April 9, 2020 What's New Federal Office of Rural Health Policy FAQs for COVID-19. A set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from our grantees and stakeholders, updated regularly. CDC COVID-19 Updates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides daily updates and guidance. A CDC site for rural-specific information will have an archived recording of yesterday's call for rural stakeholders in about a week. FCC COVID-19 Telehealth Program. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) just approved an Order to create a $200 million telehealth program to support healthcare providers responding to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, using funds appropriated as part of the CARES Act. The COVID-19 Telehealth Program will help healthcare providers purchase telecommunications, broadband connectivity, and devices necessary for providing telehealth services. Applications from healthcare providers will be accepted and processed on a rolling basis as soon as application forms are published in the Federal Register. Details on information that applications must include are on page 14 of the Order. HHS Behavioral Health Resources for COVID-19. The Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange (TRACIE) is a site created by the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). This section of the TRACIE website lists resources for behavioral health in the current public health emergency. Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Counties. The RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis provides up-to-date data and maps on rural and urban confirmed cases throughout the United States. An animated map shows the progression of cases beginning January 21. Rural Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019. The Rural Health Information Hub has created a guide to help you learn about activities underway to address COVID-19. Funding and Opportunities Please note that many deadlines for Federal funding opportunities have been extended. See Approaching Deadlines section below. SAMSHA Emergency Grants to Address Mental and Substance Use Disorders During COVID-19 – April 10. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) offers grants to provide crisis intervention services, mental and substance use disorder treatment, and other related recovery supports for children and adults impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. If SAMHSA does not receive applications for the full funding amount available within this timeframe, the application period will be extended. Payment Deferrals: USDA Guaranteed Loans for Rural Development – Until September 30. Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a six-month deferral on guaranteed loan programs due to COVID-19. Effective immediately until September 30, 2020, lenders may offer 180-day loan payment deferrals without prior agency approval for Business and Industry Loan Guarantees, Rural Energy for America Program Loan Guarantees, Community Facilities Loan Guarantees, and Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees. Small Business Administration Coronavirus Relief Programs – Ongoing. Relief funding programs from the federal agency include the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance, Express Bridge Loans, and Debt Relief. NIH Research Centers in Minority Institutions – April 14. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will make grants to institutions that offer doctorate degrees in the health professions or in a health-related science and have a historical and current commitment to educating underrepresented students, and for institutions that deliver healthcare services, providing clinical services to medically underserved communities. Eligible applicants are public, state controlled, and private institutions of higher education that have received an average of less than $50,000,000 per year of NIH support for the past 3 fiscal years. NHLBI Program to Support COPD Action Plan – Extended to April 24. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is seeking proposals from organizations around the country focused on national initiatives and programs aimed at increasing awareness about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and that support implementation of the COPD National Action Plan. CDC Programs to Support Ending the HIV Epidemic – Extended to May 1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will make 48 awards from an investment of $109 million to develop and implement programs focused on the 50 jurisdictions most affected by HIV, including seven states (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and South Carolina) where 10 percent or more of new diagnoses in 2016 and 2017 were in rural areas. Eligible applicants are city, county, and state governments that can propose unique activities unique to their jurisdiction. National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program – Extended to May 15. The NHSC Scholarship Program provides financial support to future primary care medical and dental clinicians for up to four years. Scholars receive one year of financial support (up to four years) for each year of service at an NHSC-approved site in a rural, urban, or tribal community. There is a minimum two-year requirement. National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Programs – Extended to May 21. The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) is also extending the application cycle for three programs that repay loan for health professions training. The NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program awards up to $100,000 to qualifying clinicians providing substance use disorder treatment in rural communities. In addition, the NHSC Loan Repayment Program and the NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Program provide health care services in rural communities. All programs use one application, but clinicians can only apply to one program. ACL Alzheimer's Disease Programs/Dementia Capability in Indian Country – May 26. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) will invest $1 million to support dementia-capable home and community-based services in tribal communities. Eligible applicants include Tribal governments and organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, institutions of higher education, and hospitals. DOJ Future Victim Specialists to Serve AI/AN Victims of Crime – May 26. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will invest $3.6 million to recruit, train, and develop victim service professionals in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities that are remote and where positions are hard to fill. Eligible applicants are federally-recognized Tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations and institutions of higher education. USDA Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program – June 3. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest $4.8 million to increase community self-reliance and meet the needs of low-income individuals through sustainable local agriculture projects. Eligible applicants are public food program service providers, tribal organizations, and private nonprofit entities, including entities that collect or harvest surplus food that is distributed to agencies and nonprofit organizations to feed individuals in need. USDA Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program – June 4. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest $960,000 to develop and expand existing farm-to-school initiatives to increase knowledge of agriculture and improve nutritional health of children. USDA Rural Energy Savings Program – Ongoing. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides loans to qualified intermediaries, small businesses, and families to implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures. The ultimate goal of the program is to help lower energy bills and encourage investment in energy efficiency. Eligible applicants include current and former Rural Utility Service borrowers, subsidiaries of current or former RUS borrowers, and entities that provide retail electric service needs in rural areas. Policy Updates Visit the FORHP Policy page to see all recent updates and send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. CMS COVID-19 Telehealth and Telemedicine Toolkit for Long-Term Care Nursing Homes. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a toolkit that identifies significant telehealth-related changes made by CMS in response to the COVID-19 National Health Emergency. The toolkit provides resources to help long-term care facilities develop a telemedicine program, addressing vendor selection, monitoring patients remotely, and developing documentation tools. CY2021 Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Rates Announced. CMS published the updated payment methodologies for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plans this week. Plans can expect an average increase in revenue of 1.66% in calendar year (CY) 2021, and CMS will continue to use the methodology described in the 2021 Advance Notice to derive the benchmark county rates, how the qualifying bonus counties are identified, and the applicability of the Star Ratings. However, rural and urban providers participating in these plans should refer to the Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Interim Final Rule for changes in quality data reporting for 2021 and 2022. CMS Releases Informational Bulletin on Telehealth in Medicaid. On April 2, CMS released an Informational Bulletin to states that identifies opportunities for telehealth delivery methods to increase access to Medicaid services and federal reimbursement for services and treatment for substance use disorders under Medicaid using services delivered via telehealth, including in school-based health centers. This Informational Bulletin is composed of two parts: Rural Health Care and Medicaid Telehealth Flexibilities; and Medicaid Substance Use Disorder Treatment via Telehealth. Learning Events and Technical Assistance Providing Peer Recovery Support Services Online – Thursday, April 9 at 2:00 pm ET. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hosts this 90-minute webinar on the practical aspects of online peer recovery support, including how to assess digital platforms and addressing privacy/confidentiality concerns. Telehealth 101: Intro and Q&A – Fridays at 4:00 pm ET. The HRSA/FORHP-supported South Central Telehealth Resource Center (TRC) will provide the basics of telehealth and telemedicine each Friday through May 8. Get more resources and find your regional TRC online. Telehealth Learning Series for SUD Treatment and Recovery – Tuesday, April 14 at 4:00 pm ET. Live, one-hour sessions each week feature providers with expertise in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery support using videoconferencing. The series is hosted by the Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network and the HRSA/FORHP-supported National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers. NTIA: Business Models and Solutions for Rural Broadband – Wednesday, April 15 at 2:00 pm ET. The National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) will host three broadband providers currently serving rural areas to discuss sustainable business models. Adapting Opioid Treatment Programs to COVID-19 – Thursday, April 16 at 3:30 pm ET. Experts from the University of Rochester Center of Excellence on Rural Substance Use Disorder will discuss the steps they are taking to adapt substance use disorder (SUD) programs as quickly as possible in response to the COVID-19 crisis. SAMHSA: Peer Recovery Support Across Crisis Services – Thursday, April 23 at 2:00 pm ET. This hour-long webinar from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will discuss peer-run respite programs, warm lines, and peer support services within hospital emergency departments NOSORH Rural Health Data Institute – Register by May 1. The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) will hold a series of 90-minute webinars each week from May 12 to June 30. Designed for those with limited knowledge of how to use data, the learning sessions will move through the process of collecting data, cleaning it up, and analyzing it in a way that everyone can understand. The Institute is open to rural health professionals, including clinical, administrative, and academic personnel. Resources of the Week Telehealth Resources for COVID-19 Response. The HRSA/FORHP-supported Telehealth Resource Centers created a central site with policy updates, state-by-state resources, and best practice guides. Telehealth Best Practices for Providers. A quick, four-minute video highlights some of the best practices in providing telehealth services. Approaching Deadlines SAMSHA Emergency Grants - Mental/Substance Use Disorders During COVID-19 – April 10 DOL National Emergency Grants for Dislocated Workers – Ongoing FEMA Public Assistance Program: COVID-19 Response – Ongoing Small Business Administration Coronavirus Relief Programs – Ongoing Payment Deferrals: USDA Guaranteed Loans for Rural Development – Until September 30 AHRQ Patient-Centered Evidence - Preventing Heart Disease/Stroke – Letters of Intent April 10 USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants – Second Application Window – April 10 Host Sites for the CDC Public Health Associate Program – April 14 NIH Research Centers in Minority Institutions – April 14 DOL Training and Employment for Re-Entry – April 15 NIH Funding for Clinical and Translational Science – April 15 HRSA Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project – April 17 Department of Treasury Support for Native Community Development – April 21 Department of Treasury Support for Rural Community Development – April 21 CDC National Center of Excellence for Prevention of Childhood Agricultural Injury – April 24 NHLBI Program to Support COPD Action Plan – Extended to April 24 Comments Requested: DEA Proposes Changes for Mobile Narcotic Treatment Programs – April 27 DOJ Reentry, Education and Employment for Incarcerated Adults – April 27 DOJ Improving Reentry for Adults with Substance Use Disorders – April 27 DOJ Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence – April 27 DOL Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs – April 27 HRSA Support for Opioid-Impacted Families – Extended to April 27 CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention – April 30 Nurse Corps Scholarship Program – April 30 USDA Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grants – April 30 USDA Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program – April 30 CDC Programs to Support Ending the HIV Epidemic – Extended to May 1 Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health Scholarship – May 1 Innovations in Accessible Mobility – Extended to May 1 DOJ Juvenile Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program – May 4 DOJ Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program – May 4 DOJ Support for Children of Addiction-Related Crime – May 4 HRSA Ryan White HIV/AIDS – Dental Reimbursement Program – Extended to May 4 SAMHSA Tribal Opioid Response Grants – May 4 PCORI Grants for Research Addressing Disparities – May 5 AmeriCorps Grants for Indian Tribes – May 6 NIH: Research for Disparities Among Minority/Underserved Children – May 7 Nominations: HRSA Tribal Advisory Council – May 7 USDA Rural Housing Preservation Grants – May 7 Bureau of Indian Affairs National Tribal Broadband Grant – May 8 USDA Local Food Promotion Program – May 11 CDC Research to Prevent Firearm-Related Violence and Injuries – Extended to May 12 ACL Grants for Alzheimer's Disease Programs – Extended to May 13 USDA Rural Community Development Initiative – May 13 DOJ Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Program – May 14 National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program – Extended to May 15 NIH Cancer Research in Geographically Underserved Areas – May 15 CDC Integrated Viral Hepatitis Surveillance and Prevention – May 18 DOJ Direct Services for Victims of Human Trafficking – May 18 DOJ Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program – May 18 DOT Accelerating Innovative Mobility Challenge Grants – Extended to May 18 SAMSHA State Opioid Response Grants – May 19 DOJ Comprehensive Substance Abuse Site-Based Program – May 21 National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Programs – Extended to May 21 AHRQ Patient-Centered Evidence for Preventing Heart Disease/Stroke – May 22 ACL Alzheimer's Disease Programs/Dementia Capability in Indian Country – May 26 CDC Public Health Programs to Address Alzheimer's Disease – May 26 DOJ Future Victim Specialists to Serve AI/AN Victims of Crime – May 26 HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Implementation – Extended to May 26 Request for Information: Maternal/Infant Health Care in Rural – Extended to May 31 Delta Regional Authority Economic Development Assistance – May 31 USDA Grants for Household Water Well Systems – May 31 CMS Minority Research Grant Program – June 2 USDA Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program – June 3 USDA Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program – June 4 DOT Helping Obtain Prosperity for Everyone Program – Extended to June 3 CDC Drug Free Communities – Extended to June 8 HRSA Telehealth Network Grant Program – Extended to June 15 HRSA Telehealth-Focused Rural Health Research Center Program – Extended to July 1 Ongoing Opportunities AHRQ Research to Improve Patient Transitions through HIT – Ongoing through December 2022 EPA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund HUD Hospital Mortgage Insurance Program NARHC Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional Course NIH Research to Improve Health Care Quality and Outcomes Through HIT NIH Strategies for Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in HIT Nominations for Federal Advisory Commission on HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Nominations for National Advisory Committee on Migrant Health RWJF Investigator-Initiated Research to Build a Culture of Health SBA Guaranteed Loans for Small Business USDA Community Facilities Program USDA Community Food Projects Technical Assistance USDA Drinking Water and Waste Disposal for Rural and Native Alaskan Villages USDA Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants USDA Guaranteed Loans for Rural Rental Housing – through 2021 USDA Summer Food Service Program USDA Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans USDA Rural Energy Savings Program USDA Funding for Rural Water and Waste Disposal Projects | 
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