Rural Health
News by Topic: Emergency preparedness and response
Dec 16, 2024 - Describes the rise in homelessness in rural western North Carolina after many properties were destroyed by Hurricane Helene. Features a range of programs and organizations offering services and support to displaced individuals and families. Notes that housing shortages in some rural areas have exacerbated the challenges faced by displaced residents.
Source: North Carolina Health News
Dec 6, 2024 - Offers guidance to rural fire departments wanting to supplement their emergency response plans with non-firefighter trained support volunteers. Guidance includes planning for the health, safety, and nutrition needs of volunteers.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Dec 6, 2024 - Notice from the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) seeking comments on the risk component of the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) cooperative agreement funding formula to inform potential future changes. HPP is a cooperative agreement program that prepares the nation's healthcare delivery system to save lives during emergencies that exceed the day-to-day capacity of healthcare and emergency response systems. Comments are due by December 20, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 6, 2024 - Announces the start of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
(USDA) National Milk Testing Strategy in response to the
spread of avian influenza in dairy cattle. Describes the
implementation of a nationwide testing system to identify
infected herds and protect the health of farmers,
farmworkers, and the public. Notes the issuance of a new
Federal Order and outlines compliance requirements for
dairy industry stakeholders.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
CDC: Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review
Federal Register
Dec 3, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is allowing an additional 30 days for comments on a proposed revision to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for 2025-2027. BRFSS is a nationwide system of cross-sectional surveys that produces state-level information primarily on health risk behaviors, health conditions, and preventive health practices that are associated with chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and injury. Proposed revisions include the addition of questions on the following topics to questionnaires: heart attack and stroke, disaster/pandemic preparedness, veterans' health, and the use of newly available tobacco products. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 3, 2024 - Discusses the rural-specific challenges with cybersecurity for hospitals, noting that shortages in the cybersecurity workforce is acute in rural areas. Highlights a program through the University of Alabama at Birmingham to offer cybersecurity risk assessments for small Alabama hospitals at a reduced cost.
Source: WTVY
Nov 25, 2024 - Describes the work of clinicians deployed to rural
communities by the North Carolina Office of Emergency
Medical Services (NCEMS) in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
Discusses the challenges faced by providers staffing the
temporary sites, including flooded roads and limited
electricity. Notes the wide range of services that were
offered at the sites, from wound care to replacing
medications that were lost in the storm.
Source: North Carolina Health News
Nov 25, 2024 - Provides overview of data on bird flu spread in western states. Notes the possibility of numerous unreported cases among farmworkers due to a widespread lack of testing. Features varying perspectives on the testing of asymptomatic individuals and best practices for increasing testing among farmworkers.
Source: Idaho Capital Sun
Nov 21, 2024 - The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will hold a meeting of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council on December 11, 2024 from 1:00 pm Eastern. This meeting will be partially closed to the public, with the closure time of the meeting yet to be determined. Members of the public who register to participate virtually will be informed what portion of the meeting will be closed. Agenda items for the open portion of the meeting includes Disaster Response and Resiliency Report, the Promoting Infrastructural Health Report, and the Expanding Workforce Report.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 15, 2024 - Announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding new food assistance approved for nine Virginia counties impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. Notes that residents of nine Virginia counties, including rural areas, may now be eligible for food assistance through USDA's Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Includes additional information on eligibility and how to apply for assistance.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture