RHIhub This Week - June 10, 2026
As an information clearinghouse on rural health issues, RHIhub provides access to a wide range of resources on relevant topics. Inclusion on RHIhub does not imply endorsement of, or agreement with, the contents by RHIhub or the Health Resources and Services Administration.
'Good Stewards': Rural Healthcare Experts Discuss Governance Board Best Practicesby Allee Mead Hospital and health center boards play an important role in the success of healthcare facilities. Rural CEOs and board members from Colorado, Missouri, North Dakota, and Oklahoma and experts from national organizations share the expectations of a hospital or health center board, orientation and ongoing education, as well as ways to improve board governance. |
Upcoming Webinar
Transforming Rural Health: RHTP and Value-Based PaymentJoin us on Monday, June 22nd, at 12:00 p.m. Central to hear Keith Mueller from Rural Health Value discuss Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) activities that link to value-based payment arrangements in rural communities and relevant resources, strategies, and models to support this work. Register to attend today! |
Recently Added to the Online Library |
Jun 9, 2026 -- Partnership for Quality Measurement is seeking comments in the Spring 2026 Endorsement and Maintenance cycle. Comments are due July 7, 2026. Source: Partnership for Quality Measurement How a Hospital Is Helping Solve a Hometown Housing Shortage Jun 8, 2026 -- Describes a rural hospital program aiming to improve workforce recruitment by increasing the community's affordable housing supply. Discusses program funding and community demographic shifts. Source: South Dakota News Watch Study: Access to Health Care for Rural Residents with Disabilities Severely Lacking in All Researched Areas Jun 8, 2026 -- Discusses the findings of a recent study highlighting barriers to healthcare access for rural people with disabilities. Includes an interview with the study author discussing the rural impact of a correlation between disability and Health Professional Shortage Areas. Source: Daily Yonder Wireline Competition Bureau Announces the Availability of Unused Funds to Fully Satisfy Demand for Rural Health Care Program Funding for Funding Year 2026 Jun 8, 2026 -- The Federal Communications Commission announces that unused Rural Health Care (RHC) Program funds may be carried forward for funding year 2026. Eligible RHC Program funding requests may be fully funded without prioritization. Source: Federal Communications Commission From Rural Clinics to Remote Recovery: How Telehealth Is Transforming American Healthcare Jun 7, 2026 -- Discusses telehealth as a method for improving rural healthcare access and expanding rural healthcare provider networks, noting the importance of sustainability and reliable broadband access when using telehealth. Describes work by the Health and Resource Services Administration (HRSA) to fund and develop best practices around telehealth. Source: Fed Gov Today Opportunities and Legal Considerations for Data Modernization Through the Rural Health Transformation Program Jun 4, 2026 -- Highlights data modernization programs in state Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) plans across the country. Discusses legal concerns related to patient privacy and artificial intelligence. Source: The Network for Public Health Law Federal RegisterHHS: Chronic Disease of AddictionJun 10, 2026 -- Notice of a request for information (RFI) from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding substance research, policy, and strategies to improve the prevention, treatment, recovery from mental illness and substance use. HHS seeks information from public, patients, people with lived experience of addiction and recovery, healthcare providers, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, policymakers and others on improvements to the programs and policies of the United States government and HHS that focus on substance use, including opioid and polysubstance use, prevention, treatment, and recovery as well as mental health treatment prevention, and recovery in all age groups. Includes specific questions and topics of interest to HHS. Comments are due by July 5, 2026. Source: Federal Register GAO: Request for Nominations for the Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC) Jun 8, 2026 -- The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is accepting nominations for the Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC). Committee members provide comments and recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) on physician payment models. Nominations are due July 13, 2026. EOP: Promoting Advanced Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Security Jun 5, 2026 -- Executive Order from the Office of the President regarding cybersecurity, the protection of critical infrastructure, and artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. Among other things, this Executive Order directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with directors of other appropriate agencies, to issue binding operational directives and other guidance to facilitate access to AI-enabled cybersecurity tools and services for federal agencies; state and local authorities; and operators of critical infrastructure, including rural hospitals, community banks, and local utilities. This order also establishes an AI cybersecurity clearinghouse, in voluntary coordination with the AI industry and critical infrastructure operators, to identify and remediate software vulnerabilities at scale. Source: Federal Register |
Scholarships for Doctor of Pharmacy degree students who are enrolled in a U.S. college or school of pharmacy. Awardees must demonstrate leadership, academic success, and a commitment to serving rural, Medically Underserved Areas, and/or Medically Underserved Populations. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Jul 6, 2026 Sponsors: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Walmart Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction Reimbursement Program Reimbursement funding to tribal governments exercising Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ) for covered crimes, which are assault of Tribal justice personnel; child violence; dating violence; domestic violence; obstruction of justice; sexual violence; sex trafficking; stalking; and violation of a protection order. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Jul 7, 2026 Sponsors: Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice Dental Faculty Loan Repayment Program Funding to increase the number of dental and dental hygiene faculty in the workforce by assisting training programs to attract and retain full-time faculty through loan repayment programs, including those that provide care to and meet the oral health needs of rural and medically vulnerable populations. Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. territories Application Deadline: Jul 8, 2026 Sponsors: Bureau of Health Workforce, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Nursing Workforce Development (NWD) Program Funding to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds in becoming nurses using evidence-based strategies to support nursing students from enrollment through graduation. The purpose is to expand and support a workforce to provide quality care to rural and other communities in need. Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. Territories Application Deadline: Jul 8, 2026 Sponsors: Bureau of Health Workforce, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Impact (RCORP – Impact) Grant to improve access to integrated, coordinated, and sustainable substance use disorder (SUD) services, including for opioid use disorder (OUD), in rural areas. Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. territories Application Deadline: Jul 8, 2026 Sponsors: Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Planning (RCORP – Planning) Grants to support planning and preparation activities to create a strong base for substance use disorder (SUD) and related services and build capacity to develop, implement, and sustain these services. The funding is designed to serve as a critical first step to creating SUD service systems that make care easy to access, strengthen the behavioral health workforce, gain strong community support, and prepare communities to deliver prevention, treatment, recovery, and other supportive services over the long term. Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. territories Application Deadline: Jul 8, 2026 Sponsors: Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Rural Residency Planning and Development Program Grants to expand access to healthcare in rural areas by developing new sustainable rural residency programs, including rural track programs (RTPs). The program will provide start-up funding to create accredited rural residency programs in a qualifying medical specialty. Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. territories Application Deadline: Jul 8, 2026 Sponsors: Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part C Capacity Development Grants Funding to assist eligible entities to strengthen their organizational infrastructure and to increase their capacity to develop, enhance, or expand access to high quality HIV primary healthcare services for low-income and rural communities. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Jul 8, 2026 Sponsors: Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Technology-Enabled Collaborative Learning Program Funding to evaluate, develop, and expand the use of technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models for healthcare providers and other professionals. The program is designed to improve retention of healthcare providers and increase access to healthcare services in rural areas, frontier areas, Health Professional Shortage Areas, Medically Underserved Areas, for Medically Underserved Populations, and for Native Americans. Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. Territories Application Deadline: Jul 8, 2026 Sponsors: Health Resources and Services Administration, Office for the Advancement of Telehealth, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Telehealth Nutrition Services Network Grant Program Funding to use telehealth networks to expand access to nutrition care in rural and medically underserved areas. Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. territories Application Deadline: Jul 8, 2026 Sponsors: Health Resources and Services Administration, Office for the Advancement of Telehealth Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) Funding for accredited schools of nursing to establish and/or operate a student loan fund. Grantees will loan money to students, and up to 85% of each loan may be forgiven upon completion of up to 4 years of full-time employment as a faculty member in an accredited school of nursing. Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. territories Application Deadline: Jul 10, 2026 Sponsors: Bureau of Health Workforce, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Rural Northern Border Region Network Planning Program Grants to support rural healthcare networks in the Northern Border Region to improve healthcare services and associated outcomes, achieve efficiencies, and strengthen the rural healthcare system. Geographic coverage: Eligible rural areas in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont Application Deadline: Jul 10, 2026 Sponsors: Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration, Northern Border Regional Commission, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part F Dental Reimbursement Program Funding designed to improve access to oral healthcare services for low income people with HIV, and to train dental students, dental hygiene students, and dental residents to deliver dental care to people with HIV. HRSA has a focus on those who are medically vulnerable or live in areas with limited access to care. Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. territories Application Deadline: Jul 10, 2026 Sponsors: Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services NADO Rural and Tribal Transportation Assistance Planning assistance, workshops, technical training, and fundraising assistance to build rural transportation organization capacity and to support existing programs and planned projects. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Applications accepted on an ongoing basis Sponsor: National Association of Development Organizations |
Report detailing the current state of the Medicare Hospital Insurance (HI) and Supplemental Medical Insurance (SMI) Trust Funds. Discusses Medicare expenditures as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and makes short and long-range sustainability projections based on variable economic, demographic, and healthcare trends. Also explains the actuarial methods used to calculate the estimates. Includes information on Medicare payment policy updates since the 2025 report. Additional links: Tables and Figures Sponsoring organization: Board of Trustees, Federal Hospital Insurance and Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Funds Date: 06/2026 Association Between Well-Being and Occupational Class in Small Businesses in the Rural United States Examines mental health, stress, productivity, and more across different occupational roles in the rural United States. Utilizes 2024 survey data from 1,910 employees and analyzes mental health according to blue-collar versus white-collar occupation, demographics, and mental health condition. Author(s): Laxmi D. Adhikari, Sampada Wagle, Bhagyashree Katare Location: Journal of Rural Health, 42(2), e70172 Date: 06/2026 Connected Communities for Healthy Aging Provides resources that strengthen community infrastructure, promote healthy aging, and improve connectivity in rural Minnesota. Includes a toolkit that supports rural communities in forming, transforming, and sustaining healthy aging infrastructure. Sponsoring organization: LeadingAge Minnesota Faith, Hope, and Therapy: A Qualitative Study to Explore Faith-Based Leaders' Perceptions of Mental Illness in the Rural South Examines the perceptions of faith leaders living in the rural South on mental illness, referrals to mental health professionals, and mental health stigma. Provides qualitative feedback from pastors and ministers regarding mental health and the role of the church, preparedness and training to address mental health, and the importance of relationships. Author(s): Shameka L. Cody, Shena Sanchez, Wanda M. Burton, et al. Location: Preventing Chronic Disease, 23 Date: 06/2026 Housing Affordability in the United States: Exploring Unaffordable Rent in 2024 Using State Health Compare Presents information on unaffordable rent in the United States in 2024 according to disability status, income, Medicaid enrollment, state, metro versus nonmetro location, and demographic variables. Sponsoring organization: State Health Access Data Assistance Center Date: 06/2026 Impact and Opportunities for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in Rural Communities Examines ways in which Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) are improving access to and quality of care in rural areas. Highlights opportunities and strategies for CCBHCs to fill service gaps in rural areas and to meet or exceed program requirements. Sponsoring organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Date: 06/2026 Implementing Measurement-Based Care in Virtual Mental Health Services for Rural Veterans: Provider Insights from a Pre-Implementation Evaluation Examines behavioral health provider perspectives on measurement-based care (MBC) implementation in rural and virtual Veterans Health Administration (VHA) settings in the South Central United States. Utilizes qualitative survey feedback from 46 providers on issues such as MBC use, benefits and drawbacks of MBC, and educational needs for successful MBC implementation. Author(s): Amanda Heeren, Kimberly McCoy, Lindsey Fuhrmeister, et al. Location: BMC Health Services Research, 26, 694 Date: 04/2026 Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services Rebalancing Is Concentrated in Large Urban Areas Compares rural and urban utilization of home and community-based services among Medicaid long-term services and supports users, using 2022 Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System data sourced through an ATI Advisory LTSS user dashboard. Analyzes rural-urban disparities in access by level of rurality and by state. Author(s): Emmaline Keesee, Laura M. Keohane Location: The Journal of the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association, 27(6), 106208 Date: 06/2026 Medicare Hospice: Action Needed to Pay More Efficiently for Routine Home Care Describes the frequency and characteristics of routine home care visits in 2024 for Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in hospice since 2022 who died or were discharged alive in 2024. Compares estimated per-visit Medicare payment rates for routine home care across hospices with the highest and lowest number of visits per week and to home health per-visit rates. Includes information on the average number of visits per week by rural and urban hospice providers. Offers recommendations to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding revisions to the hospice payment system. Additional links: Full Report Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office Date: 06/2026 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Quick Facts 2024 Provides statistics on motor vehicle crashes in 2022-2024, with breakdowns including fatalities, injuries, vehicle type, alcohol-impaired-driving, seat belt use, children, older population, and rural or urban location. Sponsoring organization: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Date: 06/2026 Rural Health Transformation Program: Opportunities for Philanthropy Discusses how philanthropic organizations can contribute to rural health in response to the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. Summarizes the RHT Program's strategic goals, state priorities, and implementing agencies, and provides recommendations to philanthropies in providing flexible funding alongside state agencies, convening stakeholders and providing feedback, and delivering technical assistance for state grantees and rural organizations. Sponsoring organization: Grantmakers in Health Date: 05/2026 Rural-Urban Disparities in Epilepsy Outcomes in the United States Examines rural and urban differences in epilepsy outcomes using 2016-2021 National Inpatient Sample data. Provides data on in-hospital mortality, treatments received, length of stay, and more. Author(s): Edward R. Bader, William S. Kemball-Cook, Joshua A. Benton, et al. Location: Neurology, 107(1), e218053 Date: 06/2026 |
Deadline: Jul 10, 2026 Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living Event Dates: Oct 23 - 25, 2026 Niagara Falls, NY Conference Website Call for Presentations: 2027 Annual Northwest Regional Rural Health Conference Deadline: Jul 31, 2026 Rural Health Clinic Association of Washington, Washington Rural Health Association, Washington State Office of Rural Health, WWAMI AHEC Programs Event Dates: Mar 23 - 25, 2027 Spokane, WA Conference Website |
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