Decimated by Hurricanes, Rural America Needs Our Help
Oct 11, 2018 - Opinion piece discussing the need for better and more proactive policies to protect vulnerable rural areas along the coast from inland flooding caused by hurricanes, with a focus on North Carolina.
Source: The New York Times
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USDA Announces Approval of D-SNAP for North Carolina Disaster Areas
Sep 25, 2018 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that North Carolina residents recovering from Hurricane Florence could be eligible for the USDA's Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) to meet their food needs as they recover from the disaster. Even residents who may not normally be eligible for the regular SNAP program may quality for D-SNAP.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
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Update on Health Centers In the Aftermath of Hurricane Florence
Sep 19, 2018 - Discusses the status of health centers located in North and South Carolina that have been impacted by Hurricane Florence. Provides links to resources available to assist health centers in the storm's aftermath.
Source: National Association of Community Health Centers
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USDA Partners to Improve Electric Infrastructure for More Than 347,000 Rural Americans Across 13 States
Sep 19, 2018 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $398.5 million through the Electric Infrastructure Loan Program to improve rural electric service in 13 states. This includes investments in smart grid technology to increase system efficiencies.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
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USDA Provides North Carolina Children Affected by Hurricane Florence with Access to Free Meals
Sep 19, 2018 - Announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that they will provide free school meals until October 26, 2018 through their National School Lunch Program to all students affected by the hurricane in North Carolina.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
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CMS Offers Broad Support for North Carolina and South Carolina with Hurricane Florence Preparation
Sep 13, 2018 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced efforts to ensure that hospitals and other facilities in North and South Carolina can continue operations and provide access to care despite the effects of Hurricane Florence by waiving certain Medicare, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) requirements. CMS has also created special enrollment opportunities for individuals to access healthcare and taken steps to ensure dialysis patients obtain critical life-saving services.
Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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As Hurricane Florence Approaches, the Rural Carolinas Brace For Impact
Sep 12, 2018 - Details concerns about emergency preparedness and response in North and South Carolina in the lead up to Hurricane Florence. Because rural areas tend to be home to older, sicker, and poorer people, and because of more limited transportation and broadband access, rural residents may be more severely impacted by this kind of storm.
Source: City Lab
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Guidance to 340B providers in North Carolina/South Carolina/US Virgin Islands: Public Health Emergency Declaration by the Secretary
Sep 12, 2018 - Announcement from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) that eligible entities in North Carolina, South Carolina, and the U.S. Virgin Islands may immediately enroll in the 340B Drug Pricing Program during the Public Health Emergency Declaration rather than waiting for the normal registration period.
Source: Health Resources and Services Administration
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How Hospitals Are Addressing the Needs of Underserved Children
Sep 4, 2018 - Highlights three hospitals from around the country that work to improve the health of underserved children, two of which are in rural areas. Winona Health in Minnesota holds Healthy Kids events to reduce childhood obesity through physical activity in play environments. FirstHealth in North Carolina has established three dental care centers to increase access to oral healthcare.
Source: American Hospital Association
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