Rural Health & Human Services News by Topic: Tribal communities - Rural Health Information Hub

'You Are Never Alone' | How One Tribe Is Fighting Youth Suicide With Culture and Crisis Response

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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.

White Earth Nation First Minnesota Tribe to Receive National Accreditation for Health Care

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Announces the White Earth Nation's healthcare system has received national accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board. They are the first tribal nation in Minnesota to receive this accreditation. Describes the benefits of being accredited.

Food Solutions in Rural Areas Focus on Community Building

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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.

Cortez Masto, Rounds Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Health Outcomes for Tribal Communities

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Announces bipartisan legislation to elevate the Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS) to the Assistant Secretary for Indian Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The change would allow for greater authority in recruiting and retaining IHS workforce.

Indian Health Service Launches Largest Hiring Effort in Agency History

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Announces hiring plans for the Indian Health Service (IHS), noting that filling vacancies in rural and remote locations has the highest priority. Includes information on how to apply for current and future positions.

IHS: Reimbursement Rates for Calendar Year 2026

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Notice from the Indian Health Service (IHS) announcing the calendar year 2026 reimbursement rates for inpatient and outpatient medical care provided by IHS facilities to Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal program beneficiaries. The updated rates apply to all qualifying services provided on or after January 1, 2026.

Choctaw Nation Launches Drone Program To Enhance Rural Health Care

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

The Choctaw Nation is using a $2 million Department of Transportation grant to develop a drone program designed to improve health care delivery in rural areas. Airborne drones and a "drone dog" can make quick deliveries and provide critical services in remote regions.

HHS: Tribal Consultation on Proposed Modifications to the HIPAA Privacy Rule

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Pre-publication notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announcing a virtual tribal consultation on the January 21, 2021, notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) titled "Proposed Modifications to the HIPAA Privacy Rule To Support, and Remove Barriers to, Coordinated Care and Individual Engagement." The NPRM intends to strengthen individuals' rights to access their own protected health information, improve care coordination, and reduce administrative burdens on HIPAA covered health care providers and health plans, while continuing to protect individuals' health information privacy interests. The tribal consultation will be held on February 6, 2026, from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern. Registration is required.

How Academic-Tribal Teams Cut Cancer Risks in Native American Communities

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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.

National Native Helpline for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault to Open Alaska-Specific Service

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Describes the work being done to launch an Alaska-specific service for a national helpline for Native people experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault. Notes that rurality and high rates of intimate partner violence in the state make the service needed.

VA: Funding Opportunity Under Supportive Services for Veteran Families

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announces the availability of funds for grants under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. The purpose of the SSVF Program is to provide supportive services grants to private nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives who will coordinate or provide supportive services to very low-income Veteran families reside in or are scheduled to transition to permanent housing. For fiscal year 2027, the VA may award a renewal SSVF grant to existing grantees who received a grant award during FY 2026 to expand services to rural communities. Applications are due by February 19, 2026.