Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Primary care

Jul 1, 2024 - Announces funding to support 42 programs aimed at improving care for older Americans, including people experiencing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The initiative integrates geriatric training into primary care and also provides families and caregivers of older adults with the knowledge and skills to help them support their loved ones.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Jul 1, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announces the availability of the complete lists of all geographic areas, population groups, and facilities designated as primary care, mental health, and/or dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). HPSA designations that are currently proposed for withdrawal will remain in this status until they are re-evaluated in preparation for the publication of the HPSA Federal Register notice on or before November 1, 2024. Lists are available on the shortage areas topic page on data.hrsa.gov and are current as of April 15, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 28, 2024 - The American Public Health Association is seeking submissions of articles focused on partnerships and collaborations between public health and primary care to be featured in a special issue of the American Journal of Public Health. Includes details on themes of interest, including a request for submissions focused on approaches that increase access to primary care in rural and hard-to-reach settings. Submissions are due November 1, 2024.
Source: American Public Health Association
Jun 28, 2024 - Explores the Three Sisters Rural Track Program, which is a three-year family medicine program serving Central Oregon. Details the program's efforts to locate graduates from Oregon Health & Science University into residency positions at rural hospitals in Central Oregon with the aim of increasing rural physician retention.
Source: MyCentralOregon.com
Jun 11, 2024 - Outlines factors contributing to a shortage of primary care physicians in rural Idaho, including medical debt. Provides overview of the Rural Physician Incentive Program (RPIP), which offers loan repayment over the course of four years for physicians practicing in rural communities. Notes that 114 physicians have participated in the program since 2013, with 91% continuing to practice in a rural community after program conclusion.
Source: Idaho Capital Sun
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
Related funding: Integrating Clinical Research into Primary Care Settings through Network Research Hubs - A Pilot (OT2)
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 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 15, 2024 - Announcement of public meetings of the Advisory Committee on Training and Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry (ACTPCMD) to take place throughout the 2024 calendar year. Meetings will be held on August 1-2, 2024, and at a later date that will be announced at least 30 days in advance. Information on how to join the meetings, agenda items, and other updates will be posted on the ACTPCMD website.
Source: Federal Register