https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/topics/health-conditions Rural Health & Human Services News by Topic: Health conditions - Rural Health Information Hub en Copyright 2026 Rural Health Information Hub https://wtov9.com/news/local/wvu-medicine-opens-new-wound-care-clinic-in-new-martinsville-expanding-rural-access-wvu-medicine-wound-care-rural-health-new-martinsville-wetzel-county-hospital-diabetic-ulcers-infection-management-specialized-treatment A new wound care clinic has opened in rural West Virginia. Notes that rural residents are more likely to experience diabetes and vascular conditions, diseases associated with slow to heal wounds and increased risk of infection. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38311 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/04/2026-04237/board-of-scientific-counselors-national-center-for-injury-prevention-and-control-notice-of-charter The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the charter renewal of the Board of Scientific Counselors, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (BSC, NCIPC). The charter renewal is effective for a two-year period, through January 13, 2028. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38305 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.kmvt.com/2026/03/04/teleoncology-program-improves-rural-access-medical-help/ Describes a teleoncology program in a rural Idaho hospital. The program allows cancer patients to meet with specialists through telehealth while using local facilities for lab work and treatment. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38308 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://uofuhealth.utah.edu/newsroom/news/2026/02/bridging-gap-how-university-of-utahs-strokenet-delivering-breakthroughs Highlights the Utah Stroke Trials Network, a National Institutes of Health research network increasing access to stroke treatment research trials for rural and frontier communities in Utah, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, and Washington. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38304 Fri, 27 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://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://pccinnovation.org/news-events/rural-vulnerability-in-texas-a-structurally-differ-391 Analyzes chronic disease data to discuss health outcomes in rural Texas. Discusses ways rural health challenges are different from urban ones, noting rural-specific issues around chronic disease, access to care, broadband access, and maternal health. Highlights rural-specific strengths that can be used in healthcare innovation. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38269 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://rethinkingclinicaltrials.org/news/february-19-2026-ramp-pilot-study-supports-telehealth-mind-body-program-for-rural-veterans-with-chronic-pain/ Summarizes recent research finding that multimodal, telehealth delivered mind-body and exercise interventions are effective for rural veterans experiencing chronic pain. Notes that the program could be easily accessed by rural veterans due to the use of nonclinicians. Describes planned modifications for future programs iterations. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38266 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/02/13/university-of-iowa-researchers-create-tools-for-cancer-tracking-in-different-states/ Describes the Cancer Analytics & Maps for Small Areas (CAMSA), a tool offering cancer incidence and mortality rates data at the Iowa county and Zip Code Tabulation Ares (ZCTA) levels. Notes that rural areas often have data gaps in national tools. Discusses collaborations with other states to develop similar tools. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38261 Fri, 13 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.news-medical.net/news/20260211/Rural-cancer-patients-benefit-from-local-surgical-care.aspx An analysis published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that rural adults with colon or lung cancer who had surgery for cancer closer to their homes had similar outcomes to those who went to more distant urban facilities. The study provides preliminary evidence that complex surgery for some cancers can be performed and with good results at smaller community hospitals. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38247 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://jagwire.augusta.edu/high-tech-skin-cancer-training-meets-rural-health-care/ The Teledermatology Serving Georgia program offers primary care providers hands-on training in dermatology procedures. The project will lead to timely interventions and improved patient outcomes, especially for those living in rural and medically underserved areas. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38244 Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/emsworld/feature/rural-ems-under-pressure-longer-calls-higher-acuity A recent study found that rural EMS call times were at least 20 minutes longer than the national average, and nearly 40% of these calls were for patients with complex injuries, compared with a national average of 26.4%. Rural EMS providers also face challenges in pediatric and mental health care. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38236 Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-leads-effort-expand-veterans-access-lifesaving-breast-cancer Describes proposed bipartisan legislation permanently authorizing telescreening mammography services in rural and other areas for veterans. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38229 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://news.uams.edu/2026/02/03/digital-health-diabetes-education-improves-health-of-rural-communities-across-arkansas/ 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. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38221 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://p4qm.org/prmr-muc-list-comments-and-summaries/2025-2026-prmr-final-muc-recommendations-spreadsheet-xlsx 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. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38220 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://news.cuanschutz.edu/health-and-wellness/rivers-study-bringing-individualized-exercise-to-rural-cancer-survivors Describes a study for a virtual exercise program, Response-Driven Individualized Virtual Exercise for Rural Survivors (RIVERS), aiming to positively impact rural cancer outcomes. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38216 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://news.va.gov/144693/improving-access-to-care/ Highlights the Mobile Prosthetic and Orthotic Care (MoPOC) truck, a mobile unit from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with support from the VA's Office of Rural Health bringing prosthetic and orthotic care to rural veterans in Texas. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38190 Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/21/2026-01069/authorization-of-emergency-use-of-certain-medical-devices-during-covid-19-availability The Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for certain medical devices related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These authorizations are effective on their date of issuance. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38182 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.farmprogress.com/farm-life/how-better-sleep-keeps-farmers-healthy-and-safe Describes the impact of sleep on safety in farming work and overall health. Discusses the impact of poor sleep and notes that a traditional farming schedule can disrupt sleep patterns. Offers recommendations for good sleep practices and treating common sleep disorders. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38174 Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.news9.com/oklahoma-politics/oklahoma-leaders-highlight-major-investment-in-rural-health-care-and-workforce Describes various rural healthcare-focused investments across Oklahoma. Discusses long-term investment strategies, telehealth, workforce training and retention, cancer care access, and preventive care. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38173 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://alaskabeacon.com/2026/01/13/simple-handwashing-stations-improved-health-indicators-in-parts-of-rural-alaska/ Discusses a recent study finding that portable water stations installed in rural Alaskan homes without piped water as part of COVID-19 mitigation efforts are decreasing contagious diseases and increasing water use. Discusses the cost savings associated with this system, making water associated public health practices more achievable than in the past. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38167 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://news.va.gov/144359/partnership-mobile-mammography-rural-veterans/ Highlights a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs mobile mammography unit in rural Tennessee. Describes the benefits for rural veterans in improving access to both preventive and follow-up care. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38161 Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/article/how-academic-tribal-teams-cut-cancer-risks-in-native-american-communities/203235/ Discusses cancer outcomes for the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) population and the work of a cancer center in Oklahoma to improve those outcomes. Describes the partnership between the center and 2 tribal nations to ensure tribal participation, inclusion of Indigenous knowledge, and prioritizing community needs. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38153 Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/07/2026-00088/agency-information-collection-activities-submission-to-omb-for-review-and-approval-public-comment Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on an information collection regarding a form related to the COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund (PRF) and American Rescue Plan (ARP) rural payment reporting activities. The information collection is used to assess if statutory and programmatic requirements are met; conduct audits; report on findings with respect to the disbursements of PRF and ARP Rural payments; and for the program evaluation. Comments are due by February 6, 2026. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38151 Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600