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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Maternal Health – News

News stories from the past 60 days.

May 12, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Heartland Forward, a nonprofit organization focused on driving economic growth and stronger communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. HHS and Heartland Forward will collaborate on initiatives to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and strengthen care before, during, and after pregnancy.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
May 12, 2026 - A 5-year grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration has enabled Pennsylvania to launch the 'Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures' maternal health strategic action plan, focusing on reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. Twenty-three rural counties in Pennsylvania do not have hospitals offering labor and delivery services.
Source: WVIA
May 11, 2026 - The Care Collaborative, a University of Kansas Health System patient safety organization, has launched a program to support maternity care in rural areas, by offering in-person instruction at emergency rooms across the state. In Kansas only about a third of rural hospitals still deliver babies.
Source: WAFB9
May 7, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) finalizing updates to the criteria for determining Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTAs), geographic areas within Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) that have a shortage of maternity care health professionals. This rule also summarizes and responds to comments received on the February 3, 2026, proposed rule. Updates to Maternity Care Health Professional Target Areas will be implemented beginning August 15, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
May 7, 2026 - In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is highlighting the importance of mental health among pregnant and postpartum women. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can be reached at 1-833-TLC-MAMA and offers free, confidential support 24/7 by call, text, and chat.
Source: Health Resources and Services Administration
Apr 17, 2026 - Notice from the Department of Defense (DOD) making corrections to the April 10, 2026, notice announcing the extension of the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD) through December 31, 2031. This correction is effective April 17, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 10, 2026 - Notice from the Department of Defense (DOD) announcing the extension of the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD) by five years, through December 31, 2031. The purpose of CBSD is to evaluate the cost, quality of care, and impact of covering the services of doulas and lactation consultants or counselors not otherwise authorized by TRICARE on maternal and fetal outcomes. This notice also seeks comments on CBSD and its potential integration into the TRICARE Basic benefit. Comments are due by May 11, 2026.
Source: Federal Register