October 1, 2020 What's New New Research on Child Health. A new report from the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics compares 41 indicators of well-being in children by the type of community they live in. (These are metropolitan, nonmetropolitan, micropolitan, or rural, according to the Office of Management and Budget.) The brief finds that infant mortality rates were highest in rural counties (6.8 per 1,000). During the same time, the mortality rate for Hispanic and American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic infants was also higher for those living in rural counties than those living in micropolitan and metropolitan counties. Separately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released Mental Health Treatment Among Children Aged 5-17 years, 2019, finding that as the level of urbanization decreased, the percentage of children who had taken medication for their mental health increased. GAO: Federal Efforts on COVID-19 Could Be Strengthened. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) reviews data collection, equipment and testing supplies, and economic payouts, among other issues related to the pandemic and makes 16 recommendations to address them. The Impact of Coronavirus on Households Across America. This is the third in a series of reports based on surveys conducted by NPR, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. With a significant section on rural households, the report finds that many challenges cascading from the pandemic are due to long-standing inequities. COVID-19 Resources Federal Office of Rural Health Policy FAQs for COVID-19. A set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from our grantees and stakeholders, updated regularly. COVID-19 FAQs and Funding for HRSA Programs. Find all funding and frequently asked questions for programs administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). CDC COVID-19 Updates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides daily updates and guidance, including a section specific to rural health care, and a Toolkit for Tribal Communities. New this week: the Changing Age Distribution of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. CMS Coronavirus Stakeholder Calls. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hosts recurring online sessions to share information related to COVID-19. These sessions are open to members of the health care community and are intended to provide updates, share best practices among peers, and offer attendees an opportunity to ask questions of CMS and other subject matter experts. HHS Coronavirus Data Hub. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) launched a website in July with data on the COVID-19 response at federal, state, and local levels. The hub includes estimated and reported hospital capacity by state, with numbers updated daily. GHPC's Collection of Rural Health Strategies for COVID-19. With support from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP), the Georgia Health Policy Center (GHPC) provides reports, guidance, and innovative strategies gleaned from their technical assistance and peer learning sessions with FORHP grantees. 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 posted a guide to help you learn about activities underway to address COVID-19. The online resource now includes Rural Healthcare Surge Readiness, a tool with resources for healthcare systems preparing for and responding to a COVID-19 surge in their communities. SAMHSA Training and Technical Assistance Related to COVID-19. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) created this list of resources, tools, and trainings. Funding and Opportunities ARC: Appalachia Nonprofit Resource Center/Technical Assistance – October 9. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will conduct 40-50 hours of virtual instruction for all nonprofit organizations located in the 13 Appalachian states served by the ARC. Participants will get free technical assistance on financial management, mission and operations, and fundraising, among other topics. Sites for Rural Home Hospital Randomized Controlled Trial – November 16. Up to three rural hospitals will be selected for a three-year trial to assess quality and cost of caring for patients at home. All rural hospitals are eligible to apply for the project sponsored by Ariadne Labs, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Treasury: New Markets Tax Credit Program – November 16. As part of its Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, the U.S. Department of Treasury will provide tax incentives for investments in economic development projects in distressed counties, including capital investments in health care facilities. To be eligible for application, organizations must be certified as a Community Development Entity by the CDFI Fund and demonstrate a primary mission of serving low-income communities. CDC Community-Based HIV Prevention Programs – November 20. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will make 90 awards for community-based prevention and treatment of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Eligible applicants are nonprofits with 501 (c)(3) status and Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments). HRSA Rural Health Care Services Outreach Program – December 1. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will make 60 awards with total funding of $12.75 million to enhance the delivery of health care services in rural communities. Eligible applicants are public and private, nonprofit and for-profit entities with demonstrated ability to serve rural populations. Applicants must represent a network of three or more health care provider organizations; at least two-thirds of these must be located in a HRSA-designated rural area. USDA Community Connect Grants – December 23. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest a total $3 million for 20 grants providing broadband service in rural, economically challenged communities. Eligible applicants are state, local, and tribal governments, public and private institutions of higher education, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations. NIH Research on Biopsychosocial Factors of Connectedness/Isolation – March 17. The National Institutes of Health will provide grants for research projects that examine how social isolation and social connectedness affect outcomes in health, illness, recovery, and overall well-being. Policy Updates Visit the FORHP Policy page to see all recent updates and send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. Quick Start Guide for Labs to Become Medicare-Certified. For laboratories seeking Medicare Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certification to test for COVID-19, CMS released a guide last week to help with the application process and the expedited review process, including how to submit the form to the correct state agency. Under the public health emergency, labs have the option to pay CLIA certification fees on the CMS CLIA Program website, and they can start COVID-19 testing before the official paper certificate arrives by postal mail. Reporting Requirements for Provider Relief Funds. This guidance, released last week, informs Provider Relief Fund (PRF) recipients who received payments exceeding $10,000 of the data elements that they must report for calendar years 2019 and 2020 as part of their terms and conditions. It provides detail on how to report expenses attributable to COVID-19, including general and administrative, health care related, and lost revenue. Medicare Ambulance Payment Model to Expand Nationwide. Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will expand the Medicare Prior Authorization Model for Repetitive, Scheduled Non-Emergent Ambulance Transport (RSNAT) nationwide. This model allows for certain Medicare beneficiaries to ride in ambulances to certain medical appointments, most often for dialysis treatment, when the service is approved in advance. The evaluation found that the model reduces Medicare spending without changing quality or access to care in both rural and non-rural areas. Learning Events and Technical Assistance Helping Rural Communities Recover from the Opioid Crisis – Fridays, October 2 – 23 at 12:00 pm ET. Recovery Center of Excellence at the University of Rochester will host two virtual sessions each Friday from October 2 – 23 on this year's symposium theme: Treatment on Demand and the Ecosystem of Recovery. FORHP funds the University of Rochester in the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program as a Rural Center of Excellence on substance use disorder (RCORP-RCOE). NIHB: Maternal Mortality in Indian Country – Monday, October 5 at 3:00 pm ET. The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) will hold a 90-minute webinar. HHS Telemedicine Hack – Wednesdays at 12:00 pm ET through November 25. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) is partnering with the ECHO Institute at the University of Mexico, and the Public Health Foundation's TRAIN Learning Network to deliver a 10-week peer-to-peer learning community called Telemedicine Hack to provide knowledge and skills for video-based telemedicine. All ambulatory providers (e.g., primary care, surgical, rural/urban, dental, mental health, solo practitioners) are invited to participate. HRSA Virtual Job Fair for Primary Care Clinicians – Wednesday, October 7 from 6:45 to 10:15 pm ET. HRSA is hosting a virtual job fair on Wednesday, October 7 from 6:45 to 10:15 pm ET. Register now if you are a clinician seeking work in rural and underserved communities. National Health Service Corps (NHSC)- or Nurse Corps-approved facility with open opportunities must also register to participate. COVID-19 Update from White House and IHS – Thursday, October 8 at 4:00 pm ET. An hour-long call from the Indian Health Service and the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Training for MAT Waiver Eligibility – Saturday, October 10 at 8:00 am ET. The American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine offers a free online training series for physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants that satisfies some of the requirements to obtain a waiver for prescribing buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder. NCSL on COVID-19 Health Disparities – Wednesday, October 14 at 2:00 pm ET. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) will provide an overview of racial/ethnic disparities in the pandemic and look at state actions to reduce these disparities. Evidence on Telemedicine in SUD Treatment – Wednesday, October 14 at 6:00 pm ET. The American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine will describe research on substance use disorder (SUD) treatment delivered through telemedicine. Resources of the Week Updated: Rural Community Health Workers Toolkit. The Rural Health Information Hub updated their toolkit to include new information on the role of community health workers (CHW) in rural communities, examples of CHW programs, and resources for implementing a program. NCCC Warm Line for Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder. The HRSA-funded National Clinician Consultation Center (NCCC) provides free, point of care tele-consultation (online or over the phone) to any clinician seeking expert clinical guidance on substance use, hepatitis C, and HIV prevention and treatment. Approaching Deadlines AAFP Health Equity Fellowship – October 1 IHS Tribal Injury Prevention Program – October 1 Comments Requested: Proposed Changes to Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System – October 5 Comments Requested: Proposed Updates to the CY2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule – October 5 NIH Health Services Research on Minority Health and Health Disparities – October 5 HRSA Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children – October 6 ARC: Appalachia Nonprofit Resource Center/Technical Assistance – October 9 Comments Requested: The Role of Telehealth in Improving Quality and Access to Care – October 9 CDC/NACCHO: Addressing Disability Needs in COVID-19 Preparedness – October 13 RWJF 2021 Culture of Health Prize – October 15 ARC Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems – Letters of Intent October 16 Request for Information: Quality Measures for Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) – October 19 FCC High Speed Broadband/Rural Opportunity Fund – October 22 Comments Requested: Modifications to the Definition of Rural for FORHP Grants – October 23 CDC Monitoring/Evaluating Harm Reduction Syringe Services – October 28 IHS Tribal Self-Governance Program Negotiation – October 28 Comments Requested: CMS Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to COVID-19 – November 1 National Health Service Corps Students-to-Service Loan Repayment Program – November 5 HRSA National Research Service Award Grants – November 9 RWJF Health Policy Fellowship – November 9 NIH Research for Tobacco Control Policies – November 12 Comments Requested: Part I of the CY 2022 Advance Notice of Medicare Advantage and Part D Payment Policies—November 13 DOL H-1B Rural Healthcare Grant Program – November 13 HRSA Rural Health Network Development Planning Program – November 16 Treasury: New Markets Tax Credit Program – November 16 CDC Community-Based HIV Prevention Programs – November 20 NIH Extramural Loan Repayment Program – November 20 Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program – November 30 HRSA Rural Health Care Services Outreach Program – December 1 HUD Indian Housing Block Grant Program – December 10 NBCC Minority Fellowship Program for Mental Health Counselors – December 15 USDA Community Connect Grants – December 23 NIH Digital Interventions to COVID-19 Secondary Effects – December 30 AmeriCorps State and National Grants for Community Service – January 6 NIH Research on Biopsychosocial Factors of Connectedness/Isolation – March 17 Ongoing Opportunities AHRQ Research to Improve Patient Transitions through HIT – December 2022 ASA Rural Access to Anesthesia Care Scholarship CDC Training Pediatric Medical Providers to Recognize ACEs CMS Community Health Access and Rural Transformation Model (CHART) – Letters of Intent January 28, 2022 Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program Dept of Commerce: Economic Development Assistance Programs DRA Technical Assistance for Delta Region Community Health Systems Development EPA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund HUD Hospital Mortgage Insurance Program IHS Tribal Forensic Healthcare Training IHS/DOD Medical Supplies and Equipment for Tribes (Project TRANSAM) NARHC Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional Course NIH Pilot and Feasibility Studies for Drug/Alcohol Prevention Trials – January 7, 2021 NIH Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health – May 2022 NIH Research – Alcohol and Other Substance Use – Dates Through August 2022 NIH Research on Minority Health/Health Disparities – September 8, 2022 NIH Research on Palliative Care in Home/Community Settings – September 8, 2022 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 Opportunity Zones for Economic Development Rural Graduate Medical Education Planning and Development RWJF Investigator-Initiated Research to Build a Culture of Health RWJF Pioneering Ideas Brief Proposals SBA Guaranteed Loans for Small Business Southeast Rural Community Assistance Loans 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 Intermediary Relending Program USDA Rural Business Development Grants USDA Rural Business Investment Program USDA Rural Energy Savings Program USDA Summer Food Program USDA Technical Assistance for Healthy Food Financing Initiative USDA Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans USDA Funding for Rural Water and Waste Disposal Projects USDOT Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (R.O.U.T.E.S) | 
Connect with HRSA
No comments:
Post a Comment