Community Vitality and Rural Healthcare – News

IDHW Director: Rural Health Grant May Be 'Economic Opportunity' for Small Communities

Jul 7, 2026 - Highlights non-healthcare industries in Idaho that may benefit from Rural Health Transformation Program funding. Discusses the promotion being done by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to promote funding opportunities to these industries.

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RHS: Notice of Recission of Funding Opportunity for the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) for Fiscal Year 2025 Federal Register

Jul 2, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service rescinding the July 8, 2025, notice announcing that RHS was accepting applications for the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) for fiscal year 2025. USDA Rural Development is currently updating the program's notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) to ensure it reflects existing guidance in addition to new policy and program priorities that have emerged since the original publication. Applications submitted under this NOFO will not advance further in the review process. Applicants will be required to submit a new application once a future RCDI NOFO is issued.

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What Texas Can Teach Us About the Crisis in Primary Care

Jul 2, 2026 - Describes primary care challenges in Texas and discusses how those challenges are reflected in primary care nationally. Challenges discussed include access to care, clinician administrative burden, workforce, and coordinating reform efforts. Notes that primary care in rural, frontier, and underserved regions of Texas support community stability and vitality. Highlights broad policy options for supporting primary care.

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RBCS: Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Intermediary Relending Program for Fiscal Year 2026 Federal Register

Jun 18, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service invites applications for the Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) for fiscal year 2026. IRP provides direct loans to intermediaries for the establishment of revolving loan programs that are then used to provide loans to ultimate recipients for business facilities and community developments in rural areas. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and compete for available funds on a quarterly basis. Future notices of funding availability for this program will be published on the program website, without notice in the Federal Register.

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In Focus: Hospitals Serve as Anchor Institutions in Rural Communities

May 31, 2026 - Describes the economic impact of hospitals on rural communities with a focus on Wisconsin. Discusses community engagement, workforce training, and rural livability as factors influencing the recruitment of healthcare workforce.

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RBCS: Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Rural Business Developmental Grants-Rural Transportation System for Fiscal Year 2026 Federal Register

May 26, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) invites applications for the Technical Assistance for passenger Rural Transportation systems under the Rural Business Developmental grant program for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Program guidance and application forms are available on USDA's website.

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