Rural Health & Human Services News by Topic: Health workforce shortage designations - Rural Health Information Hub

New LSU Health Shreveport Scholarship Program Tackling Critical Rural Workforce Shortage

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes a physician assistant scholarship program in a Louisiana university aiming to address rural healthcare workforce shortages in the state. The program will also work with new rural clinical preceptor sites, thereby expanding access to healthcare for rural residents while also offering students rural-focused training.

HRSA: Lists of Designated Primary Medical Care, Mental Health, and Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announces the availability of the complete lists of all geographic areas, population groups, and facilities designated as primary care, mental health, and/or dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). HPSA designations that are currently proposed for withdrawal will remain in this status until they are re-evaluated in preparation for the publication of the HPSA Federal Register notice on or before July 1, 2027. Lists are available on the shortage areas topic page on data.hrsa.gov and are current as of April 30, 2026.

HRSA Extends Timeline for Review of Certain Health Professional Shortage Area Designations

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Announcement from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) that State Primary Care Offices (PCOs) will have additional review time for Health Professional Shortage Areas identified through the 2025 National Shortage Designation Update as "proposed for withdrawal." PCOs may use the additional time to update data and submit revisions where appropriate before HRSA takes final action.

Mobile Mental Health Unit Marks First Year of Expanding Care Across Rural Oklahoma

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes the accomplishments of an Oklahoma mobile mental health unit after 1 year of service. Notes that rural areas in particular face access challenges in a state where every county is a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area.