https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/topics/emergency-preparedness-and-response Rural Health & Human Services News by Topic: Emergency preparedness and response - Rural Health Information Hub en Copyright 2026 Rural Health Information Hub https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-release/usda-rural-development-highlights-disaster-assistance-disasters-and-federal-resources-roundtable Highlights U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development programs available for disaster preparation, response, and recovery with focus a on their use in Illinois. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38951 Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://kauainownews.com/2026/09/01/federal-funding-coming-to-hawaii-to-strengthen-rural-health-care/ Hawaii has received $58 million in federal funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program to improve access to healthcare and strengthen services in rural and underserved communities. This includes $45 million for the University of Hawaii School of Medicine to administer workforce development programs and $13 million for the Hawaii Department of Health to acquire new ambulances and upgrade emergency communications systems. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38944 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/rural-medicine-drones-aim-to-modernize-healthcare-in-nemaha-county/ Describes a plan to use drone technology to support timely medical delivery in a rural Kansas community. Discusses the resources and labor that could be repurposed, particularly during emergency situations. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38919 Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-administration-announces-90-million-modernize-improve-it-interoperability-south-dakota Announces funding awarded for digital health modernization, cybersecurity, and enhanced interoperability in rural and underserved communities in South Dakota. The funding is part of the state's Rural Health Transformation Program allotment and comes in addition to other federal funding for increasing access to care and supporting the rural health workforce. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38898 Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-08-severe-deadly-overdose-rural-appalachia.html Highlights research finding that recent flooding in rural Appalachia increased opioid overdose deaths due to the stress of the event, disrupted treatment, and weakened support systems in the aftermath. Discusses data trends following severe floods and how lessons learned from one destructive flood prepared providers for future flooding disasters. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38899 Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/news-alert/cms-announces-resources-flexibilities-assist-public-health-emergency-state-washington Announces additional resources and flexibilities from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to assist with the ongoing public health emergency (PHE) in Washington beginning August 1, 2026 related to wildfires. Shares information and resources for those impacted and responding to the wildfires, including CMS waivers, a disaster toolkit, dialysis care, medical equipment and supplies replacement, access to Medicare Part D medications, and health information privacy and accessibility resources. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38869 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-introduces-legislation-strengthen-rural-hospitals Announces new proposed bipartisan legislation to protect rural hospitals from cyberattacks. The bill includes cybersecurity workforce development strategies, training for rural hospital staffs, and regular updates to Congress on implementation. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38813 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.lisc.org/rural/regional-stories/rebuilding-bayou-how-bayou-community-foundation-cultivating-resilience-southern-louisiana/ Highlights the Rebuild the Bayou Housing Recovering Initiative, a program offering storm-fortifying housing development in south Louisiana communities impacted by hurricanes. Discusses the work of a local community foundation to support community resilience and response to weather emergencies. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38796 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.news8000.com/news/local-news/la-crosse/medical-students-and-first-responders-test-emergency-response-skills-in-rural-disaster-drill/article_163cf1bd-8972-4a40-8548-8d3838ba49de.html Describes an emergency response training drill on a working farm in rural Wisconsin. Notes that the drill gives practice for rural specific conditions to healthcare students and first responders. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38785 Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/16/2026-14358/request-for-information-clinical-laboratory-improvement-amendments-of-1988-clia-regulations The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are seeking comments on various topics related to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 including breath testing; laboratory processes and procedures; emergency preparedness, biosafety and security, and cybersecurity; and specialty testing areas. The use of remote direct observation for assessing laboratory personnel competency for the benefit of rural and remote facilities is of particular interest. Comments are due by September 14, 2026. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38772 Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://app.publicnewsservice.org/story/a-decade-later-west-virginia-is-still-healing-from-floods/4dde513c-d33c-4cc0-a48e-8a18eec0806b? Discusses disaster response and recovery measures rural West Virginia communities have implemented as a result of floods in 2016. Notes that rural communities may have additional recovery challenges as they are more likely to have aging populations and fewer resources. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38755 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500