Rural Healthcare Workforce – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
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
HRSA: Lists of Designated Primary Medical Care, Mental Health, and Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas
Federal Register
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 - 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 28, 2024 - Highlights how University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) graduates are filling gaps in the rural healthcare workforce throughout NC. Discusses scholarship programs for low-income students and the utilization of programs like the AmeriCorps MedServe fellowship.
Source: UNC Greensboro
Jun 21, 2024 - Announces the 2024 Rural Health Hackathon, a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services event of collaborative sessions aiming to identify innovative solutions for rural health challenges, particularly access to care, care delivery, and workforce. 3 in-person events are scheduled for August in Montana, Texas, and North Carolina in addition to a virtual idea submission process. Those interested in attending in-person should apply by July 12th. Healthcare providers are encouraged to apply. Those unable to attend in person are encouraged to submit concepts during the virtual submission process. Details for that process will be shared at a later date.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Jun 10, 2024 - Discusses the impact of affordable housing shortages on rural economies and workforce recruitment. Highlights a non-profit program in rural Missouri aiming to increase housing options in part by selling homes to schools and hospitals as an incentive to recruit workforce.
Source: The Beacon
Jun 5, 2024 - Applications are open for the Rural Nursing Recruitment & Retention Program, which provides eligible healthcare facilities with funds to incentivize nurses to work in rural Texas. Awarded facilities can give $15,000 to nurses who agree to work fulltime for at least three years.
Source: ValleyCentral.com
May 31, 2024 - Highlights a new federally-funded initiative designed to address dental workforce shortages in Maryland, affecting primarily low-income and rural areas. Outlines rural-related barriers to oral healthcare including lack of transportation to appointments.
Source: Maryland Matters
May 23, 2024 - Highlights the inaugural graduating class of the first medical school on a reservation. The school aims to reduce the shortage of both Indigenous physicians and rural physicians across the country. Discusses the incorporation of Cherokee culture and traditional medicine in the curriculum as well as Native American health disparities.
Source: PBS NewsHour
May 21, 2024 - Highlights the first graduating class of a Kansas physician assistant program. The program was started to address access to healthcare issues, noting that rural areas in particular struggle with access to care. Describes the role of a physician assistant and future plans of some of the graduates.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Last Updated: 7/2/2024