August 19, 2021 What's New More Federal Support for Rural Telehealth. Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services announced awards of more than $19 million to expand telehealth services in rural areas and underserved communities. In addition to projects that connect rural providers to specialists for complex conditions, the funding continues the work of HRSA-supported Telehealth Resource Centers that provide guidance for implementing telehealth in every part of the country. CDC Clinician Outreach: Additional mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines for Immunocompromised People. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued Emergency Use Authorizations for additional doses of vaccines for moderately to severely immunocompromised people who are at increased risk for severe COVID-19. Studies indicate that some immunocompromised people who have been vaccinated have a reduced immune response compared to vaccine recipients who are not immunocompromised. Studies have further demonstrated that an additional vaccine dose in some immunocompromised populations may enhance immune response. During this clinician outreach call that took place on August 17th, presenters from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discussed the current data and CDC's guidance on additional COVID-19 doses in immunocompromised people. "The Critical Role of Monoclonal Antibodies as the COVID-19 Pandemic Continues" Webinar Recording Available. The Health Resources and Services Administration recently held a webinar featuring Michael R. Anderson, MD, a Senior Advisor to HHS' Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, who discussed how monoclonal antibody therapeutics can help prevent serious illness from COVID-19. Dr. Anderson shared updates on available COVID-19 therapeutics including efficacy, new administration routes and novel treatments in the pipeline, reimbursement resources, and provider and patient tools and fact sheets. For further questions, contact Dr. Anderson and his team. Awards for the Rural Northern Border Region Planning Program. The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy recently announced four awards of approximately $760,000 each for a new program identifying health care challenges in rural counties served by the Northern Border Regional Commission. This eighteen-month project will support planning activities such as, but not limited to, community needs assessments, formal strategic planning processes, and infrastructure development. New Insights on Maternity Care, Clinical Quality Measures, and Medication-Assisted Treatment. HRSA's Health Centers Program published new research briefs exploring health center capacity in maternity care deserts, differences in clinical quality measures among Appalachian and non-Appalachian health centers, and the role of health centers in providing medication-assisted treatment. The briefs were developed through the UDS Mapper—a tool that helps evaluate the geographic reach, penetration, and growth of the Health Center Program and its relationship to other federally-linked health resources. ERS: Rural Poverty Has Distinct Regional and Racial Patterns. A study from the Economic Research Service (ERS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that, out of 310 counties with high and persistent poverty in 2019, 86 percent were rural. Nearly half of rural residents who identify as Black or African American and American Indian or Alaska Native lived in these persistent poverty counties; by comparison, 20 percent of poor Hispanics and 12 percent of rural non-Hispanic Whites resided in those counties. History of the Swing Bed. The feature of the latest Rural Monitor reviews the history of the swing bed program, which provides continued care for patients after injury or illness in a rural hospital. The article describes how post-acute care for rural residents shifted from urban hospitals and aspects of the swing bed program that contributed to its success. 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. Rural Health Clinic Vaccine Distribution (RHCVD) Program. Under the program, Medicare-certified RHCs will receive direct COVID-19 vaccines in addition to their normal jurisdictions' weekly allocation. Contact RHCVaxDistribution@hrsa.gov for more information. 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. 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. Don't miss the Spanish-language website, JuntosSíPodemos.HHS.gov. Customizable COVID-19 Vaccine Communication Toolkit for Rural Communities. Easy access to customizable communication templates that include print ads, poster, brochure, social media posts, and an online resource guide. 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. 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. 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. Resources for Provider Relief Fund Reporting – Submit by September 30. Provider Relief Fund (PRF) recipients who received funds prior to June 30, 2020, have through September 30, 2021, to complete reports in the PRF Reporting Portal. Resources on the Reporting and Auditing Webpage will help PRF recipients comply with reporting. In July, HRSA hosted three Technical Assistance webcasts related to reporting - watch the replays: July 8 - Reporting Introduction, July 14 – General Q&A, and July 20 – Lost Revenues. New: Provider Relief Fund Lost Revenues Guide. 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. 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, vaccine data and resources, and COVID-19 Vaccination Trainings for new and experienced providers. New: Ways Health Departments Can Help Increase Vaccinations and Talking with Patients about COVID-19 Vaccination. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. ATTC Network COVID-19 Resources for Addictions Treatment. The online catalog of COVID-related resources includes regularly-updated guidance and trainings for professionals in the field. The Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network was established in 1993 by SAMSHA. 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. 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. 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. Funding and Opportunities NIH Research for Evidence-Based Mental Health in Underserved Populations – Letters of Intent September 5. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is supporting studies that develop and test the effectiveness of treatments that will improve mental health outcomes in underserved populations that include racial/ethnic minorities, rural areas, and groups that face economic barriers to health care. IHS Community Health Aide Program: Tribal Assessment & Planning – September 6. The Indian Health Service (IHS) will make nine awards of up to $260,000 each to help determine the feasibility of the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) in their communities. CHAP is designed to meet the unique needs of each community. A separate opportunity for the same program will make three awards of up to $500,000 each for Tribal Planning and Implementation, also due on September 6. OMH: Challenge to Reduce HIV Stigma and Disparities – September 23. The Office of Minority Health seeks innovative and effective approaches to increase the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis medication and antiretroviral therapy among racial and ethnic minorities at greater risk for HIV infection. Priority jurisdictions for the federal initiative Ending the HIV Epidemic include seven states with a substantial number of HIV diagnoses in rural areas. To learn more, email HIVChallenge@hhs.gov. USDA Emergency Rural Health Care Grants – October 12. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make community-level awards of up to $1 million each in response to the pandemic. The program has two tracks: 1) recovery grants to support immediate needs for testing and vaccination; and 2) impact grants to improve long-term sustainability of health care in rural areas. Eligible applicants are public entities, community-level nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized Tribes. Department of Commerce/EDA American Rescue Plan Program for Community Development – October 19. The federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) is providing funding for six programs to accelerate economic recovery from the pandemic. Projects require collaboration and networking among states, regions, and localities with private industry and nonprofit organizations. Some programs target specific populations or regional industries; past EDA projects in rural areas have included investments in healthcare workforce, increasing healthy food options, and improving local economies through tourism. The application deadline for each of the six programs is October 19. Policy Updates Visit the FORHP Policy page to see all recent updates and send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. New Resource: Brief on Rural Emergency Hospitals and Value-Based Care. The Rural Health Value team, under a cooperative agreement with FORHP, released a brief on the new Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation and its intersection with value-based care. This brief offers points to consider when responding to requests for comment on REH policy and when pursuing conversations with local rural leaders about REHs. Currently, CMS is seeking feedback on REHs (page 42285) with comments due by September 17. First RMOMS Program Evaluation Report Released. The Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMS) Program, funded by HRSA's Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) and Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), seeks to improve maternal care in three rural communities by collecting data on rural hospital obstetric services; building networks to coordinate continuum of care; leveraging telehealth and specialty care; and improving financial sustainability. This report of the planning year (2019-2020) provides an overview of the program, describes awardees' network models, and highlights characteristics of the maternal health population prior to implementation. A July webinar on this report is archived online. Learning Events and Technical Assistance NTIA Grant Program for Broadband Infrastructure – Thursday, August 19 at 2:30 pm ET. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, continues its series of webinars to help with applications to three new broadband grant programs authorized and funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021: The Broadband Infrastructure Program, the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, and the Connecting Minority Communities Program. The webinars are 90 minutes each and will occur several times each month through October. MATRC: Answering Questions About Telehealth and Telemental Health – Friday, August 20 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. HRSA's #WellChildWednesdays – through August 25. Each Wednesday in August, HRSA is sending #WellChildWednesdays messages through Twitter and Facebook to encourage families to maintain well-child visits and immunizations. Weekly messages address adolescent & young adult care, nutrition, safety, and mental health as topics for parents to discuss with pediatric providers. We're also encouraging adolescent vaccination against COVID-19. Rural Healthy People – Where We've Been & Where We're Going – Wednesday, August 25 at 12:30 pm ET. The Southwest Rural Health Research Center will look at top priorities over the last two decades and present early findings from the Rural Healthy People 2030 survey. NHMA: COVID-19 Variants and Vaccine Uptake Among Latinos – Wednesday, August 25 at 7:00 pm ET. The National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) will discuss the different types of variant treatment and communication strategies for increasing vaccination rates in vulnerable communities. HWTAC: Advancing Equity in Health Professions Schools – Thursday, August 26 at 2:00 pm ET. The next session of HRSA's Health Workforce Technical Assistance Center will focus on the metrics schools use for evaluating the performance of their graduates, faculty, and leadership. Attendees will learn how medical, dental, and nursing schools measure their impact in advancing health equity and addressing health disparities. DOJ/Dept. of Interior Tribal Consultation – Thursday, September 2 at 2:00 pm ET. The U.S. Department of Justice joins the Department of Interior in seeking input from Tribes on the Not Invisible Act of 2019, in an effort to identify and combat violent crime on Indian lands and against Indians. Resources of the Week Now Available: Materials from the OAT All-Programs Meeting. HRSA's Office for the Advancement of Telehealth (OAT) held the virtual meeting for its programs last month on July 27th and 28th. Conference slide presentations and session recordings are available at this link under "Program Meetings." NGA State Strategies to Increase COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in Rural Communities. The National Governors Association (NGA) pulled together considerations and examples of best and promising practices for addressing the challenges to vaccination efforts in rural areas. Approaching Deadlines HHS Coordinating Center to Address Health Disparities – August 23 HHS Demonstration Projects for Addressing Health Disparities – August 23 NIH Research to Address Racism and Discrimination on Minority Health – August 24 ACF Independent Living Services for AI/AN Communities – August 27 Comments Requested: Proposed Changes to Medicare Home Health Program – August 27 HRSA Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Technical Assistance Center – August 30 HRSA Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Training Program – August 30 HRSA Promoting Resilience and Mental Health for Health Professional Workforce – August 30 HRSA Teaching Health Center Planning and Development Program – August 30 HRSA Teaching Health Center Planning and Development Technical Assistance – August 30 DOC Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program – September 1 NIH Research for Evidence-Based Mental Health in Underserved Populations – Letters of Intent September 5 IHS Community Health Aide Program: Tribal Assessment & Planning – September 6 IHS Community Health Aide Program: Tribal Planning & Implementation – September 6 HUD Eviction Protection Grant Program for Legal Aid Providers – September 8 HRSA Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project – September 10 Northern Border Regional Commission Forest Economy Partnership – Letters of Intent September 10 Comments Requested: Updates to Medicare Physician Payment Policies for CY 2022 – September 13 Comments Requested: Updates to Medicare Outpatient Hospital Payments and RFI for New Rural Emergency Hospital – September 17 Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts: Grants Engaging Family and Communities – September 20 HRSA Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program – September 21 OMH: Challenge to Reduce HIV Stigma and Disparities – September 23 Comments Requested: Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Reporting Requirements – September 24 Massachusetts General Hospital Fellowship in Rural Health – September 30 Submit Reports for Provider Relief Fund – September 30 NIH Researching the Role of Work in Health Disparities – October 5 USDA Emergency Rural Health Care Grants – October 12 Department of Commerce/EDA American Rescue Plan Program for Community Development – October 19 Department of Commerce Pilot Program: Connecting Minority Communities – December 1 COVID-19 Extension for Medicare Graduate Medical Education (GME) Affiliation Agreement – January 1 Ongoing Opportunities CFPB Rental Assistance Finder 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 American Rescue Plan Funding for Indigenous Communities – September 2022 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 Payment Program for Buprenorphine-Trained Clinicians – Until Funds Depleted 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 NIH Researching the Role of Work in Health Disparities – Various Dates Until September 2024 NIH Special Interest Research – Pandemic Impact on Vulnerable Children and Youth – May 2024 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 Healthy Food Financing Initiative Technical Assistance USDA Intermediary Relending Program USDA Rural Business Development Grants USDA Rural Business Investment Program USDA Rural Energy Savings Program USDA SEARCH – Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (for Water/Waste Projects) 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