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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Community Vitality and Rural Healthcare – News

News stories from the past 60 days.

Dec 4, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) is accepting applications for grants under the Rural Business Development Grant Program for fiscal year 2024. Applications that will help rural communities recover economically; ensure all rural residents have equitable access to USDA Rural Development (RD) programs and benefits from RD funded projects; and reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support are encouraged. Applications are due by February 28, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 16, 2023 - Highlights a panel discussion at the National Association of Counties, Rural Action Caucus Symposium in Greenbrier County, W.V. focused on rural challenges with workforce development, noting the impacts of limited broadband access, healthcare access, housing, and more.
Source: National Association of Counties
Nov 14, 2023 - Summarizes discussions at a Senate Committee on Indian Affairs field hearing in Alaska on the impacts of the salmon crisis. In addition to economic issues, the crisis contributes to poorer mental and physical health. Discusses cultural food practices and the connection between harvesting and health.
Source: Alaska Public Media
Nov 3, 2023 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) amending the September 14, 2023, notice inviting applications for loans and grants under the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) Programs for fiscal year 2024. This notice adds a third option to request Priority Points under the Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Justice category. USDA Rural Development will work with any applicants who have previously applied for FY 2024 funding to ensure they have the opportunity to utilize this option.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 3, 2023 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) amending the September 14, 2023, notice inviting applications for the Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) for fiscal year 2024. This notice adds a third option to request Priority Points under the Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Justice category. USDA Rural Development will work with any applicants who have previously applied for FY 2024 funding to ensure they have the opportunity to utilize this option.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 1, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Housing Service (RHS) Community Facilities Loan and Grant program will hold a virtual public listening session on November 7, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. The Community Facilities program is consolidating the existing regulations that govern Community Facility direct loans and grants and fire and rescue and other small community facilities projects, and is codifying the Tribal College Initiative and Economic Impact Initiative grant into one streamlined final rule. The listening session will serve as a forum to obtain stakeholder input on key proposed areas for changes and updates to the proposed consolidated Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant regulation. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 24, 2023 - Highlights an Iowan environmental health officer's efforts to test and treat private well water using government funding. States that these wells are at risk of contamination from nearby farms and industrial sites, putting well water users at risk of long-term health issues. Notes that potentially more than one-fifth of private wells are contaminated, but most are not required to receive regular testing.
Source: KFF Health News, USA Today

Last Updated: 12/4/2023