Rural Health & Human Services News by Topic: Population health - Rural Health Information Hub

How Libraries Are Bringing Heart-Health Resources to Rural Communities

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes the work of libraries to connect rural and tribal communities with tools and education promoting heart health through the American Heart Association's Libraries with Heart initiative. Discusses rural heart health risk and highlights how the program has been implemented in Florida, Louisiana, and Arkansas.

VA 'Close to Me' Brings Cancer Care Closer to Rural Veterans

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs program in Tennessee increasing access to cancer care for rural veterans. Discusses increased cancer risk for veterans and the impact that travel can have on patients and their caregivers.

Louisiana Department of Health Taps UL Lafayette to Improve Rural Health Care

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0500

New funding has been awarded to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as part of the state's Rural Health Transformation Program funding. Projects include the use of artificial intelligence that allow healthcare providers to identify areas of unmet need across the state and in their communities, as well as funding academic programs that give nursing students clinical experience and create new workforce initiatives.

EPA: Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC); Notice of Public Meeting

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public meeting of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC) on September 11, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern. The agenda and instructions on how to register for the meeting will be posted on the FRRCC website. Registration is required.

Can Huntsville Recruit Doctors Fast Enough to Keep Up With Growth?

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Discusses physician workforce shortages both nationally and in one Alabama county. Describes the rural-specific impacts of the shortage and how an Alabama health system recruits to address area shortages.

Request for Information: Call for Evidence Needs for Patient-Centered Comparative Clinical Effectiveness Research

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute has issued a call for information on high-priority, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research needs to address gaps in evidence. Information is sought on areas that would improve health outcomes and includes a focus on comparisons of treatments, care delivery, or system-level strategies; addressing differences across groups or communities; healthcare challenges; or addressing varied settings. Submissions are being accepted until November 2, 2026.

Lumbee Tribal Chairman Announces Plan for Autonomous Health System

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Announces plans for the Lumbee River Health System, a new system aiming to join the Indian Health Service (IHS) in North Carolina. Describes how the system will work with partners for payment and identify areas of need to be addressed within the Lumbee Tribe.

ODMHSAS Launches "You Good?" 988 Campaign Ahead of Suicide Prevention Month

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Announces a new suicide prevention campaign in Oklahoma designed to reach certain groups with high rates of suicide including rural residents, tribal residents, older adults, veterans, and middle-aged men.

Researchers Work to Address Alzheimer's and Dementia in Rural Communities

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Discusses the work of 3 Minnesota-based researchers to address Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) in rural communities. Highlighted projects focus on tribal communities, overcoming barriers to exercise, and identifying innovative work in the ADRD space already happening in rural communities.

Automated Phone Counseling Program for Rural Areas Helps More than 30 Percent of Participants Meet National Exercise Guidelines

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Highlights recent research describing a successful automated phone counseling program aiming to increase physical activity among residents in 6 rural Alabama counties. Notes that increased exercise can positively impact rural health disparities.

HHS: Request for Information: Categories Used in Federal Vaccine Recommendations and the Role of Shared Clinical Decision-Making

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking comments on the adequacy of the categories currently used in federal vaccine recommendations: routine (universal) recommendations, risk-based recommendations, and recommendations based on shared clinical decision-making. HHS also seeks comments on the considerations that should be relied upon in setting vaccine recommendations. Comments are due by September 20, 2026.

Mississippi Study Examines Value of Food as Medicine, Invests in Local Farms

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Highlights a study in progress investigating the impact of a food as medicine program on health outcomes in the rural Mississippi Delta. Also discusses the way the study is positively impacting area farmers through investments in the local food production economy. Notes that preliminary study outcomes are positive, but full results will not be ready until the study concludes in 2027.

CDC: Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking comments on the extension of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for 2027. In addition, the CDC is interested in comments regarding a redesign of NHIS for 2028. The draft questionnaires for 2028 are available on the NHIS website. Comments are due by October 19, 2026.

Rural Pharmacist Discusses Vaccine Barriers

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Offers an interview with a community pharmacist discussing the role pharmacies play in overcoming healthcare and vaccine access challenges for rural communities.

Local Response Can Save Rural Farmers' Lives

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Discusses risks associated with farming, prevention measures, and how emergency medical services can save lives. Highlights how access to EMS can be challenging for rural areas and the importance of volunteers for maintaining services.

These Paramedics Do More than Emergency Calls. Idaho Wants More of Them. This Grant Could Help.

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes a community paramedicine program in Idaho and hopes to expand it using Rural Health Transformation Program funding. Discusses the role paramedics play in addressing chronic and non-urgent health conditions in areas with workforce shortages.

Human Side Of Ag Rural Healthcare and Mental Health Shape Agriculture's Future

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Summarizes a panel at an agricultural conference discussing farmer mental health. Discusses stigma, health insurance access, preventive care, healthcare access, and the impact of healthcare on rural communities.

Pa. Pediatricians Want to Help Improve Child Literacy Rates by 'Prescribing' Books at Health Visits

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes a book prescription program that is expanding across Pennsylvania, including into rural areas. The program includes a book at each checkup and aims to improve literacy, promote brain development, and build trust between pediatricians and families.

ACF: Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) proposing to rescind and replace the Head Start Program Performance Standards. Among other things, the proposed revisions intend to reduce Federal regulation and duplication; empower states, local programs, and families with greater authority and flexibility; advance the health and well-being of children and communities; and reinforce evidence-based standards for health, nutrition, and physical activity. Comments are due by October 6, 2026.

UM-Providence Partnership Targets Improving Healthcare for Rural Kids

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes a telehealth pilot program in Montana to address rural child abuse by connecting rural providers with training, resources, and referrals to medical providers who have specialized training in child abuse care. Discusses the lifelong health, wellness, and economic challenges that can be avoided through early intervention.

CDC: Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) seeking comments on a proposed information collection request titled "HIV Capacity Building Assistance (CBA) Program: Data Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation." The information collection will be used to determine the short- and long-term outcomes of the CDC HIV CBA program and provide feedback to support continuous quality improvement. Comments are due by October 5, 2026.

Future Healthcare Students Explore Rural Health Across Five Counties

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes the Rural Immersion Program, a program in Missouri offering healthcare students more information on the challenges associated with rural healthcare and wellness in Missouri.

Hospitals Can Close Rural Cancer Care Gaps Through New American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer Accreditation Category

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer has added a new accreditation category for rural hospitals with the goal of improving healthcare quality and outcomes for cancer patients. Notes that there are fewer accredited hospitals and less access to specialty care in rural areas.

Pay Attention to Farm Injury Risks Throughout the Year

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Highlights farm safety risks for both workers and non-working people such as children and other farm family members. Notes the economic impact of agricultural injuries.

Rural Community Campus Planned in Conway County to Expand Food Access, Digital Learning

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes a rural Arkansas community project that will offer community gardening, gathering space, and opportunities to improve digital literacy skills.

CDC: Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allowing an additional 30 days for comment on the April 21, 2026, notice regarding revisions to the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG). The NSFG is designed to collect nationally representative and scientifically credible data on factors related to birth and pregnancy rates, family formation and dissolution patterns, and reproductive health. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.

HHS: HHS Request for Comment on the Update to the National Plan To Address Alzheimer's Disease

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking comments to inform the future direction of federal efforts to accelerate scientific progress and improve support for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD) and their families. HHS asks for input on approaches to advance AD/ADRD research and development of new interventions to prevent and treat dementia, risk reduction strategies, early detection and diagnostic tools, and/or enhanced care, services, and supports for people living with dementia and their families, caregivers, and care partners. In addition, HHS seeks input on gaps, emerging priorities, and opportunities to strengthen coordination across federal, state, tribal, local, private sector, and community partners. Comments are due by August 15, 2026.

Rural at Heart: Making Golden Years Brighter

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes the American Heart Association's Rural at Heart Initiative, a cardiovascular health rural community education program aiming to reach older adults in senior centers. Discusses the culture of rural and tribal communities and how the program helps older adults who want to age in place.

Delta Health Center Brings Care Back to Rosedale With Rural Clinic

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Discusses a new healthcare clinic that opened in a rural Mississippi Delta community. Highlights the history of healthcare access in the area and the challenges the community faced when there was no clinic, particularly related to transportation to healthcare facilities in other communities. Discusses plans to expand services further in the future.

This Rural Pennsylvania Pediatric Clinic Is Reimagining Postpartum Care

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes a postpartum care initiative in a rural Pennsylvania town aiming to support new mothers and increase breastfeeding rates.