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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Population health

Jun 17, 2024 - Presents overview of health disparities and barriers to healthcare access in rural and tribal communities in South Dakota. Describes a variety of efforts to improve access and lessen disparities, including mobile clinics, programs that offer financial incentives to rural providers, and efforts to address the social determinants of health.
Source: South Dakota News Watch
Jun 14, 2024 - Call for nominations for a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Technical Expert Panel (TEP) for the expansion of both the Maternal Morbidity Structural Measure (MMSM) and the Birthing-Friendly Hospital Designation. Ideal TEP nominees include clinical experts, obstetrical/gynecologic department chairs, hospital administrators, perinatal quality improvement experts, health equity and birth justice experts, statistical and performance measurement experts, and consumer/patient/family caregiver experts. Nominations can be submitted until July 12th.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Jun 13, 2024 - Summarizes research finding mortality disparities for residents of Appalachian Kentucky with colorectal cancer compared to both the rest of the state and nationally. Describes potential factors contributing to the disparity including access to healthcare, lifestyle factors, and lack of education on colorectal cancer.
Source: UK Now
Jun 12, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) is seeking comments to guide the development of an educational campaign utilizing community health workers (CHWs) to increase the cultural and linguistic competency efforts related to public health vaccines. Includes background information and presents key questions. Comments are due by July 11, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 10, 2024 - The USDA Rural Housing Service is accepting applications for the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) for fiscal year 2024. RCDI provides funding for private, nonprofit, and public intermediary organizations to support housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas. Applications that will assist rural communities reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support, ensure rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development programs and benefits from Rural Development funded projects, and assist rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure are encouraged. Electronic applications are due by July 10, 2024, and paper applications must be received by July 15, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding: Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI)
Jun 6, 2024 - Notice from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) of a public meeting of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders on July 1-2, 2024. Agenda items include discussions on full and draft recommendations by the Commission's six Subcommittees on ways to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. The final location and agenda will be posted on the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders website. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
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
May 31, 2024 - Features a harm reduction program serving residents of Alaska's rural Kenai Peninsula. Explores strategies for making services, including syringe exchange and opioid-overdose treatment distribution, accessible to remote populations.
Source: Alaska Public Media, PBS, NPR
May 31, 2024 - Details federal efforts to respond to the H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle and mitigate risks to farmworkers. Highlights initiatives related to PPE distribution, safety guidance, treatment, education, and testing.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services