Texas News
News stories from the past 60 days.
Jul 17, 2024 - Provides an overview of the mental health workforce shortage in Texas, with data on various provider types. Notes that shortages are particularly acute in rural counties, some of which have no providers. Reviews efforts by state lawmakers to address the issue, including loan repayment programs and increased Medicaid reimbursement for mental health services.
Source: The Texas Tribune
Jul 12, 2024 - Announcement of a public health emergency beginning July 5, 2024 from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) related to Hurricane Beryl in Texas. Offers information and resources for those impacted and responding to the hurricane including CMS waivers, healthcare enrollment, a disaster toolkit, dialysis care, and medical equipment and supplies replacement.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Jul 5, 2024 - Texas's non-congregate summer food program allows students to take free meals to go, instead of eating on site. The initiative is similar to feeding solutions developed by school districts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: San Antonio Report
Jul 3, 2024 - Discusses health-related challenges in Bastrop County, Texas, a Health Professional Shortage Area for primary care, dental care, and mental health care. The county has a high percentage of uninsured people, few transportation options in rural areas, and a lack of maternal health services.
Source: Community Impact
Jun 28, 2024 - Profiles the community paramedicine program launched by the local emergency medical services department in Terlingua, a small town in rural west Texas. The Terlingua program is being funded as part of a $5 million U.S. Department of Agriculture rural development grant, with no guarantees for long-term funding.
Source: Marketplace
Jun 27, 2024 - Approximately 12% of people in Texas live in counties without a hazard mitigation plan, many of which are rural. Communities lacking plans are ineligible for federal disaster preparation funding, further widening the gap in infrastructure development between urban and rural communities.
Source: The Texas Tribune
Jun 21, 2024 - Announces the 2024 Rural Health Hackathon, a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services event of collaborative sessions aiming to identify innovative solutions for rural health challenges, particularly access to care, care delivery, and workforce. 3 in-person events are scheduled for August in Montana, Texas, and North Carolina in addition to a virtual idea submission process. Those interested in attending in-person should apply by July 12th. Healthcare providers are encouraged to apply. Those unable to attend in person are encouraged to submit concepts during the virtual submission process. Details for that process will be shared at a later date.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Jun 21, 2024 - Highlights the efforts of a volunteer expert in mapping broadband needs in a rural Texas community. Notes the impact of prioritizing broadband in high-need areas for community engagement, economics, healthcare access, and more.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Jun 19, 2024 - Highlights a project led by the City of Quitman, Texas to create a 54-bed dementia care facility. Describes efforts to secure funding for the proposed facility, which is designed after a European model that prioritizes resident independence.
Source: The Texas Tribune
Jun 17, 2024 - Discusses the impact of Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas on primary care in Texas. Discusses a collaborative care model of healthcare that includes behavioral health screenings in primary care appointments. Highlights a successful statewide network for improving youth psychiatric care. Notes the challenges specific to rural residents.
Source: The Texas Tribune
Last Updated: 7/17/2024