Rural Health
News by Topic: Emergency preparedness and response
Sep 3, 2026 - Highlights U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development programs available for disaster preparation, response, and recovery with focus a on their use in Illinois.
Source: USDA Rural Development Newsroom
Sep 1, 2026 - Hawaii has received $58 million in federal funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program to improve access to healthcare and strengthen services in rural and underserved communities. This includes $45 million for the University of Hawaii School of Medicine to administer workforce development programs and $13 million for the Hawaii Department of Health to acquire new ambulances and upgrade emergency communications systems.
Source: Kaua'i Now
Aug 26, 2026 - Describes a plan to use drone technology to support timely medical delivery in a rural Kansas community. Discusses the resources and labor that could be repurposed, particularly during emergency situations.
Source: KSNT
Aug 19, 2026 - Announces funding awarded for digital health modernization, cybersecurity, and enhanced interoperability in rural and underserved communities in South Dakota. The funding is part of the state's Rural Health Transformation Program allotment and comes in addition to other federal funding for increasing access to care and supporting the rural health workforce.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Aug 18, 2026 - Highlights research finding that recent flooding in rural Appalachia increased opioid overdose deaths due to the stress of the event, disrupted treatment, and weakened support systems in the aftermath. Discusses data trends following severe floods and how lessons learned from one destructive flood prepared providers for future flooding disasters.
Source: Medical Xpress
Aug 10, 2026 - Announces additional resources and flexibilities from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to assist with the ongoing public health emergency (PHE) in Washington beginning August 1, 2026 related to wildfires. Shares information and resources for those impacted and responding to the wildfires, including CMS waivers, a disaster toolkit, dialysis care, medical equipment and supplies replacement, access to Medicare Part D medications, and health information privacy and accessibility resources.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Jul 27, 2026 - Announces new proposed bipartisan legislation to protect rural hospitals from cyberattacks. The bill includes cybersecurity workforce development strategies, training for rural hospital staffs, and regular updates to Congress on implementation.
Source: Office of Representative Glenn Thompson
Jul 22, 2026 - Highlights the Rebuild the Bayou Housing Recovering Initiative, a program offering storm-fortifying housing development in south Louisiana communities impacted by hurricanes. Discusses the work of a local community foundation to support community resilience and response to weather emergencies.
Source: Rural LISC