RHIhub This Week - June 17, 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.
Upcoming Webinar
Transforming Rural Health: RHTP and Value-Based PaymentJoin us on Monday, June 22nd, at 12:00 p.m. Central to hear a speaker from the Rural Health Value provide an overview of Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) activities linked to value-based payment arrangements in rural communities. Register today! |
Recently Added to the Online Library |
Jun 15, 2026 -- Partnership for Quality Measurement is seeking comments on a draft edition of E&M Guidebook Version 4.0. Comments are due July 5, 2026. Source: Partnership for Quality Measurement CDC Activates Emergency Operations Center for New World Screwworm Response Jun 12, 2026 -- Announces that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have activated a level 3 emergency response for the recently detected New World Screwworm infections in Texas and New Mexico. Notes that humans working with livestock are at risk, though the current risk to the public remains low. Offers guidance to healthcare providers who suspect a potential human infestation. Source: CDC Newsroom Mayo Clinic Advances AI-Enabled Rural Healthcare Delivery with ARPA-H PARADIGM Program Funding Jun 12, 2026 -- Describes how the Mayo Clinic is using artificial intelligence (AI) to increase access to phlebotomy and other healthcare services for rural communities. Source: Mayo Clinic News Network CMS Takes Bold New Approach to Stewarding Medicaid Demonstration Project Spending Jun 11, 2026 -- Describes a planned notice of proposed rulemaking regarding budget neutrality standards for Medicaid section 1115 demonstrations. The new standard is expected to be in effect on or after January 1, 2027. States with demonstrations up for renewal in 2027 may be required to take additional steps in the renewal process. More information will be released in future rulemaking. Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Newsroom Ohio University Researchers Expand Opioid Use Disorder Treatment with Nearly $4 Million NIH Grant to Improve Rural Primary Care Access Jun 10, 2026 -- Announces funding for a study that will scale up a pilot project increasing access to opioid use disorder treatment in primary care across Ohio and West Virginia. Rural providers will have access to a mentor-based prescribing model. Also discusses how students have been involved with the research process. Source: OHIO Today Federal RegisterHHS: Announcement of Solicitation of Written Comments on Proposed Healthy People 2030 Objectives and Request for Information on Screen Time To Inform Healthy PeopleJun 16, 2026 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking comments on three new objectives proposed to be added to Healthy People 2030. Objectives cover access to mental healthcare, childhood development, and referrals to non-clinical activities. HHS also seeks comments on proposals to refine or expand two existing objectives related to screen time throughout childhood and adolescence. Comments are due by July 16, 2026. Source: Federal Register HRSA: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection: Public Comment Request; Information Collection Request Title: 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Application, Implementation, and Evaluation, OMB Number 0906-NEW Jun 15, 2026 -- Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on a proposed information collection request (ICR) titled "340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Application, Implementation, and Evaluation, OMB No. 0906-NEW." HRSA's Office of Pharmacy Affairs (OPA) intends to introduce a revised 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program (Pilot) as a mechanism for qualifying drug manufacturers, who wish to participate, to effectuate the 340B ceiling price on a limited set of drugs sold to covered entities using rebates. This ICR includes the collection of proposed rebate model plans from qualifying drug manufacturers, the ongoing collection of sales data from drug manufacturers to allow OPA to monitor implementation of the Pilot and enhance 340B program integrity and compliance monitoring, and the collection of data submitted by covered entities to manufacturers to request a rebate under a potential Pilot. Comments are due by July 15, 2026. Source: Federal Register HHS: Solicitation of Nominations for Membership on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS Jun 11, 2026 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking nominations for membership on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA). PACHA was established to provide advice, information, and recommendations to the Secretary regarding programs, policies, and research to promote effective treatment, prevention and cure of HIV and AIDS, including considering common comorbidities, as needed to promote effective HIV diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and quality care services. Nominations are due within 30 days of this notice. Source: Federal Register |
Funding to improve the quality of care for children and youth with autism and other developmental disabilities (DD) by training health and related professionals to screen, diagnose, and provide services for them across the lifespan. Meeting the needs of rural populations is part of the program strategies. Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. territories Application Deadline: Jul 10, 2026 Sponsors: Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Leadership, Education, and Advancement in Undergraduate Pathways (LEAP) Training Program Grants to establish pathway programs that aim to expand the maternal and child health (MCH) workforce. These programs increase access to healthcare and public health services for MCH populations, including in rural communities. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Jul 10, 2026 Sponsors: Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Institutional Research Training Grant (NRSA) Funding to support the training of postdoctoral researchers in biomedical, behavioral, and health services research advancing scientific knowledge in primary care. Rural communities and populations with limited access to care and services are a research area priority. Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. Territories Application Deadline: Jul 10, 2026 Sponsors: Bureau of Health Workforce, Health Resources and Services Administration, National Institutes of Health Emerging Issues in Childhood Agricultural Health Grants Grants to test, implement, or recommend strategies that are likely to identify causes, effects, and prevention interventions in response to emerging health and safety concerns of children working on, living in, or visiting agricultural environments. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Letter of Intent (Required): Jul 13, 2026 Application Deadline: Aug 17, 2026 Sponsor: National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment Program Grants to implement the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model for children, adolescents, and adults in primary care and community health settings with a focus on screening for underage drinking, opioid use, and other substance use. Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. Territories Application Deadline: Jul 13, 2026 Sponsors: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Tribal Behavioral Health Substance Use Prevention Funding to prevent and reduce substance use and overdose among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth and young adults through age 24 by building community-driven prevention systems, services, and partnerships. Projects should use evidence-based and locally tailored strategies designed to strengthen protective factors, reduce risk factors, and build sustainable prevention capacity. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Jul 13, 2026 Sponsors: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program Funding for transitional housing and support services for victims who are homeless or in need of transitional housing or other housing assistance as a result of a situation of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Rural communities are a program priority. Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. Territories Application Deadline: Jul 14, 2026 Sponsors: Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice Behavioral Health Mobile Crisis Team Partnerships (MCTP) Funding to establish new, or enhance existing, mobile crisis teams that serve children, youth, and adults experiencing mental health or substance use disorder crises. Focuses on expanding behavioral health crisis response capacity and the development of structured partnerships that reduce reliance on law enforcement and emergency departments for behavioral health crises. Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. territories Application Deadline: Jul 15, 2026 Sponsors: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Circles of Care for American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) Funding for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) organizations to plan and design a family-driven, community-based, and youth-guided system of care. Recipients are expected to strengthen tribal capacity to promote the mental health and well-being of AI/AN children, youth, young adults, and their families. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Jul 15, 2026 Sponsors: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Strategic Prevention Framework - Partnerships for Success for Communities and Tribes Funding to use the SAMHSA Strategic Prevention Framework to expand and strengthen the capacity of local community substance abuse prevention providers to implement evidence-based prevention programs. Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. territories Application Deadline: Jul 15, 2026 Sponsors: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Building Communities of Recovery Grants to support organizations in mobilizing and connecting community resources to increase access to long-term recovery support for people with substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring substance use and mental disorders. Rural populations are a priority. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Jul 16, 2026 Sponsors: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Rural Emergency Medical Services Training Grant (R-EMS) Grants to recruit and train emergency medical services personnel in rural areas with a focus on addressing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. territories Application Deadline: Jul 16, 2026 Sponsors: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Tribal Behavioral Health: Suicide Prevention Grants for projects designed to prevent suicide, suicide attempts, and deaths by suicide among American Indian/Alaska Native young people up to the age of 24. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Jul 16, 2026 Sponsors: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Tribal Opioid Response Grants Grants to address the overdose crisis in Tribal communities by increasing access to FDA-approved medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder (MOUD), and supporting the continuum of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services for opioid use disorder (OUD) and co-occurring substance use disorders, and stimulant misuse and use disorders, including those involving cocaine and methamphetamine. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Jul 16, 2026 Sponsors: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Delta Rural Integrated Health Network Program Funding to improve healthcare delivery in the Delta region by supporting the development of integrated health networks among rural hospitals, primary care clinics, behavioral health providers, and other essential healthcare organizations. Geographic coverage: 255 counties and parishes across 8 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee Application Deadline: Jul 17, 2026 Sponsors: Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Regional Public Health Training Centers Program Grants to support Public Health Training Centers that offer student traineeships, field placements, technical assistance, and targeted training designed to increase and strengthen the supply of a high-quality public health workforce professionals for rural and medically vulnerable communities. Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. Territories Application Deadline: Jul 17, 2026 Sponsors: Bureau of Health Workforce, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program Funding for state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies to implement new or enhance existing programs that offer training and services to support officers' emotional and mental health, including counseling programs, peer mentoring, suicide prevention, stress reduction, and police officer family services. The program intends to increase grant funding accessibility for small and understaffed departments, especially those in rural communities, to implement mental health and wellness programs. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Jul 30, 2026 Sponsor: U.S. Department of Justice Mine Health and Safety Grants Grants to prevent fatalities, disease, and injury from mining and secure safe and healthy working conditions for miners through laws, regulations, safety improvements, education, and training. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Aug 10, 2026 Sponsors: Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program (TSASP) Funding for tribes and tribal organizations to develop, maintain, and expand sustainable sexual assault services within Indian country and Alaska Native villages. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Sep 1, 2026 Sponsors: Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice |
Explores how high-performing community health centers (CHCs) implement behavioral health integration as well as the policy and financing factors that influence these efforts. Summarizes interviews with leaders from 10 CHCs and six experts on Medicaid, payment reform, and community-based care. Discusses the state of behavioral health integration in CHCs nationwide and the impact of integration across patient populations. Offers policy recommendations to strengthen and sustain behavioral health integration within CHCs. Sponsoring organizations: Commonwealth Fund, National Association of Community Health Centers Date: 06/2026 Boosting Oral Health Care in Rural Communities Provides a brief overview of the state of oral healthcare in rural areas. Highlights state and federal actions taken to improve access to oral healthcare and support and expand the dental health workforce. Sponsoring organization: National Conference of State Legislatures Date: 04/2026 CDC Office of Rural Health Fact Sheet Details the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office of Rural Health's (ORH) strategies and initiatives to support rural public health, including discussion of the ORH's federal partnerships, provision of funding, workforce training, and strategic plan. Sponsoring organization: CDC Office of Rural Health Date: 06/2026 Connection for a Cure: How Broadband Access Supports Telehealth Use Describes broadband access, the impact it has on telehealth utilization, and the impact of telehealth on health outcomes. Highlights various state and federal policy measures addressing broadband and telehealth access, the Rural Health Transformation Program, reimbursement, cross-state licensure flexibility, teleprescribing, and emergency medical services. Sponsoring organization: National Conference of State Legislatures Date: 06/2026 Coordinating Federal Strategies to Strengthen Rural Health Webinar recording discussing federal agencies' priorities, initiatives, and insights from speakers at the Centers from Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Includes discussion of the Rural Health Transformation Program and other opportunities for states and organizations with an interest in rural health to benefit from federal rural health investments, collaboration, and programs. Requires free registration to view. Sponsoring organization: ICF Date: 06/2026 The Costs of Cancer in Rural Communities Explores the health and financial impacts cancer has on individuals in rural communities. Includes information and data related to health insurance, income levels, and how cost is connected to healthcare access and deferred treatment. Sponsoring organization: American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Date: 05/2026 Factors Influencing Rural Hospitals to Participate and Remain in Accountable Care Organizations Examines factors that impact rural hospital participation in Medicare and accountable care organization (ACO) models. Utilizes interview feedback from rural hospital executives regarding ACO participation and discusses themes such as financial incentives, value-based reimbursement, population health, healthcare quality, and more. Author(s): Emily J. Lawton, Jenah McCarty, Thomas E. Vaughn, Fred Ullrich, Keith J. Mueller Location: Journal of Rural Health, 42(2), e70179 Date: 06/2026 Federal Regional Commissions and Authorities (FRCAs): Health-Related Programs Provides an overview of congressionally authorized federal regional commissions and authorities (FRCAs), state-federal partnerships that use federal funds for economic development grants and related activities. Discusses the relationship between health and economic development. Describes examples of FRCA health-related grant programs and activities, such as healthcare facility development and equipment, workforce development, business technical assistance, and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Summarizes recent legislation and policy proposals regarding FRCAs and health, as well as considerations for Congress. Sponsoring organization: Congressional Research Service Date: 06/2026 Four Northwoods Towns Unite to Rebuild EMS — and Cut Response Times in Half Discusses emergency medical service (EMS) access in rural Vilas County, Wisconsin. Includes a video about the service sharing agreement reached by 4 towns to provide EMS with full-time paramedics and EMTs. Sponsoring organization: University of Wisconsin-Madison Highlights from 2026 U.S. Cancer Statistics Highlights age-adjusted data on cancer incidence using U.S. Cancer Statistics data. Includes rural-urban comparisons, including rural and urban cancer incidence breakdowns by demographic group. Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Date: 06/2026 Hospital Closures Increase Emergency Care Travel Time: Rural-Urban Disparities Examines the relationship between travel time to emergency care and hospital closures. Utilizes data from 2012-2023 hospital closures in Texas and analyzes 6,883 census tracts according to travel time to the nearest and second nearest emergency department (ED), with additional breakdowns by population characteristics and geographic categories of metro, micro, small town, or rural. Author(s): Huiwen Zheng, Scott Horel, Christine Crudo Blackburn Location: INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing, 63 Date: 06/2026 How a Father-Daughter Team is Strengthening Rural Maternity Care A podcast episode that shares the story of two physicians, father and daughter, who provide maternal healthcare in rural Wisconsin. Discusses community-based care, family, and the connected nature of healthcare in rural communities. Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association Date: 06/2026 How Has Insurer Participation in the ACA Marketplaces Changed in 2026? Presents data on health insurer participation in the ACA Marketplace, including the average number of ACA Marketplace insurers by state between 2014 and 2026. Includes interactive maps displaying state- and county-level data on the number of participating Marketplace insurers in 2026 and the change in the number of insurers between 2025 and 2026. Sponsoring organization: KFF Date: 06/2026 Local Facilitators Lead the Way in Stigma Reduction Discusses how rural community members have led Community Conversations on Opioid Use Disorder workshops addressing substance use disorder stigma via training from the UR Medicine Recovery Center for Excellence. Highlights impacts of the Community Conversations series and strategies for effective training and collaboration. Sponsoring organization: University of Rochester Medicine Recovery Center of Excellence Date: 06/2026 Marriage and Family Therapist and Mental Health Counselor Workforces in Rural America Under New Medicare Reimbursement Policy Describes how Medicare reimbursement expanded to cover marriage and family therapists (MFTs) and mental health counselors (MHCs) in January 2024. Examines the change in Medicare-enrolled MFTs and MHCs between the third quarter (Q3) of 2023 and fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024. Presents findings from semi-structured interviews with rural health system and mental health organization leaders regarding practice arrangements, the perceived impacts of MFT and MHC reimbursement, barriers to serving rural Medicare beneficiaries, and considerations for future policies. Sponsoring organization: WWAMI Rural Health Research Center Date: 06/2026 MedPAC Report to the Congress: Medicare and the Health Care Delivery System, June 2026 Evaluates Medicare payment issues and provides recommendations to the U.S. Congress. Covers payment incentives in Medicare, the complexity of Medicare enrollment decisions for beneficiaries, Medicare payment operations and their role in identifying improper payments, the estimated association between Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollment and hospitals' and post-acute care providers' finances, and access to hospice and certain complex palliative services for beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease or cancer. Includes a mandated report regarding the Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System. Includes rural references throughout. Additional links: Executive Summary Sponsoring organization: Medicare Payment Advisory Commission Date: 06/2026 Report to Congress on Medicaid and CHIP, June 2026 Semi-annual report to Congress from the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC). Covers recommendations related to community engagement (CE) requirements in Medicaid, automation in prior authorization, Medicaid managed care accountability, appropriate access to residential treatment services for Medicaid-enrolled youth, transitions to adult Medicaid coverage for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN), the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), and provider enrollment and credentialing in Medicaid. Includes rural references throughout. Sponsoring organization: Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission Date: 06/2026 Supporting Rural Older Adults in Home and Community-Based Settings: Perspectives from Area Agencies on Aging Explores the needs of older adults living in rural communities who are homebound. Presents findings and themes from a July 2025 listening session with representatives from rural-serving Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) from five states regarding challenges serving rural older adults who are homebound. Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center Date: 06/2026 Uneven Ground: Local Public Funding Gaps Between Rural and Nonrural America Reports on differences in public investment via local government in rural and urban communities, discussing factors including revenue gaps, people-based and place-based spending, persistent poverty, federal and state intergovernmental funding availability, and more. Details health and quality of life implications throughout. Free to download with contact information. Additional links: Download Report Sponsoring organization: Center on Rural Innovation Date: 05/2026 |
Deadline: Jun 30, 2026 Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance Event Dates: Oct 8 - 9, 2026 Worthington, MN Conference Website |
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