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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare needs and services

May 7, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) finalizing updates to the criteria for determining Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTAs), geographic areas within Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) that have a shortage of maternity care health professionals. This rule also summarizes and responds to comments received on the February 3, 2026, proposed rule. Updates to Maternity Care Health Professional Target Areas will be implemented beginning August 15, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
May 7, 2026 - In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is highlighting the importance mental health among pregnant and postpartum women. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can be reached at 1-833-TLC-MAMA and offers free, confidential support 24/7 by call, text, and chat.
Source: Health Resources and Services Administraion
May 6, 2026 - The American College of Surgeons has created or participated in programs and courses to help surgical teams eliminate disparities in care for underserved and rural communities. These include the Rural Trauma Team Development Course, the Prehospital Blood Transfusion Coalition, and the Emergency Medical Services for Children program.
Source: American College of Surgeons
May 6, 2026 - Lackey Memorial Hospital in Scott County, Mississippi will soon apply for Rural Health Transformation Program funds, to modernize technology in medical record keeping and surgical operations. The state has received almost $206 million for the first year of the program.
Source: WLBT
May 5, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) seeking comments on an information collection request titled "Message Testing for Tobacco Communication Activities (MTTCA)." MTTCA is designed to collect information about adult smokers' and nonsmokers' attitudes and perceptions towards tobacco, and to pretest draft messages and materials for clarity, salience, appeal, and persuasiveness. Comments are due July 6, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
May 5, 2026 - According to research done for the Appalachian Regional Commission, deaths associated with drug overdoses, alcohol, and suicide have been declining, but Appalachian deaths of despair remain 33% higher than those in the rest of the U.S. People born between 1981-1999 are among those most affected by deaths of despair.
Source: The Daily Yonder
May 4, 2026 - Several Oklahoma rural hospitals have created or expanded swing bed programs, which allow hospitals to use inpatient beds for post-acute care. The additional revenue stream helps facilities remain viable and avoid closure, and allows patients to receive follow-up care locally.
Source: Oklahoma Watch
May 4, 2026 - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking comments on a proposed information collection project titled "National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) 2027-2029." Information collected through the NYTS is used to identify trends in youth tobacco use over time, and to inform the development of public education campaigns, policies and rules, and compliance and enforcement programs for tobacco products. Comments are due by July 6, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
May 4, 2026 - Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the application process is underway for $209 million in funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program. Initial awards will be centered on the Telehealth, Health‑Monitoring, and Response Innovation for Vital Expansion (THRIVE) initiative, which will modernize rural healthcare delivery through telehealth, emergency medical response systems, and remote patient monitoring technologies.
Source: Office of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders
May 1, 2026 - Highlights 3 graduates of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine practicing comprehensive dentistry in rural Nevada and Texas.
Source: UNLV News Center