https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/topics/community-and-faith-based-initiatives Rural Health & Human Services News by Topic: Community and faith-based initiatives - Rural Health Information Hub en Copyright 2026 Rural Health Information Hub https://generations.asaging.org/multisector-plan-for-aging-to-life-lessons-from-southeastern-vermont/ Highlights the work of rural Southeastern Vermont organizations and initiatives to support aging in place for older adults. Discusses meeting the transportation, social connection, housing, and other needs of area older adults. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38319 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.kunc.org/news/2026-03-02/life-in-a-small-mountain-town-can-be-lonely-a-food-pantry-is-trying-to-help Highlights the role a rural Colorado food pantry plays in fostering social connection. Notes sustainability challenges for grant operated organizations. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38301 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.koat.com/article/rural-libraries-telehealth-booths-can-have-a-variety-of-uses/70580609 New telehealth booths have been installed in 7 rural New Mexico libraries, giving area residents access to virtual health appointments and more. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38303 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://nativenewsonline.net/health/you-are-never-alone-how-one-tribe-is-fighting-youth-suicide-with-culture-and-crisis-response/ Describes the focus on native culture as a preventive strategy for suicide and mental health crises in Lummi Nation. Discusses high rates of drug overdoses among Lummi Nation youth. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38300 Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://cardinalnews.org/2026/02/26/the-pulse-virginia-expands-maternal-mental-health-and-cervical-cancer-screening-efforts/ Describes state-level legislation and community initiatives in Virginia to improve access to care for maternal mental health issues and cervical cancer screening. Discusses efforts to include rural residents to specialty care through telehealth. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38291 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://wach.com/news/local/health-groups-host-free-diabetes-wellness-expo-to-tackle-disparities-in-rural-communities Highlights a program in rural South Carolina offering resources and support to people with diabetes. Notes common challenges for rural residents in accessing healthcare. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38293 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.sdnewswatch.org/rural-reservation-food-solutions-community-sd/ Describes food insecurity in rural and tribal South Dakota and the community programs working to address it. Discusses the volunteer-led model that makes these programs successful. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38264 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://den.mercer.edu/school-of-medicine-receives-over-600000-to-continue-fighting-opioid-epidemic/ 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. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38245 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://northdakotamonitor.com/2026/02/11/putting-defibrillators-in-hands-of-north-dakota-law-enforcement-credited-with-saving-90-lives/ Highlights the success of a philanthropic-funded program placing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) with law enforcement officers across North Dakota. Describes the importance of the equipment in rural areas where lifesaving emergency care is often far away. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38254 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.thegeorgiavirtue.com/georgia-health/18-rural-georgia-counties-partner-to-reduce-opioid-overdoses/ Discusses overdose death disparities in rural Georgia and new funding for 18 communities to support community-based responses. Notes rural-specific challenges in addressing the opioid crisis. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38210 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.kcur.org/health/2026-01-27/how-kansans-are-coping-with-parkinsons-disease-rates-near-the-highest-in-the-nation 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. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38194 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.ruralhealth.us/blogs/2026/1-jan/meeting-essential-needs-brings-dignity-to-the-desert 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 https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38185 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://dailyyonder.com/a-rural-wisconsin-community-charts-a-path-for-intergenerational-care/2026/01/19/ Highlights a rural community campaign to address the caregiving shortage through an intergenerational care center. Discusses the research around intergenerational care as well as how the facility could positively impact retention rates for healthcare workers in the community. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38180 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600