June 11, 2021 What's New Rural Health Clinics Receive Support for COVID-19 Testing and Mitigation. Yesterday, the Health Resources and Services Administration provided more than $424 million to increase COVID-19 testing and mitigation in rural areas. Each immediately eligible Rural Health Clinic (RHC) received $100,000 in funding. This new effort builds on the May 2020 RHC COVID-19 Testing Program, helping more than 4200 RHCs slow the virus in ways tailored to their communities. Read more about support for Rural Health Clinics during the public health emergency under COVID-19 Resources. An Overview of the National Cancer Institute's Rural Cancer Control Initiatives – Tuesday, June 15 at 1:00 pm ET. This webinar hosted by the Rural Health Information Hub will provide an overview of the National Cancer Institute's research emphasis on rural cancer control. Presenters will highlight agendas and resources related to geographical disparities affecting rural and tribal populations, persistent poverty, and telehealth. Opportunities for collaboration with other rural health partners, including health centers, will also be discussed. FORHP Enhances Vaccine Activities in Delta Region. On June 8th, the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy announced $550,000 in supplemental funding to Delta States Rural Development Network Grant Program recipients to enhance COVID-19 vaccine activities such as outreach, education and promotion, and operations to provide accurate evidence-based vaccination information and increase vaccination rates across the Delta region. This supplemental funding supports the Administration's priorities in addressing the COVID-19 crisis as noted in the National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness and addresses the disproportionate disparities of individuals experiencing a burden of COVID-19 cases and deaths. CMS Announces Payment for In-Home Vaccinations. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced an additional payment amount for administering in-home COVID-19 vaccinations to Medicare beneficiaries who have difficulty leaving their homes or are otherwise hard-to-reach. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services estimates approximately 1.6 million adults aged 65 or older who may have trouble accessing vaccinations because they have difficulty leaving home. USDA on Food Retail in Rural Areas. The Economic Research Service (ERS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a report that examines food retailers – grocery stores, convenience stores, dollar stores, and other types – known to be a social determinant of health. Researchers found that, in 2015, there were 40 rural counties without grocery stores, and 23 rural counties without any food retailers. The ERS also updated their county-level data sets that track socioeconomic indicators including poverty rates, population change, and unemployment rates. COVID-19 Resources New: Expanded Resources for Rural Health Clinics. Three new programs help more than 4,200 Rural Health Clinics in 45 states meet the needs of their communities. New: HHS/DoD National Emergency Tele-Critical Care Network. A joint program of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is available at no cost to hospitals caring for COVID-19 patients and struggling with access to enough critical care physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and other specialized clinical experts. Teams of critical care clinicians are available to deliver virtual care through lightweight telemedicine platforms, such as an app on a mobile device. Hear from participating clinicians and email to learn more and sign up. FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created this temporary program to help eligible individuals and households afford internet service during the pandemic. Eligible households can enroll through an approved broadband service provider or by visiting GetEmergencyBroadband.org. The program will end when the fund runs out of money, or six months after the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner. HRSA COVID-19 Coverage Assistance Fund. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will provide claims reimbursement at the national Medicare rate for eligible health care providers administering vaccines to underinsured individuals. This may be particularly helpful in rural communities given higher rates of uninsured and underinsured. We Can Do This: COVID-19 Public Education Campaign. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services announced a national effort to help community partners promote COVID-19 vaccine confidence. The campaign includes educational materials targeted to specific audiences, including rural communities, and seeks volunteers for the COVID-19 Community Corps. New: The campaign launched a Spanish-language website, JuntosSíPodemos.HHS.gov. Volunteer to Administer COVID-19 Vaccines. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has expanded its definition of persons authorized to give the vaccine. These include, among others, current and retired traditional and non-traditional health care professionals, and students in health care programs. HHS Facts About COVID Care for the Uninsured. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) helps uninsured individuals find no-cost COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccines. The HRSA Uninsured Program provides claims reimbursement to health care providers generally at Medicare rates for testing, treating, and administering vaccines to uninsured individuals, including undocumented immigrants. There are at-a-glance fact sheets for providers and for patients in English and Spanish. New: HHS to Dedicate $4.8 Billion from American Rescue Plan to COVID-19 Testing for the Uninsured. Federal Office of Rural Health Policy FAQs for COVID-19. A set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from our grantees and stakeholders. COVID-19 FAQs and Funding for HRSA Programs. Find COVID-19-related funding and frequently asked questions for programs administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). CARES Act Provider Relief Fund Frequently Asked Questions. Includes information on terms and conditions, attestation, reporting and auditing requirements, general and targeted distributions, and how to report capital equipment purchases. 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, a vaccine locator by state, and COVID-19 Vaccination Trainings for new and experienced providers. New: Hospitalization of Adolescents Aged 12-17 Years with Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19. And Patterns in COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage, by Social Vulnerability and Urbanicity. CMS Coronavirus Partner Resources. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides information for providers, health plans, state Medicaid programs, and Children's Health Insurance Programs and holds regular stakeholder calls to provide updates. HHS Coronavirus Data Hub. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) website includes estimated and reported hospital capacity by state, with numbers updated daily. NIH Community Engagement Alliance Against COVID-19 Disparities. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) created a collection of online resources with information for communities hit hardest by the pandemic, such as African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, and American Indian/Alaska Natives. COVID-19 Data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The site provides access to demographic and economic data, including state and local data on at-risk populations, poverty, health insurance coverage, and employment. ATTC Network COVID-19 Resources for Addictions Treatment. The Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network was established in 1993 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The online catalog of COVID-related resources includes regularly-updated guidance and trainings for professionals in the field. GHPC's Collection of Rural Health Strategies for COVID-19. The FORHP-supported Georgia Health Policy Center (GHPC) provides reports, guidance, and innovative strategies gleaned from their technical assistance and peer learning sessions with FORHP grantees. New: The Impact of Rural Residence on COVID-19 Disparities. Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Counties. The RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis provides up-to-date data on rural and urban confirmed cases throughout the United States. An animated map shows the progression of cases beginning March 26, 2020 to the present. Rural Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019. The Rural Health Information Hub has a compendium of rural-specific activities and guidelines, including Rural Healthcare Surge Readiness, a tool with resources for responding to a local surge in cases. 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 for behavioral health and recovery providers. Mobilizing Health Care Workforce via Telehealth. ProviderBridge.org was created by the Federation of State Medical Boards through the CARES Act and the FORHP-supported Licensure Portability Program. The site provides up-to-date information on emergency regulation and licensing by state as well as a provider portal to connect volunteer health care professionals to state agencies and health care entities. Online Resource for Licensure of Health Professionals. Created by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, the site provides up-to-date information on emergency regulation and licensing in each state for psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists assistants, and social workers. Funding and Opportunities Federal Funding for Health Insurance Marketplace Navigators – July 6. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will invest $80 million to support Navigators, who assist individuals and small businesses seeking health insurance in states with a Federally-Facilitated Marketplace. CMS expects to make 120 cooperative agreements with eligible applicants that include individuals, nonprofit organizations, Federally recognized tribal governments, and small businesses. To view the Frequently Asked Questions on the grant process, visit: https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Programs-and-Initiatives/Health-Insurance-Marketplaces/assistance. HRSA Delta Region Rural Health Workforce Training Program – July 9. The Health Resources and Services Administration, in collaboration with the Delta Regional Authority, expects to make four awards of up to $600,00 each to support education and training for future and current health professionals in the rural counties and parishes of the Mississippi Delta Region. This program will support training in the following critical administrative support occupations: medical coding and billing, claims processing, information management, and clinical documentation. Join a technical assistance webinar on Monday, June 14, 2021 at 2:00 pm ET. USDA Revolving Loan Fund for Rural Water/Waste Systems – July 16. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest $1 million in four awards for local government and nonprofit organizations to create a revolving loan fund (RLF). These RLFs will provide financing for improving water and waste treatment in rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less. USDA Delta Health Care Services Grants – July 19. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates 10 awards with total funding of $3 million to finance health care services and education programs, workforce training, and public health-related facilities, among other needs. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, research institutions, and economic development entities in the eight states of the Delta region: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. USDA Rural Decentralized Water System Grants – July 19. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make ten awards with total funding of $10 million to help individuals with low to moderate incomes finance individually owned water well systems and/or wastewater systems. Eligible applicants are private, nonprofit organizations able to provide loans to individuals, and with sufficient expertise in promoting safe and productive use of water/waste systems. USDA Rural Housing Preservation Grants – July 19. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make 160 awards of up to $50,000 each help low-income homeowners repair and rehabilitate their homes. Eligible applicants are state, local, and Tribal governments, and nonprofits that are faith- or community-based organizations. DOL Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities – July 21. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) will make 30 awards of up to $1.5 million each to provide training and diversify employment opportunities in rural areas of the Delta and Appalachian regions historically dominated by energy extraction industries. Eligible applicants include state, local, and Tribal governments; institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations. Applications with strategies to address the employment and training needs of individuals affected by substance use disorder are encouraged. HRSA Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program (STAR LRP) – July 22. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will provide up to $250,000 in loan repayment to eligible health professionals in exchange for a six-year, full-time service commitment in rural and underserved areas. The program expands access to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment by adding several new disciplines such as bachelor's-level SUD counselors, behavioral health paraprofessionals and clinical support staff. AmeriCorps State and National Tribal Grants – July 23. AmeriCorps will award an unspecified number of grants to eligible applicants that include governments, nonprofit organizations, school districts, and institutions of higher education to engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based interventions to strengthen communities. Priorities for FY 2021 include programs to help recovery from the pandemic and advancing racial equality. DOC Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program – September 1. The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) expects to make 400 awards of up to $50 million each to expand broadband service on Tribal Land. The program is part of an effort of the DOC's National Telecommunications and Information Administration to carry out nationwide broadband expansion as called for in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Policy Updates Visit the FORHP Policy page to see all recent updates and send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. Medicaid Update on COVID-19 Vaccine for Adolescents. This informational bulletin from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides an update on the status of COVID-19 vaccine availability for adolescents aged 12-15 years and the important role outreach and education can play in ensuring equitable access to a vaccine. It also includes a new fact sheet that summarizes current Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Basic Health Program (BHP) coverage, cost-sharing, and federal reimbursement for COVID-19 vaccine administration. COVID-19 Extension for Medicare Graduate Medical Education (GME) Affiliation Agreement – January 1, 2022. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is extending the deadline for hospitals to submit new and amended Medicare GME affiliation agreements to January 1, 2022 as a continuation of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Medicare GME affiliation agreements may be established between two or more teaching hospitals when they participate in training residents. Hospitals may email their new and/or amended Medicare GME affiliation agreements to CMS at Medicare_GME_Affiliation_Agreement@cms.hhs.gov. New Data on ACA Marketplace Enrollment. This new Issue Brief from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) presents estimates of enrollment in health insurance coverage obtained through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplaces and Medicaid expansion as well as state-level uninsured rates since 2014. Learning Events and Technical Assistance MATRC: Answering Questions About Telehealth and Telemental Health – Friday, June 11 at 12:00 pm ET. The Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center (MATRC) holds a live, two-hour event to answer questions about the basics. The MATRC is one of 14 FORHP-Supported Telehealth Resource Centers. This is a recurring session taking place every other Friday from 12:00 to 2:00 pm ET. Application Assistance for the Delta Community Health Program – Thursday, June 24 at 1:00 pm ET. The National Rural Health Resource Center will hold an hour-long session for applicants to the Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program (see Ongoing Opportunities below). This program provides technical assistance to small and rural hospitals, rural health clinics and other health care organizations located in the 252 counties and parishes served by the Delta Regional Authority (a federal agency and HRSA partner). Evaluating Implicit Bias in Patient/Provider Communication – Thursday, June 24 at 1:00 pm ET. HRSA's Health Workforce Technical Assistance Center will host a webinar on the implicit race bias that has been associated with poor patient/provider communication, an issue more commonly experienced by Black patients. The webinar will explore an online course developed by the University of Washington, on implicit bias for academic teaching faculty and others. Resource of the Week COVID-10 Vaccination Upon Discharge from Hospitals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released these guidelines, prioritizing facilities located in counties with a high Social Vulnerability Index ranking. Approaching Deadlines CMS Minority Research Grant Program – June 11 NACCHO COVID-19 Prevention/Mitigation for Refugee, Immigrant, Migrant Communities – June 11 HRSA Rural Northern Border Region Planning Program – June 14 DOJ Enhanced Collaborative Model to Combat Human Trafficking – June 15 DOJ Expanding Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Services – June 15 DOJ Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program – June 15 DOJ Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program – June 15 USDA Summer Food Service Program – June 15 USDA Local Food Promotion Program – June 21 USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program – June 21 HRSA Early Intervention Services for HIV/AIDS – June 21 DOJ Family Drug Court Program – June 22 DOJ Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program – June 22 DOJ Second Chance Act Adult Re-entry/Recovery Program – June 22 DOJ Second Chance Act Pay for Success Initiative – June 22 DOJ Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence – June 22 HRSA Rural Health Clinics Vaccine Confidence Program – June 23 NIH/IHS Native American Research Centers for Health – June 24 HRSA Telehealth Technology-Enabled Learning Program – June 25 Comments Requested: Proposed Changes to Medicare Payments to Hospitals – June 28 DOJ Opioid Affected Youth Initiative – June 28 HRSA Application for New NHSC-Approved Sites – July 1 HRSA Faculty Loan Repayment Program – July 1 NIH Practice-Based Research for Mental Health Interventions in Pediatric Primary Care Settings – July 1 CDC Social Determinants of Health Accelerator Plans – July 5 ACF Head Start University Partnerships/Building ECE Workforce Well-Being – July 6 DOJ Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative – July 6 Federal Funding for Health Insurance Marketplace Navigators – July 6 HRSA Pediatric Mental Health Care Access – New Area Expansion – July 6 HUD Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS – July 6 Request for Information on Advancing Equity and Support for Underserved Communities – July 6 NIDA American Indian/Alaska Native Youth Projects to Stand Against Substance Misuse – July 7 NIH Researching COVID-19 Testing Interventions in Underserved Populations – July 7 HRSA Delta Region Rural Health Workforce Training Program – July 9 HHS Family-Centered Approaches to Type 2 Diabetes Prevention and Control – July 13 USDA Revolving Loan Fund for Rural Water/Waste Systems – July 16 NIH Research to Improve Health Care Quality and Outcomes Through HIT – July 17 USDA Delta Health Care Services Grants – July 19 USDA Rural Housing Preservation Grants – July 19 USDA Rural Decentralized Water System Grants – July 19 DOL Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities – July 21 HRSA Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program (STAR LRP) – July 22 AmeriCorps State and National Tribal Grants – July 23 NIH Research Education Programs for Alcohol and Other Substance Use – August 10 Special Enrollment Period for Health Coverage – Extended to August 15 (from May 15) DOC Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program – September 1 COVID-19 Extension for Medicare Graduate Medical Education (GME) Affiliation Agreement – January 1 Ongoing Opportunities HHS/DoD National Emergency Tele-Critical Care Network Extended Public Comment Period for FCC's COVID-19 Telehealth Program FCC Emergency Broadband for Individuals and Households FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance AgriSafe Nurse Scholar Program – March 2022 AHRQ Health Services Research Demonstration and Dissemination Grants – September 2022 AHRQ Research to Improve Patient Transitions through HIT – December 2022 American Indian Public Health Resource Center Technical Assistance ASA Rural Access to Anesthesia Care Scholarship CDC Direct Assistance to State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Health Agencies CDC Training Pediatric Medical Providers to Recognize ACEs Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program Department of Commerce: Economic Development Assistance Programs Department of Labor Dislocated Worker Grants Department of Labor Stand Down Grants for Veterans Services – through December 2021 DRA Technical Assistance for Delta Region Community Health Systems Development EPA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund FEMA/SAMHSA Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) GPHC & RWJF: Rapid Cycle Research and Evaluation Grants for Cross-Sector Alignment HRSA Technical Assistance for Look-Alike Initial Designation for the Health Center Program Housing Assistance Council: Housing Loans for Low-Income Rural Communities 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 Project Talk Initiative Host Site Applications NIH Research for AI/AN End-of-Life Care – January 8, 2022 NIH Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health – May 2022 NIH Research – Alcohol and Other Substance Use – Various 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 Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health – Various Dates Until September 2023 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 Primary Care Development Corporation Community Investment Loans 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 Tribal Grant Writing Training USDA Community Facilities Program USDA Community Food Projects Technical Assistance USDA Drinking Water and Waste Disposal for Rural and Native Alaskan Villages USDA Economic Impact Initiative Grants 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) | 
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