Healthcare Access in Rural Communities – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
Jun 29, 2024 - Describes Snohomish County, Washington's "community conversations" program, providing information about opioid use misconceptions and stigma. The events are part of Snohomish County's efforts to address racial, income and geographic barriers in behavioral health care.
Source: HeraldNet
Jun 28, 2024 - Washington Senator Maria Cantwell cosponsored legislation aiming to increase rural hospitals' reimbursements through Medicaid, in order to help keep maternity wards open in rural Washington communities. The legislation would give rural hospitals and hospitals with a high percentage of births among Medicaid patients a 150% Medicaid reimbursement rate.
Source: Northwest Public Broadcasting
Jun 26, 2024 - Highlights efforts by the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta to expand access to doula services for Black women in rural Georgia. Describes doula services including education, health system navigation, emotional support, and resource referrals. Discusses funding challenges and efforts to make doula services reimbursable by Medicaid in Georgia.
Source: WABE
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 18, 2024 - Outlines the role of Community Health Centers in expanding access to women's healthcare services in rural and other underserved areas of Tennessee. Notes that health centers offer services regardless of insurance status or the patient's ability to pay. Describes the services offered by two community health centers, including prenatal care, midwifery, delivery, and social services.
Source: Public News Service
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
HHS: Development of Public Health Vaccine and Prevention Educational Campaigns Involving Community Health Workers
Federal Register
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 5, 2024 - Features a Fort Hall Reservation resident impacted by the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offered monthly subsidies to support internet access for millions of low-income and rural Americans. Notes the importance of internet access for accessing medical records, scheduling appointments, and communicating with providers.
Source: KFF Health News
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
May 29, 2024 - Highlights new research which found lower mammography rates among women in rural Texas. Notes particularly low rates among Hispanic and Black women. Explores possible contributing factors including rural hospital closures and lack of health insurance.
Source: Medical Xpress
Last Updated: 7/1/2024