September 23, 2021 What's New HHS and USDA Launch Resource Guide for Child Care in Rural Areas. Yesterday, the U.S Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health & Human Services (HHS) released a new federal guide to strengthen and expand child care facilities in rural communities. The USDA-RD HHS-ACF Joint Facilities Resource Guide (pdf) includes best practices, innovative approaches, success stories and a list of federal resources available. The Administration of Children and Families (ACF) is the HHS agency administering federal programs for child care; Rural Development (RD) at the USDA focuses on improving the economy and quality of life in rural America. Open Enrollment for Healthcare.gov Extended. Usually, the annual period for buying or changing health insurance plans for the next calendar year begins in November and runs until December 15. Starting this year, the federal government is extending the open enrollment period to January 15 for states that use Healthcare.gov, the federal website for health insurance. State Marketplaces not using the federal eligibility and enrollment platform (Healthcare.gov) can decide their own end date, provided that it is no earlier than December 15. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services made this and other changes to the Health Insurance Marketplace in the final rule for Benefits and Payment Parameters (pdf), further detailed in the Policy Updates section below. It is estimated that 65 percent of uninsured rural adults could have access to a health plan with a $0 premium on Healthcare.gov. HRSA Releases New Projections for the Health Workforce. According to data collected by the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (NCHWA), the supply of primary care physicians in the U.S. will see a shortage by the year 2030; a surplus of nurse practitioners and physician assistants is projected for the same time span. The forecast shows the largest shortages in Nevada, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Arizona. The NCHWA is part of the Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW) at the Health Resources and Services Administration. Last week, BHW announced funding for a new federal program to increase the number of physician assistants in rural areas. Accredited training programs that can demonstrate a high rate of rural placement for graduates may apply for the HRSA Physician Assistant Rural Training Program through December 9. CDC: Overdose Deaths Up by a Third. Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the latest data on reported deaths due to overdose within the 50 states and the District of Columbia. While final counts are not yet complete, 90,133 deaths occurred between February 2020 and February 2021, an increase of more than 30 percent over the previous year. ONC: Challenges to Interoperability. The ability to exchange electronic health data between facilities, known as interoperability, is essential to the long-term goals of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC). This report examines the challenges for acute care hospitals – including rural hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals – exchanging electronic health information with public health agencies. The report uses data collected in 2019 and identifies ongoing barriers that may have been exacerbated by the pandemic. RAND Weighs in on Vaccine Hesitancy. The RAND Corporation is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization that researches and analyzes public policy. Their recommendations promote the World Health Organization's "three Cs" model: 1) boosting confidence in the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, 2) combating complacency about the pandemic, and 3) increasing the convenience of getting vaccinated. Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cited data showing lower COVID-19 vaccination coverage in rural areas. Household Food Security in the U.S. Last Year. The Economic Research Service (ERS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its annual report on access to adequate food for households in the U.S. The survey data collected in December 2020 showed an estimated 89.5 percent of households had food access throughout the year, a number not significantly different from the same survey taken at the end of 2019. The prevalence of very low food security for rural areas, 4.5 percent, was slightly higher than the national average of 3.9 percent. COVID-19 Resources Federal Office of Rural Health Policy Resources 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. 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. 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, including new details of a grace period on the September 30 reporting deadline. 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 on 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. 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. 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: Southern Border Toolkit for State and Local Partners. 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 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 Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project – Extended to October 1 (from September 10). The National Rural Health Resource Center extended the deadline for 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 technical assistance to strengthen each organization's efficiency, quality, patient experience, and safety of care. Strategies for Emerging Issues in Childhood Agricultural Health – Letters of Intent, October 1. The National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health Safety will provide grants up to $25,000 each to study strategies that are likely to identify causes, effects, and prevention health and safety threats for children in agricultural environments. The 2021 funding cycle will focus on documenting, intervening, and otherwise exploring impacts related to COVID-19. Letters of Intent are required to submit applications due on November 1. USDA Small Business Innovation Research, Phase 1 – November 3. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides funding for research into new technologies that address important problems affecting people, institutions, and communities in rural America. Several of USDA's research priorities for this project impact health, including improving water and air quality, expanding broadband access, programs for healthy food consumption. Eligible applicants are small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grants – December 1. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will invest $13 million in an expected 26 awards to assess and clean up sites that are contaminated by a hazardous substance or pollutant. The goal is to protect the environment and allow for reinvestment in properties that can contribute to local economies. EPA Brownfields Assessment Grants – December 1 provide funding for a range of planning activities, including community involvement. EPA Brownfields Job Training Grants – October 5 help unemployed and under-employed residents get skills needed for full-time employment in the environmental field. Eligibility for each of these programs includes non-profit organizations as well as state, local, and Tribal governments; read carefully to learn about some restrictions. NIH Researching Behavioral Risk Factors for Cancer in Rural Populations – January 18. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will fund projects to develop, adapt, and test social and behavioral interventions. Risk factors for study include tobacco use, diet, physical activity, weight, and alcohol use. Policy Updates Visit the FORHP Policy page to see all recent updates and send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. New Payment Parameters for the Health Insurance Marketplace Finalized. In addition to extending the Open Enrollment period for federally-facilitated Marketplaces (see What's New section above), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reinstated requirements that the Marketplace Navigators provide assistance on post-enrollment topics, such as concepts of health insurance. Among other changes, the final rule also removes the Exchange Direct Enrollment option, which would have allowed private-sector health insurers, agents, and brokers to run their own websites for enrollment. Learning Events and Technical Assistance Northeast Telehealth Conference – September 23-24. Over two days, the Northeast Telehealth Resource Center (NETRC) will host stakeholders from across their 8-state region. The Region 1 office of HRSA's Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs will provide federal updates and offer a forecast of HRSA resources and opportunities. Register to attend online or in person. HRSA Addressing the Social Determinants of Health for Black Men – Thursday, September 23 at 11:00 am ET. The Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs will host a webinar to address the social determinants of health of Black men. Dr. Marino Bruce will present on social factors impacting health outcomes at the structural and individual levels. NAM/HRSA on Providing Health Literate Virtual Health Services – Thursday, September 23 at 2:00 pm ET. The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) will host a 90-minute session on the challenges of telehealth for patients with low health literacy. Experts from HRSA's Office for the Advancement of Telehealth will make a presentation. NTIA Grant Program for Broadband Infrastructure – Thursday, September 23 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. Recovery Center of Excellence Symposium on Behavioral Health Integration – Fridays at 12:00 pm ET through October 8. The annual event is entirely virtual and features nationally and internationally recognized experts in the field of suicide prevention and substance use. Register to attend any or all of the eight presentations (two per day). This event is hosted by the University of Rochester Recovery Center of Excellence, one of three FORHP-funded RCORP-Rural Centers of Excellence on Substance Use Disorders. Health Workforce Technical Assistance Center: Disability Competency Training – Tuesday, September 28 at 1:00 pm ET. HRSA's support program for America's health workforce will host a 45-minute session on the core competencies in disability competency training in medical education. Learn more about health care for rural people with disabilities at the Rural Health Information Hub. CDC Resources for RHC COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution – Tuesday, September 28 at 3:00 pm ET. Under the Rural Health Clinic Vaccine Distribution Program, Medicare-certified RHCs receive COVID-19 vaccines in addition to their normal jurisdictions' weekly allocation. During this webinar, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will discuss additional online resources for vaccine providers at rural health clinics. The Child Tax Credit: Ensuring Successful and Equitable Implementation – Tuesday, September 28 at 3:00 pm. HRSA has invited representatives from the Department of Treasury and White House to help awardees understand the Child Tax Credit, with a particular focus on enrolling families that may not usually file taxes. Join a one-hour session for an overview of the Child Tax Credit and instructions on how to help enroll families using the Non-Filer Portal. If you prefer to join by phone, dial: 833-568-8864; meeting ID: 161 456 3976. Telehealth Best Practices Learned from the Pandemic – Tuesdays at 3:00 pm ET, September 28 – October 19. The Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resources will hold a four-part series with lessons learned from telehealth practices of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Topics include connecting with hard-to-reach populations, staff engagement, and the future of telehealth after the pandemic. AgriSafe: QPR for Farmers and Farm Families – Wednesday, September 29 at 1:00 pm ET. The AgriSafe Network will hold an hour-long training on Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR), a method for recognizing and responding to mental health crises. Tribal Opioid Response Webinar: Peer Recovery Panel – Wednesday, September 29 at 3:00 pm ET. Peer recovery support involves non-clinical help with substance use disorder from people who have lived the experience. This hour-long panel discussion for Tribal communities is hosted by the Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Learn About the Emergency Rental Assistance Program – Thursday, September 30 at 11:00 am ET. In an hour-long webinar, the Administration for Community Living will provide details on the program assisting households unable to pay rent or utilities during the pandemic. ED Initiated Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder – Thursday, September 30 at 3:00 pm ET. Experts will discuss the use of buprenorphine, a drug used to treat opioid dependence, for patients in Emergency Departments (ED). This learning event is hosted by the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Technical Assistance (RCORP-TA), a HRSA/FORHP-supported program. The Role of Medicaid in U.S. Territories – Thursday, September 30 at 3:00 pm ET. Patients, health care providers and Medicaid administrators in Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands will discuss problems caused by block grant funding for Medicaid. The event is hosted by the American Cancer Society Action Network. Resources of the Week Guide to State Policies for Mental Health. The National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors present three resource guides for mental health, including a section for rural communities. The resource guide for Topic A covers bed registries and services for behavioral health crises; Topic B gives guidelines on diversion from jail; and Topic C provides resources for improving mental health services within jails. USDA Guide for Disaster Resiliency and Recovery. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) created the guide specifically for rural communities with post-disaster resources and guidance for long-term planning. Approaching Deadlines 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 USDA Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants – September 30 Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project – Extended to October 1 (from September 10) Strategies for Emerging Issues in Childhood Agricultural Health – Letters of Intent, October 1 3RNET Recruiting for Retention Academy – October 4 EPA Brownfields Job Training Grants – October 5 NIH Researching the Role of Work in Health Disparities – October 5 Department of Treasury Capital Magnet Fund for Community Development – October 12 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 USDA Farm Labor Housing Direct Loans and Grants – November 1 AmeriCorps VISTA Requesting Concept Papers – November 3 USDA Small Business Innovation Research, Phase 1 – November 3 National Health Service Corps Students to Service Loan Repayment Program – November 4 AmeriCorps State and National Public Health AmeriCorps – November 8 Department of Commerce Pilot Program: Connecting Minority Communities – December 1 EPA Brownfields Assessment Grants – December 1 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grants – December 1 HRSA Physician Assistant Rural Training Program – December 9 Department of Labor Stand Down Grants for Veterans Services – December 31 COVID-19 Extension for Medicare Graduate Medical Education (GME) Affiliation Agreement – January 1 NIH Researching Behavioral Risk Factors for Cancer in Rural Populations – January 18 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 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: Intervening with Cancer Caregivers to Improve Patient Outcomes – September 8, 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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