September 2, 2021 What's New HHS: What Works and What Doesn't in COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) provides an overview of lessons learned from vaccine programs and gives several examples of federal and state programs that could serve as models for new strategies. CDC on Mental Health/Substance Abuse Among Adults with Disabilities During the Pandemic. Using Internet surveys, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that adults with disabilities experienced greater incidents of anxiety or depression, new or increased substance use, and suicidal ideation than did adults without disabilities. The report includes data for rural locations and recommends that clinicians consider screening all patients for issues related to the pandemic. Expanded Number of Health Care Navigators. Through $80 million in grant awards for the 2022 plan year, 60 Navigator awardee organizations will be able to train and certify more than 1,500 Navigators to help uninsured consumers find coverage in 30 states with a Federally-Facilitated Marketplace. Navigators can assist with enrollment applications and help consumers receive financial assistance through HealthCare.gov. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services reported that Medicaid expansion played a key role in expanding health insurance coverage; Medicaid coverage rates increased from 12.2 percent of the rural population in 2010 to 17.1 percent in 2019. With the additional funding for Navigator assistance, organizations can help more uninsured individuals and families get coverage. Interactive Map Shows Results of 2020 Census. The map allows users to zoom in and find population data for each county in the country. State profiles give more detail on demographic changes between 2010 and 2020. Other infographics and visualizations show information topics such as population change by county, food assistance eligibility, and more detailed breakdown of race and ethnicity. Population counts from the U.S. Census are used to allocate federal funding, provide data for policymaking, plan economic development, and provide data for research, among countless other needs for quality of life. Provider Relief Fund Information Moves to HRSA Website. Information on the Provider Relief Fund program, which gives financial support to providers who have seen lost revenues and increased expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic, previously hosted on the HHS website is now available on the HRSA website. Users who visit hhs.gov/providerrelief (previous URL) will be automatically re-directed to the new site. All archived content will remain available to the public. For updates about the PRF and other HRSA programs, please subscribe to the HRSA eNews. HRSA Reorganization. This week, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced a reorganization of its bureaus and offices to accommodate changing needs in the agency's mission to improve health care for people who are geographically isolated and/or medically underserved. Among the changes, the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth has moved from its longtime home in the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy to become an operational focal point for telehealth across all of HRSA's programs. 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. The National Association of Rural Health Clinics has a collection of resources for managing federal programs related to COVID-19. Online Resource for Licensure of Health Professionals. As telehealth usage increased during the pandemic, FORHP funded new work with the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards to reduce the burden of multi-state licensure. 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. The Ad Council's Rural Resource Toolkit for Vaccinations [pdf]. The toolkit includes simple message elements for talking about vaccines and public service announcements that can be customized with your organization's logo and used in print, online, on the radio or television. 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 web page 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: Reporting Resource 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, COVID-19 Vaccination Trainings for new and experienced providers, and Tips for Talking with Patients about COVID-19 Vaccination. New: Use of Rapid Antigen Testing in Remote Communities. 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 from 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 SAMHSA. 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 COVID-19 Impact on Vulnerable Populations – September 8. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) includes underserved rural populations in its Notice of Special Interest research to understand the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to prepare more effectively for future public health emergencies. HRSA Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project – September 10. The National Rural Health Resource Center is still accepting applications from small rural hospitals and rural health clinics for the Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project. For facilities not currently participating in value-based care, the program provides free technical assistance to strengthen each organization's efficiency, quality, patient experience, and safety of care. 3RNET Recruiting for Retention Academy – October 4. The National Rural Recruitment and Retention Network (3RNET) designed this learning opportunity for recruiters, medical directors, and others seeking to employ health professionals in underserved areas. A series of live webinars lasting up to 90 minutes each will take place between October 5 and December 14. Attendees will get access to national experts on rural/underserved recruiting and retention. National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Students to Service Loan Repayment Program – November 4. The application cycle is open for the NHSC program that recruits students in their last year of medical, nursing, or dental school. This year, physician assistants were to the list of eligible disciplines. Students can receive awards up to $120,000 in exchange for a three-year commitment providing primary care services at NHSC-approved sites in high-need areas. Review the 2022 Application and Program Guidance (APG) for more information on how to apply. 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. Higher Electronic Health Record (EHR) Functionality Lowers Urban Hospital Costs But Rural Impacts Are Minimal. Researchers at the Center for Economic Analysis of Rural Health present their findings. Policy Updates Send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. Recertify for 340B Drug Pricing Program – September 13. The 340B Program enables covered entities such as HRSA-supported health centers and Ryan White clinics to provide outpatient drugs at significantly reduced prices. To participate, these organizations must enroll in the program and comply with all its requirements. The recertification period for hospitals is from August 16 - September 13, 2021. Prior to being able to recertify, Authorizing Officials(AOs) and Primary Contacts(PCs) must set up a user account in the 340B Office of Pharmacy Affairs Information System (340B OPAIS). All active 340B ID's associated with an AOs user account must be updated in order for recertification to be completed by the established deadline. For help, please contact the 340B call center operated by the 340B Prime Vendor Program at apexusanswers@340bpvp.com or 1-888-340-2787 (Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST). CMS Releases Medicaid and CHIP Guidance Targeting Vaccination and Testing for COVID-19. To help states support families and communities and to continue to address health disparities, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is providing guidance to states about additional funding for states to promote the importance of COVID-19 vaccination for eligible individuals enrolled in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CMS's new guidance also highlights Medicaid and CHIP coverage for diagnostic and screening COVID-19 testing in a variety of settings, including schools. CMS Expands Medicare Payments for At-Home COVID-19 Vaccinations. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is expanding opportunities for people to receive COVID-19 vaccinations in their home. To ensure Medicare beneficiaries who have difficulty leaving their homes or are otherwise hard-to-reach (such as those facing geographic barriers) can receive the vaccination, healthcare providers can now receive additional payments for administering vaccines to multiple residents in one home setting or communal setting of a home. Learning Events and Technical Assistance RCORP-RCOE: Building Recovery Ecosystems in Rural America – Thursday, September 2 at 2:00 pm ET. For one hour, the Chief Medical Officer of the Fletcher Group Rural Center of Excellence (RCOE), Dr. Ernie Fletcher, will discuss the importance of "Recovery Ecosystems" to the health and well-being of rural America. The Fletcher Group RCOE is one of three FORHP-supported RCORP-Rural Centers of Excellence on Substance Use Disorders. RCORP-RCOE: Behavioral Health Assessment Officers: Managing Care for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in Rural Emergency Departments – Thursday, September 2 at 2:00 pm ET. The Behavioral Health Assessment Officer (BHAO) model is a strategy to increase mental health and substance use disorder resources in rural emergency departments. A BHAO is a licensed behavioral health provider who practices in a rural ED. Typically, this provider is a licensed clinical social worker, licensed mental health counselor, or licensed marriage and family therapist. The BHAO evaluates patients identified at screening to have behavioral health concerns and manages their care. The University of Rochester RCOE is one of three FORHP-supported RCORP-Rural Centers of Excellence on Substance Use Disorders. 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. MATRC: Answering Questions About Telehealth and Telemental Health – Friday, September 3 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. MOUD Best Practices Webinar Series, Part 1 – Tuesday, September 7 at 2:00 pm ET. The first session of this series on medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) will focus on the first step in engaging and stabilizing clients. The series is presented by the technical assistance provider of the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP). RCORP-RCOE: Peer Recovery as an Evidence-Based Practice: From Science to Impact – Wednesday, September 8 at 11:00am ET. Register for a special Community Rounds Presentation from the University of Vermont's Center on Rural Addiction that will focus on Peer Recovery Support Models and how they can help rural recovery communities. The University of Vermont RCOE is one of three FORHP-supported RCORP-Rural Centers of Excellence on Substance Use Disorders. Learn How to Write a Competitive Research Proposal – Wednesday, September 8 at 1:00 pm. HRSA's Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) seeks to support diverse researchers with an interest in advancing the field and improving outcomes for underserved populations. As part of its Engaging Research Innovations & Challenges (EnRICH), MCHB will familiarize attendees with the bureau's research programs and identify components of a successful application. USDA on Household Food Security – Wednesday, September 8 at 1:00 pm ET. The Economic Research Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will give an overview of their annual report on U.S. households with difficulty providing food for all their members in 2020. ACL: Social Isolation/Loneliness Among People with Disabilities – Thursday, September 9 at 2:00 pm ET. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) will hold an hour-long discussion with researchers on barriers to social participation for rural and urban people with disabilities. Resources of the Week FORHP Grants in Motion. Every quarter the Rural Health Information Hub (RHIHub) releases Grants in Motion, a series highlighting some of the exceptional work our FORHP awardees achieve in their communities. This edition focuses on the new Vulnerable Rural Hospital Assistance Program (VRHAP). Administered by FORHP's Hospital State Division, the program provides technical assistance to hospitals at-risk for closure. NACo Brief on Nursing Homes and COVID-19. The National Association of Counties (NACo) presents a resource on federal guidance, policies, data, and local best practices for outbreaks in long-term care facilities. Approaching Deadlines 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 NIH Research for COVID-19 Impact on Vulnerable Populations – 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 Hospital Recertification for 340B Drug Pricing Program – 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 Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Technical Assistance Center – Extended to September 20 (from August 30) HRSA Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Training Program – Extended to September 20 (from August 30) HRSA Promoting Resilience and Mental Health for Health Professional Workforce – Extended to September 20 (from August 30) 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 3RNET Recruiting for Retention Academy – October 4 NIH Researching the Role of Work in Health Disparities – October 5 USDA Emergency Rural Health Care Grants – October 12 Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples: Thriving Women Program – October 16 HUD Indian Community Development Block Grant – Imminent Threat Funding – October 18 Department of Commerce/EDA American Rescue Plan Program for Community Development – October 19 National Health Service Corps Students to Service Loan Repayment Program – November 4 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) | 
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