updates-and-the-increasing-organ-transplant-access-iota Notice of a final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updating and revising the Increasing Organ Transplant Access Model (IOTA Model) for Performance Year (PY) 2. The IOTA Model tests whether performance-based upside risk payments or downside risk payments paid to or owed by participating kidney transplant hospitals increase access to kidney transplants for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) while preserving or enhancing the quality of care and reducing Medicare expenditures. This rule is effective July 1, 2026. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38597 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2026/05/29/bassett-healthcare-network-opens-new-clinic-and-expands-rural-healthcare-options Describes the importance of rural healthcare access for an aging population and healthcare workforce shortages in New York. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38603 Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.wtvm.com/2026/05/28/chambers-county-deputies-get-life-saving-medical-equipment-rural-emergencies/ A rural Alabama county sheriff's office has purchased 16 automated external defibrillators and 2 trauma first aid kits. Notes that area emergency medical services units have large service areas and law enforcement often respond to emergencies more quickly. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38596 Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.witn.com/2026/05/28/ecu-health-expands-graduate-program-rural-access/ East Carolina University has added a rural residency track for their internal medicine, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics graduate medical education programs. The goal is to increase access to healthcare in rural North Carolina communities. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38594 Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/news/louisiana-launches-rural-tech-catalyst-fund-to-advance-rural-health-care-innovation Announces new funding for rural health work that expands workforce capacity; supports startup growth and private investment; strengthens technology infrastructure; builds pathways for piloting and scaling solutions; and creates partnerships between government, providers, and industry. Supported by the state's Rural Health Transformation Program plan. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38595 Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.wabi.tv/2026/05/27/partnerships-bring-maine-mobile-health-unit-free-maternal-services-rural-families/ Highlights a Maine mobile health unit as a solution for transportation barriers that keep rural residents from accessing healthcare. The unit offers maternal and child healthcare in addition to other services. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38592 Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.ky3.com/2026/05/27/whats-going-around-mercy-pilots-opioid-addiction-program-reach-rural-communities/ Highlights a rural Missouri hospital pilot program ensuring discharged patients with an opioid addiction have medication treatment and quick access to a substance use recovery program. The program aims to reduce chances of relapse and a return hospital visit. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38591 Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.actionnewsnow.com/news/new-rural-food-bank-opens-as-demand-for-assistance-surges-across-three-counties/article_5723a715-0fbe-4f5c-9fbe-59fda1bc677b.html A new California food bank has opened to serve 3 rural counties. Notes that demand has significantly increased in the past year. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38590 Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/cmo/how-dartmouth-health-using-telehealth-keep-complex-births-close-home Describes a telehealth program connecting patients in New Hampshire and Vermont rural hospitals with neonatologists. Notes that nearly half of babies receiving a consult are able to stay at their local facility. Success of the program led to expanding into outpatient high-risk obstetrics care and fetal-maternal medicine services. Expansion into emergency obstetrics is also planned. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38588 Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://academyhealth.org/blog/2026-05/access-higher-level-neonatal-care-depends-where-you-live Describes rural disparities and unique risk factors leading to higher infant mortality. Highlights recent literature from the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center on obstetric care access as well as efforts to reduce infant mortality rates in Maine and Montana. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38589 Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.aol.com/news/mercy-program-changes-opioid-addiction-085730136.html Mercy Hospital Lebanon is piloting a program to help rural Ozarks substance use disorder patients get support during the crucial 72-hour period after opioid withdrawal. The program is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration and is now available at other Missouri communities including Aurora, Cassville, Carthage, and Mountain Home. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38570 Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.ktvo.com/news/local/in-rural-communities-connection-can-help-break-mental-health-stigma-advocate-says/article_db1b7ccb-a94a-47c1-889d-b8034c601b2b.html Rachel Jones, director and co-founder of suicide prevention organization Andrew's Hope, works to reduce stigma by promoting mental health literacy, encouraging early intervention, and helping to build a more supportive community. She emphasizes the importance of peer-to-peer support, especially in rural areas. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38576 Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/cfo/cfo-ceo-scaling-rural-growth-without-losing-financial-discipline Profiles Timothy Reed, CEO of Prosser Memorial Health, a rural Washington health system that has undergone significant expansion in recent years. Reed describes his plan to balance financial stewardship with expanded access to care. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38568 Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/health/2026-05-20/new-program-could-bring-low-cost-generic-drugs-to-rural-hospitals The Helmsley Charitable Trust is funding a pilot program through the Civica Foundation that will give participating hospitals access to a consistent supply of drugs at wholesale prices, without having to buy in bulk. Dozens of independent hospitals in rural areas of Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming are eligible. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38567 Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://home.dartmouth.edu/news/2026/05/dartmouth-convenes-second-annual-forum-rural-health The Dartmouth Rural Health Symposium convened on May 13, with several hundred researchers, clinicians, policymakers, educators, and community members. Discussion covered systemic and structural barriers that contribute to rural health disparities, and the impact various factors can have on the health and wellness of people in rural communities. Presenters noted that improving rural health outcomes requires strategic collaboration and medical innovation. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38566 Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schrier-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-support-maternal Congresswoman Kim Schrier of Washington, along with representatives Randy Feenstra of Iowa, Jill Tokuda of Hawaii, and Darin LaHood of Illinois have reintroduced the Rural Maternity Options for Medical Support Act. This legislation would allow Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) to count labor and delivery beds separate from acute care rooms, allowing hospitals to offer these services without putting their CAH status in jeopardy. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38565 Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.tucsonspotlight.org/ua-helps-arizona-rural-communities-access-health-funds/ The University of Arizona's Center for Rural Health is helping organizations in rural and tribal areas apply for funds provided through the Arizona Rural Health Transformation Program. The Center has published a toolkit and can provide letters of support to organizations writing grant applications. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38557 Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/samhsa-awards-255-million-to-administer-988-lifeline.html The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has awarded Vibrant Emotional Health $255 million to administer a suicide and crisis hotline. The 988 Lifeline allows people to reach crisis counselors 24/7 for help with a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38548 Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.fightcancer.org/releases/new-acs-can-survey-finds-more-half-cancer-patients-and-survivors-rural-communities-report A new survey by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) highlights the challenges rural cancer patients face in accessing screening, finding affordable care, and arranging followup treatment. Patient navigation services help address barriers to care in rural areas and improve quality of care. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38555 Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.hrsa.gov/about/news/press-releases/nutrition-care-prevent-chronic-disease The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is encouraging HRSA-funded health centers to expand efforts to promote proper nutrition as part of the Administration's Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. Expanding access to food-based interventions can help improve health outcomes for patients with chronic diseases and other conditions. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38542 Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://pulse2.com/instacart-joins-collaborative-for-healthy-rural-america-to-expand-nutrition-access-in-rural-healthcare-initiatives/amp/ The Collaborative for Healthy Rural America announced that Instacart's new affiliation with the organization will help provide food access as part of healthcare delivery models focused on chronic disease prevention and rural healthcare access. The group is focused on helping states implement Rural Health Transformation initiatives. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38539 Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-announces-heartland-forward-mou-advance-maternal-health.html The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Heartland Forward, a nonprofit organization focused on driving economic growth and stronger communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. HHS and Heartland Forward will collaborate on initiatives to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and strengthen care before, during, and after pregnancy. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38532 Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2026-05-12/pennsylvania-supports-its-mothers-with-5-year-maternal-health-strategic-action-plan A 5-year grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration has enabled Pennsylvania to launch the 'Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures' maternal health strategic action plan, focusing on reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. Twenty-three rural counties in Pennsylvania do not have hospitals offering labor and delivery services. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38530 Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/11/2026-09266/extension-of-compliance-dates-for-nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-disability-accessibility-of-web Notice of an interim final rule with request for comments from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extending the web content and mobile application (app) accessibility compliance dates established in the <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/09/2024-09237/nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-disability-in-programs-or-activities-receiving-federal-financial">May 9, 2024, final rule</a>. The compliance date for recipients with 15 or more employees is extended to May 11, 2027. The compliance date for recipients with fewer than 15 employees is extended to May 10, 2028. This rule is effective May 7, 2026. Comments are due by July 6, 2026. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38516 Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/health/2026/05/11/dolly-parton-childrens-hospital-increases-health-care-in-rural-areas/89666326007/ The Dolly Parton Children's Hospital, formerly known as East Tennessee Children's Hospital, is expanding pediatric care, particularly in rural communities. The hospital serves about 20 counties in the region, and its new pediatric residency program will begin in summer 2027. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38519 Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.wafb.com/2026/05/11/rural-hospitals-train-emergency-deliveries-maternity-deserts-expand/ The Care Collaborative, a University of Kansas Health System patient safety organization, has launched a program to support maternity care in rural areas, by offering in-person instruction at emergency rooms across the state. In Kansas only about a third of rural hospitals still deliver babies. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38528 Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500