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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Wellness, health promotion, and disease prevention

Nov 8, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing the establishment of the CMS Health Equity Advisory Committee (HEAC) to advise and make recommendations to CMS on the identification and resolution of systemic barriers to accessing CMS programs that hinder the quality of care for beneficiaries and consumers. The Committee will focus on health disparities in underserved communities, which are populations sharing a particular characteristic or geography, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life. CMS is also requesting nominations for membership on the HEAC. Nominations are due by December 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 7, 2024 - Highlights a recently completed research study aiming to determine the benefits and challenges of using autonomous vehicles on rural roads. Discusses the potential impact of this technology on rural resident health and well-being.
Source: Ohio University
Nov 4, 2024 - Highlights dangerous and often fatal grain bin accidents in agricultural work. Discusses strategies to avoid incidents including a Midwest-focused prevention program by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Source: WNIJ, Harvest Public Media
Oct 31, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extending the comment period on the draft Hazard Review: Wildland Fire Smoke Exposure Among Farmworkers and Other Outdoor Workers. The purpose of the Hazard Review document is to provide an overview of the relevant health effects literature and present evidence-based recommendations to protect outdoor workers, including farm workers, construction workers, oil and gas workers, park rangers, emergency responders, and others, from the adverse health effects of occupational exposure to wildland fire smoke. Comments are now due by January 10, 2025. An informational webinar about the draft Hazard Review document will be held on December 3, 2024, at 1:00p.m. Eastern. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 30, 2024 - Arizona's Medicaid agency is funding new on-call OB-GYN providers for rural communities. The initiative is meant to increase access to care for people in maternity care deserts. Discusses challenges with recruiting healthcare providers to rural areas and the role of mental health in mortality for pregnant and postpartum women.
Source: Cronkite News
Oct 28, 2024 - Interviews Carrie Henning-Smith about aging in place and social connection, highlighting the challenges and benefits in rural communities. Discusses Minnesota-based programming on the topic, community involvement, and recent research.
Source: Next Avenue, The John A. Hartford Foundation
Oct 24, 2024 - Announces the release of a report sharing best practices, models, research, and policies related to rural age-friendly care. Highlights the partnership between the National Rural Health Association and The John A. Hartford Foundation in addressing age-friendly care for rural older adults.
Source: National Rural Health Association
Oct 24, 2024 - Highlights work by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture to stop the spread of H5N1 in California, Washington, and at a national level. Discusses efforts to safeguard human health, animal health, farming businesses, and the food supply.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Oct 22, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is seeking comments on a draft recommendation to update the HRSA-supported Women's Preventive Services Guidelines relating to screening and counseling for intimate partner and domestic violence, breast cancer screening for women at average risk, and patient navigation for breast and cervical cancer screening. These draft recommendations have been developed by the Women's Preventive Services Initiative (WPSI), through which clinicians, academics, and expert health professionals develop draft recommendations for HRSA's consideration. Comments are due by November 21, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 17, 2024 - Highlights drivers of stress for farmers in Ohio and the associated high suicide rate when compared to the general population. Discusses barriers to accessing mental healthcare and local initiatives to connect the agriculture community with resources.
Source: The Ohio Newsroom