Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare needs and services
Jun 6, 2024 - Highlights a shortage of psychiatrists and mental health services in rural north Florida. Discusses services offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which reaches rural populations through a variety of free online support groups. Explores additional efforts to increase access to services in rural areas, including the integration of mental health services into primary care and a nonprofit clinic network staffed by psychiatric nurse practitioners.
Source: WCTV
Jun 6, 2024 - Describes a program led by the Mercer University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta which aims to support expanded specialty care in rural Georgia hospitals. Highlights the impacts on a hospital in rural Wayne County, where the program has supported new equipment and educational offerings to strengthen pediatric services.
Source: WTOC
Jun 6, 2024 - Features the perspective of the leadership of Mississippi hospitals who participate in the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Program, which launched in January 2023. Notes that REH conversion has led to pushback from some communities due to the loss of maternal care and other inpatient services. Explores additional considerations for hospital leadership, including loss of eligibility for the 340B Drug Pricing Program.
Source: Stateline
Jun 6, 2024 - Provides overview of a new federal initiative, Communities Advancing Research Equity for Health, which aims to fund primary care research and support research access in rural and underserved communities. Notes that the first round of funding will be awarded to rural-serving organizations in fall 2024.
Source: National Institutes of Health
Jun 5, 2024 - Interview with South Dakota USDA Rural Development Director and the Executive Director of Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health. Describes the construction of a new behavioral health facility in Yankton, SD. Notes barriers to improved mental health among rural populations including stigma and lack of access to services.
Source: South Dakota Public Broadcasting
CMS: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Federal Register
Jun 4, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Examination and Treatment for Emergency Medical Conditions and Women in Labor (EMTALA) and 2) Rate Increase Disclosure and Review Requirements (45 CFR part 154). Comments are due by August 5, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 4, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical and typographical corrections to the May 2, 2024, proposed rule regarding changes to the hospital inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) for operating and capital-related costs of acute care hospitals for fiscal year 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 4, 2024 - Profiles patients and staff at a Rural Health Clinic in Elberton, Georgia. Describes ongoing challenges in accessing care such as lack of transportation, and highlights the growing need for mental health services.
Source: NPR
Jun 3, 2024 - Announcement from the Health Resources and Services Administration of $15 million awarded through the Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (Rural MOMS) Program, with a goal of improving maternal health in rural communities. Also notes an additional $7 million to be awarded over the next four years to the Delta Region Maternal Care Coordination Program, which is designed to improve access and coordination of maternal healthcare services in the Delta Region before, during, and after pregnancy.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Jun 1, 2024 - Highlights a report calling for increased involvement by
primary care doctors in addressing high rates of social
isolation and loneliness. Notes the significant health
impacts of social disconnection and features perspectives
from doctors on screening and referrals. Discusses the need for rural partnerships including healthcare, churches,
and community-based organizations.
Source: ABC News