October 8, 2020 What's New HRSA's National Survey of Children's Health. Each year the Maternal and Child Health Bureau at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) collects information from parents and caregivers on the physical, emotional, and behavioral health of children ages 0-17 years old in the United States. The survey is meant to be a tool with reliable data for researchers and policymakers on a wide range of factors that can influence children's health – from the prevalence and impact of special health care needs, to adverse childhood experiences and mental and behavioral health. HRSA also released a new brief on Rural/Urban Differences in Children's Health using the combined data of the 2017-2018 surveys. HHS Announces Phase 3 of Provider Relief Funds. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has allocated $20 billion for a Phase 3 CARES Act Provider Relief Funds (PRF) distribution. Behavioral health care providers and new providers that began practicing in the first quarter of 2020 may submit applications for payment between October 5 and November 6. Providers who previously received, rejected, or accepted a General Distribution PRF payment of two percent of annual revenue from patient care may also apply for this round of funding. FCC Extends Purchasing Deadline for COVID-19 Telehealth Program. The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau has extended the deadline for recipients of COVID-19 Telehealth Program funding to purchase eligible telehealth devices and implement services to December 31. CDC: Rates of Alcohol Induced Deaths Among Adults in Urban and Rural Areas. A new data brief from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, among adults aged 25 and older, deaths caused by alcohol were stable from 2000 to 2006, but then increased 43 percent between 2006 and 2018. During that same time, death rates increased for men and women at all levels of urbanization. For women in rural areas, the death rate was among the lowest in 2000; by 2018, rates for women in noncore areas had more than doubled. Sleeve Up to Fight Flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a new social media campaign, "#SleeveUp to #FightFlu." encouraging everyone aged 6 months and older to get the flu vaccine. Widespread vaccination will help reduce the strain on health care systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC's preliminary estimates for the 2019-2020 flu season include up to 740,000 hospitalizations and up to 62,000 deaths. RWJF: National Trends and Demographics in Suicide Deaths. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's (RWJF) State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC) reports on the trend of increasing suicide rates in the United States. Data details compare rates by age, race, gender, and urbanization from the years 2000 to 2018; a companion brief includes state-level trends. 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 CDC COVID-19 Tracker now tracks by rural-urban classification, and shows that mortality rates in the more rural parts of the country were low until mid-August, when they began to surpass rates in more urban areas. 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 USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) – November 2. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides assistance to rural small businesses to purchase, install, or improve renewable energy systems. Loans are guaranteed for up to 75% of project costs; for lenders, USDA will guarantee 80 percent of eligible loans. NIH Research to Improve Health Disparities – November 27. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will support research projects from public and private higher learning institutions, nonprofit organizations, Indian/Native American tribal governments, and state and local governments. Research will explore innovative health services for disparity populations that include racial/ethnic minorities, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, and underserved rural populations. Rural Health Research Research in this section is provided by the HRSA/FORHP-supported Rural Health Research Gateway. Sign up to receive alerts when new publications become available. A Comparison of Rural and Urban Specialty Hospitals. This study from the North Carolina Rural Health Research and Policy Analysis Center addresses three types of specialty hospitals: long-term acute care hospitals, inpatient psychiatric facilities, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities. The research compares urban and rural specialty hospitals by percent of inpatient days for rural residents and for Medicare beneficiaries, among other factors, and also looks at operating expenses, Medicaid days, and profitability. Policy Updates Visit the FORHP Policy page to see all recent updates and send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. Nominations: NQF Rural Telehealth Committee – October 26. The National Quality Forum (NQF) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that determines measures and standards of quality for safe health care with better outcomes. The NQF's Rural Telehealth and Healthcare System Readiness Committee will work on a 14-month project funded by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, researching current health-system readiness for pandemics, disaster events, and other public health emergencies, and exploring what's required to implement telehealth in rural areas. Critical Access Hospital (CAH) Meaningful Use Hardship Exception Applications – November 30. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires that all CAHs use 2015 Edition certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT) to meet the requirements of the Promoting Interoperability Programs. If a CAH can provide proof that meeting this requirement results in a significant hardship, they can apply for a hardship exception, which is valid for only one payment adjustment year. CAHs that do not meet the requirement and do not get a hardship exception will have a downward payment adjustment. Comments Requested: Proposed DATA 2000 Training Payment Application – December 7. HRSA will soon be able to reimburse Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) for the average training costs of eligible physicians and practitioners to obtain Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 (DATA 2000) waivers. These waivers allow eligible physicians to treat opioid dependency in settings other than opioid treatment programs (OTPs). FQHCs and RHCs are encouraged to provide comments on whether the proposed application collects necessary and useful information, if HRSA accurately estimated the burden of completing the application, and how the application could be improved. Guidance on Hospital COVID-19 Data Reporting and Enforcement. This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the requirements and enforcement process for all Medicare and Medicaid hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) to report COVID-19 data. Hospitals and CAHs must report daily to the federal government or to their state if they receive a written release from the state. Failure to do so will result in a series of enforcements actions over several weeks that could result in termination of the Medicare provider agreement. Separate guidance provides the definitions of the data elements for hospitals and in-hospital labs. Learning Events and Technical Assistance NIHB: Public Health Capacity in Indian Country – Thursday, October 8 at 1:00 pm ET. The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) will make a one-hour presentation on their new report, Public Health In Indian Country Scan. 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 (IHS) and the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. 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). 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. HRSA: Applying for New Rural Health Care Funding Opportunity – Tuesday, October 13 at 3:00 pm ET. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will hold a 90 minute webinar to assist applicants for the HRSA Rural Health Care Services Outreach Program. Dial In: 888-282-1677; Participant Code: 2385833. HRSA-NETRC: Telehealth to Screen for Maternal Mental Health – Wednesday, October 14 at 1:00 pm ET. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Northeast Telehealth Resource Center (NETRC) will hold a one-hour webinar on best practices for mental health screenings during perinatal telehealth visits. 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 NACO: Considerations for Counties in COVID-19 Vaccination Plans. The National Association of Counties (NACO) describes steps identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for vaccine distribution, explains the county role for each of these, and provides a list of resources. APA Resources for Farmer Stress. The American Psychological Association (APA) goes in depth on stressors affecting U.S. farmers, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The dedicated site includes a video conversation about farmer stress and links to resources. A Look At Workplace Safety in Agriculture. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there were 574 private sector agricultural workers fatally injured on the job in 2018, and charts other workplace-related injuries, illness, and fatalities. Approaching Deadlines 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 Comments Requested: Modifications to the Definition of Rural for FORHP Grants – October 23 Nominations: NQF Rural Telehealth Committee – October 26 CDC Monitoring/Evaluating Harm Reduction Syringe Services – October 28 IHS Tribal Self-Governance Program Negotiation – October 28 FCC High Speed Broadband/Rural Opportunity Fund – October 29 Comments Requested: CMS Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to COVID-19 – November 2 USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) – November 2 National Health Service Corps Students-to-Service Loan Repayment Program – November 5 HHS: Phase 3 of Provider Relief Funds – November 6 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 Sites for Rural Home Hospital Randomized Controlled Trial – 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 NIH Research to Improve Health Disparities – November 27 Critical Access Hospital (CAH) Meaningful Use Hardship Exception Applications – November 30 Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program – November 30 HRSA Rural Health Care Services Outreach Program – December 1 Comments Requested: Proposed DATA 2000 Training Payment Application – December 7 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 FCC Extends Purchasing Deadline for COVID-19 Telehealth Program – December 31 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 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