Rural Health
News by Topic: Community and economic development
May 6, 2024 - Highlights a Native-managed healthcare system part of the Navajo Nation in Arizona, discussing their expanded facility and services coming later this year. Discusses the impact of healthcare on local infrastructure, recruiting healthcare workforce, and rural community resilience.
Source: Cronkite News
May 2, 2024 - Provides overview of a new initiative to make grant funding more accessible to rural and tribal communities. Includes a call for input from rural and tribal stakeholders by May 31, 2024.
Source: USDA Rural Development
May 1, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) correcting the February 13, 2024, notice titled "Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) for the Strategic Economic and Community Development Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024." This notice clarifies that Community Facilities Grant Program funds will not be reserved for the Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) priority program in fiscal year 2024. This notice also clarifies that approved USDA Rural Partners Network (RPN) networks are considered multi-jurisdictional entities for purposes of SECD and that community and economic development plans created in association with an RPN network will be accepted as plans under SECD.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding:
Strategic Economic and Community Development Program
RBS, RHS, RUS: Update to Methodology and Formulas for Allocation of Loan and Grant Program Funds
Federal Register
May 1, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) updating the data it uses to determine a state's percentage of national nonmetropolitan unemployment income. This rule amends two regulations to correct the data source and provide transparency on its process of determining state funding allocations for various USDA programs. This rule is effective May 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 29, 2024 - Announces the investment of $144 million to support infrastructure and renewable energy projects in 56 rural and Tribal communities. Highlights project examples in Georgia, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico. Provides additional information on the Rural Partners Network (RPN), which helps rural communities access federal funding.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Apr 17, 2024 - Discusses the rise in mountain biking in rural areas, noting the impact on rural infrastructure, local economies, and emergency services. Highlights a health and wellness initiative in Navajo Nation.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Apr 10, 2024 - Discusses population trends for Amish communities based on the need for land and healthcare. Notes that some rare genetic diseases are present in Amish populations and discusses healthcare access challenges related to insurance status and transportation. Highlights an Ohio clinic primarily treating Amish patients.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Apr 8, 2024 - Discusses the mortality rate disparity between rural and urban residents following recent research showing the gap has widened to 43% in 2019 from 6% in 1999 for adults between 25 and 54. Offers analysis by experts on causes of this disparity including social vulnerability factors, community vitality, and insurance rates. Discusses the potential impact of COVID-19 on current mortality rates.
Source: CBS News, KFF Health News
Apr 5, 2024 - Highlights a project addressing agricultural work and healthy food systems in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. The project will focus on job opportunities in agriculture, farm-to-institution pathways for fresh food, and food insecurity in rural communities.
Source: WVU Today
FTA: Rural Areas Formula Grant Programs Guidance Proposed Circular
Federal Register
Apr 4, 2024 - Notice from the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announcing the availability of proposed guidance to assist recipients in their implementation of the Rural Areas Formula Program and the rural component of the Buses and Bus Facilities Program. Among other things, proposed changes include updating references to "Urbanized Area," a designation no longer used by the U.S. Census Bureau, to "Urban Area" as defined by the Secretary of Commerce. Comments are due by June 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register