September 30, 2021 What's New New COVID-19 Provider Funding Application Portal Open through October 26. As of September 29, health care providers can apply for $25.5 billion in provider relief funds. The package includes $8.5 billion in American Rescue Plan (ARP) resources for those who serve rural patients covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and $17 billion for Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Phase 4 for a broad range of providers experiencing changes in operating revenues and expenses. Providers may apply for both programs with a single application, and applications must be completed and submitted by October 26 at 11:59 p.m. ET. HRSA will host four technical assistance webinars for applicants starting on Thursday, Sept 30. See the Learning Events section below for details. CDC: State of Vaccination Confidence. (pdf) This is the 15th report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how Americans think and feel about COVID-19 vaccination. Following the September 9th announcement of an action plan to boost vaccination rates, news reports and social media conversations varied widely: one poll found that FDA approval increased vaccine confidence, while some local news outlets and surveys reported no change in the number of people getting vaccinated. The CDC report was issued on September 13, almost two weeks before the Food and Drug Administration amended their emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to allow a single booster dose for certain persons at high risk for contracting the virus. CDC: Trends in Death Rates, 1999-2019. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that death rates for both men and women over the ten-year period were higher in rural areas than urban, and the differences widened over the period. The greatest differences between rural and urban were deaths due to heart disease (189.1 per 100,000 compared with 156.3), cancer (164.1 compared with 142.8), and chronic lower respiratory disease (52.5 compared with 35.4). Comments Requested: Measuring Quality in Rural Telehealth – Respond by October 8. For more than five years, the National Quality Forum (NQF) has worked with staff and other partners of the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy to develop a rural-specific framework for measuring the performance of healthcare via telehealth. The NQF requests comment from the public on their draft framework (pdf) that covers five domains: 1) access to care and technology; 2) costs, business models, and logistics; 3) experience; 4) effectiveness; and 5) equity that calls for rural-specific measurement of quality. HHS Inspector General Reports on Use of Crisis Teams by Indian Health Service During Pandemic. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) reviews more than 100 federal programs in an effort to fight waste, fraud, and abuse. This report examines the first five deployments of Critical Care Response Teams to American Indian and Alaska Native communities from June through September 2020. DEA Alert on increase in Deadly Drugs. On Monday, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a rare public safety warning about fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. DEA laboratory testing reveals a dramatic rise in the number of pills containing at least two milligrams of fentanyl, which is considered a lethal dose. The CDC reports that, in 2019, drug deaths involving psychostimulants such as methamphetamine were higher in rural counties; the most recent provisional count of deaths across the U.S. shows a 30 percent year-over-year increase in overdose deaths. Kaiser Family Foundation on Housing and Internet Access. The national nonprofit for health policy used the Census Bureau's American Community Survey to examine housing adequacy, affordability, and internet access for those enrolled in Medicaid, the federal/state program for health care that covers nearly one in four (24%) nonelderly individuals in rural areas. 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. 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. Round 1 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. New Grace Period Announced: HHS announced the grace period to support those facing natural disasters and the Delta variant surge. While the September 30 deadline for reporting has not changed, recoupment or other enforcement actions will not be initiated during the grace period, lasting October 1 – November 30, 2021. 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 HRSA Graduate Psychology Education Program – December 9. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is investing $25 million for up 55 awards to train doctoral health service psychology students, interns, and post-doctoral residents for placement into primary care settings in high need areas. Eligible applicants are doctoral, internship, and post-doctoral residency programs accredited by the American Psychological Association. RADx-UP Mini-Grant Program for COVID-19 Testing Initiatives – December 10. With support from the National Institutes of Health, the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics-Underserved Populations (RADx-UP) program aims to increase the capacity for COVID-19 testing expertise in vulnerable communities. Eligibility includes community and faith-based organizations, community-based clinics, and Tribal nations and organizations. Policy Updates Send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. Comments Requested: Criteria for Determining Maternity Care Health Professional Target Areas – November 26. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) requests public input on their proposed approach for determining Maternity Care Health Professional Target Areas (MCTA) with the greatest shortage, which includes the ratio of females to maternity health professionals and travel time and distance to nearest location with comprehensive maternity services. The scoring criteria will be used to distribute certain currently eligible National Health Service Corps (NHSC) clinicians who provide maternity care services. Research published earlier this year showed that rural communities have higher rates of both infant and maternal mortality. Learning Events and Technical Assistance 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. HRSA Guidance on New COVID-19 Provider Funding – Thursday, September 30 at 3:00 pm ET. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will host a series of hour-long webinars for rural applicants of Phase 4 and American Rescue Plan funding, featuring guidance on how to navigate the application portal. Additional webinars will take place on October 5th, 13th, and 21th. 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. 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. 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. Farmer Health Network: Screening for SDOH – Wednesday, October 13 at 2:00 pm ET. The national nonprofit that provides training and technical assistance to Community & Migrant Health Centers will provide an overview of social determinants of health (SDOH) factors that impact vulnerable populations, including migratory and seasonal agricultural workers (MSAWs), and discuss how to better identify and screen for specific SDOH factors. HRSA's New Projections for the Health Workforce – Thursday, October 14 at 2:00 pm ET. While HRSA's National Center for Workforce Analysis predicts a shortfall of primary care physicians by 2030, their latest report shows a surplus of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Join experts for more details in this 90-minute webinar. Resource of the Week Three Grantees Share Their Stories of Creating New Rural Residency Programs. This edition of FORHP Grants in Motion focuses on three awardees from the Rural Residency Planning and Development (RRPD) Program. These grantees have been doing exceptional work towards the development of rural residency programs in the specialty fields of psychiatry and primary care. A new funding opportunity for the RRPD program is forecast for later this year. Approaching Deadlines 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 Comments Requested: Measuring Quality in Rural Telehealth – October 8 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 Comments Requested: Criteria for Determining Maternity Care Health Professional Target Areas – November 26 End of Grace Period for Round 1 Provider Relief Fund Reporting – November 30 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 HRSA Graduate Psychology Education Program – December 9 RADx-UP Mini-Grant Program for COVID-19 Testing Initiatives – December 10 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 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 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