December 2, 2021 What's New Spread the Word About Vaccine Boosters. HHS released new resources – posters, flyers, videos, and talking points – to help promote the extra protection from COVID-19 boosters. All vaccinated adults aged 18+ are eligible for a booster. Search by zip code to find nearby locations providing adult and pediatric vaccines and boosters for COVID-19 and the flu at vaccines.gov. National Advisory Committee Weighs in on Rural Emergency Hospitals. In December 2020, Congress created a new type of Medicare provider called the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) as a response to loss of emergency services in rural areas due to hospital closures. The new designation will allow a Critical Access Hospital or small rural hospital with no more than 50 beds to convert to an REH with 24-hour emergency services, but no inpatient care. This report from the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services summarizes the statutory requirements for REHs, examines implications for various federal entities likely to be involved in their administration, and makes 16 recommendations to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to ensure the success of the REH model. New Research: Outcomes from ED Visits at Rural Hospitals. In an open access article on JAMA Network Open, researchers examine 30-day outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries after treatment of life-threatening conditions in emergency departments (EDs) at both urban and rural hospitals. The study was prompted by a 50 percent increase in visits to rural EDs in the last 10 years, while rural hospitals continue to close. The researchers conclude that their findings underscore the importance of rural and critical access EDs for treatment of life-threatening conditions among Medicare recipients. CDC Tracking Rural Vaccination Rates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently added metro/non-metro vaccination data to its COVID Data Tracker website. Users can select total population vaccinated or select different age groups (≥ 12, ≥ 18, ≥ 65) as well as a line graph of vaccination rates, by the six urban-rural classifications used by the National Center for Health Statistics. The site also measures rates of vaccination by the CDC Social Vulnerability Index, which uses U.S. Census data on categories like poverty, housing, and vehicle access. New AHRQ Chartbook on Rural Health Care. This week, the federal agency that researches what makes health care safer, more affordable, higher quality, and accessible to all released its compendium of data and trends for rural populations. The chartbook is part of the annual National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report (NHQDR) that assesses the performance of our health care system across these measures. Analysis: Medicaid Models for Maternal Opioid Misuse in Four Rural States. This research brief from the University of Iowa examines the demonstration model for Maternal Opioid Misuse, created by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation in 2018. The analysis hones in on the way state-level Medicaid policy was applied in rural areas, and compares the approach and outcomes in four mostly-rural states: Colorado, Indiana, Maine, and Missouri. Nominations Sought for Indigenous Health Equity Committee – deadline extended to January 7. The HHS Office of Minority Health is building an advisory committee for the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity, a new initiative that began in September. The Tribal Advisory Committee will have 16 delegate positions, one from each of the 12 geographic areas served by the Indian Health Service and four national at-large member positions. Surveying the Experiences of Transgender People. In 2015, the National Center for Transgender Equality conducted the largest survey examining the lives of transgender people. More than 27,000 respondents from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and overseas military bases answered questions about their experiences with social determinants of health such as education, employment, family life, health care, housing, and interactions with the criminal justice system. Information from the survey fills in some of the large gaps in research and provides critical tools for researchers, policymakers, and advocates seeking to eliminate disparities. Though it's estimated that at least three million LGBT people live in rural America, there remains a need for data from rural areas. To that end, the National Center for Transgender Equality asks for volunteers living in rural areas to sign up for the 2022 US Transgender Survey. Ongoing: HRSA Payment Program for RHC Buprenorphine-Trained Providers. In June 2021, HRSA launched an effort to improve access to substance use disorder treatment by paying for providers who are waivered to prescribe buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder. Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) still have the opportunity to apply for a $3,000 payment on behalf of each provider who trained to obtain the waiver necessary to prescribe buprenorphine after January 1, 2019. Approximately $1.5 million in program funding remains available for RHCs and will be paid on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Send questions to DATA2000WaiverPayments@hrsa.gov. There is ongoing availability of a free online course for waiver eligibility training from the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine and the Providers Clinical Support System. COVID-19 Resources NARHC Assistance with Federal Programs for COVID-19 Testing, Vaccine Distribution, and Provider Relief Fund. The National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC) has background information and guidelines in its collection of technical assistance webinars for all COVID-related programs designated for Rural Health Clinics. 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. New: Community Toolkit for Addressing Health Misinformation. The new resource asks for participation from individuals, teachers, school administrators, librarians, faith leaders, and health care professionals to understand, identify, and stop the spread of misinformation. The toolkit includes common types of misinformation and a checklist to help evaluate the accuracy of health-related content. 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. 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. 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. 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. New: Reaching Farm Communities for Vaccine Confidence. The AgriSafe Network is a nonprofit organization that provides information and training on injury and disease related to agriculture. Their health professionals and educators created a social media toolkit that aims to provide clear messages about COVID-19 vaccination for agriculture, forestry, and fishing workers. Funding and Opportunities HRSA Rural Residency Planning and Development (RRPD) Program – extended to December 21. The RRPD program aims to increase opportunities for physicians to train in rural residencies. A total of $10.5 million will develop 14 new rural residency programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Eligible applicants include rural hospitals, GME consortiums, and tribal organizations. For questions, email RuralResidency@hrsa.gov. HHS COVID-19 and Health Equity Impact Fellowship – January 4. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) will offer a monthly stipend and health insurance allowance for a fellowship opportunity in Washington, DC. Participants will conduct policy research and analysis on topics such as social determinants of health, health equity, access to services for at-risk populations, the impact of COVID-19, maternity care, and the HIV population. Eligible applicants are U.S. citizens with a Master's or Doctoral degree within the last five years or currently pursuing in the following disciplines: social and behavioral sciences; life, health, and medical sciences; communications and graphic design; mathematics and statistics; other non-science and engineering fields, such as decision-making and risk analysis. Department of Labor YouthBuild Program – January 21. An expected 75 awards will be made for up to $1.5 million each support education, occupational skills training, leadership development, and post-program placement for youth aged 16-24. Eligible applicants are public and nonprofit organizations in rural, urban or Tribal locations that have previously served in a YouthBuild or other similar program. CDC Cancer Prevention and Control for State, Territorial, and Tribal Organizations – January 26. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will invest $1.1 billion for 196 awards. The program aims to eliminate preventable cancers, ensure all people get the right screening, and support cancer survivors. The effort is comprised of three national programs: 1) the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, 2) the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, and 3) the National Program of Cancer Registries. National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Programs – Extended to February 3. Three programs will award more applicants this year with an historic $800 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan. Loan repayment programs play a critical role in supporting clinicians in rural communities, with more than 30 percent of the funds going to rural applicants. The NHSC Loan Repayment Program awards up to $50,000 in exchange for a two-year commitment to provide primary medical, dental or mental/behavioral health care at approved sites in high-need, underserved areas. The NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Program provides up to $75,000 in exchange for a three-year commitment to health care professionals who provide substance use disorder treatment services. Providers in rural communities may apply to the NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program, which awards up to $100,000 for three years of service. The original due date for applications was December 16. HRSA Predoctoral Training in Public Health Dentistry and Dental Hygiene – February 7. This program from HRSA's Bureau of Health Workforce invests $4.5 million to improve public health through increased access to oral care in underserved and rural populations. Fifteen awards are expected for accredited schools of dentistry, public or private nonprofit hospitals, or other nonprofit organizations with professional training programs. In addition to geographic isolation and lack of transportation, workforce shortages in rural communities contribute to oral health disparities. VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families – February 7. The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide funding for nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives that provide supportive services for very low-income veterans and their families. Grants of up to $2 million each will be equitably distributed across geographic regions, including rural communities and tribal lands. USDA Farm and Food Worker Relief Grants – February 8. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make awards ranging from $5 million to $50 million to state agencies, Tribal entities, and nonprofits with experience in providing support or relief services to farm workers. Applicants for farmworkers or meatpacking workers support may request more than the maximum amount when they demonstrate they are a national organization with capacity to deliver funds in excess of $50,000,000 across multiple states and in partnership with smaller farmworker or meatpacking worker organizations. In 2022, workers will apply to receive funds from recipients of these grants. Policy Updates Send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. New: Transition of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program into the Affordable Connectivity Program. The new Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act modifies and extends the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program) into a longer-term effort to increase access to broadband called the Affordable Connectivity Program. The FCC is seeking comments from the public on program requirements, impact of changes on providers and communities, and a timeline for rapid implementation. (See section IV, Filing Requirements, on page 55.) Initial comments are due Wednesday, December 8, and reply comments are due Tuesday, December 28. New NQF Report on Rural Telehealth. Earlier this week, the National Quality Forum (NQF) issued a report from its Rural Telehealth and Healthcare System Readiness Committee. The report includes a framework for assessing the impact of telehealth on healthcare system readiness and health outcomes during emergencies in rural areas. It also includes recommendations for quality measures and areas for measurement to support quality improvement and identify measurement gaps. Learning Events and Technical Assistance Support for Behavioral Health Workforce in Rural Communities – Tuesday, December 7 at 2:00 pm ET. This webinar will highlight state policy options to increase access to rural behavioral health providers, including telehealth, licensing policies and compacts, and utilizing emerging health professionals. This event is hosted by the Technical Assistance Program of the FORHP-supported Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP). Agriculture and Alcohol Use – Wednesday, December 8 at 1:00 pm ET. The AgriSafe Network will provide an overview of substance use in ranching and farming communities and strategies for awareness and screening. Clinical Leaders Forum: A Focused Discussion on the Nursing Workforce – Wednesday, December 8 at 3:00 pm ET. Join HRSA's Bureau of Health Workforce for a one-hour discussion on growing and sustaining the nursing workforce during the pandemic using an integrated care team model. Learn How to Write a Competitive Research Proposal – Wednesday, December 8 at 3:30 pm ET. 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. Provider Strategies to Boost COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence – Thursday, December 9 from 12:00-1:30pm ET. This webinar developed by HRSA's Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs in Denver is designed to enhance healthcare providers' ability to engage with, motivate, and promote COVID-19 vaccine confidence in their patients so that more individuals can be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The webinar will highlight principals to increase trust and acceptance of the vaccine, targeted communication, behavior change strategies, such as motivational interviewing, and managing misinformation. For questions, contact KPatton@hrsa.gov. Urban Institute: Re-envisioning Rural America – Tuesday, December 14 at 2:30 pm ET. The guest list includes Xochitl Torres Small, Under Secretary for Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in a 90-minute discussion on strengths and opportunity for rural investment and capacity building. HRSA Health Equity Series: Mental Health in the Hispanic Community – Wednesday, December 15 at 1:00 pm ET. The second in a four-part series, this 75-minute session will identify cultural considerations in diagnosing and treating mental health and include a discussion on emotional fatigue in mental health providers. Health Workforce Technical Assistance Center Webinar – Thursday, December 16 at 1:00 pm ET . Register now for the Health Workforce Technical Assistance Center's hour-long webinar - COVID-19's Effect on Access to Care for Underserved Populations: An Examination of Telehealth and Provider Attrition. Resource of the Week FAQs About Partnering with Tribal Nations on Research (pdf). The Policy Research Center at the National Congress of American Indians documented Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to advise researchers on cultural considerations, priorities, laws, policies, and research oversight mechanisms. Approaching Deadlines National Health Service Corps Students to Service Loan Repayment Program – Extended to December 2 EPA Technical Assistance for Small Public Water Systems – December 3 COVID-19 Vaccination Required for Workers in Medicare/Medicaid Facilities – First Dose December 4 Comments Requested: Requirements Related to Surprise Billing – December 6 Comments Requested: Development of the All-Cause Emergency Department (ED) Utilization for Medicaid Beneficiaries measure – December 8 HRSA Physician Assistant Rural Training Program – December 9 HRSA Graduate Psychology Education Program – December 9 HRSA Community-Based Workforce to Build COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence – December 10 HRSA New Geographic Service Areas for HIV/AIDS Early Intervention – December 10 RADx-UP Mini-Grant Program for COVID-19 Testing Initiatives – December 10 HRSA Primary Care HIV Prevention in Health Centers – December 14 Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program – December 15 FEMA Grants for Firefighters/EMS Organizations – December 17 HRSA Rural Residency Planning and Development (RRPD) Program – extended to December 21 Department of Labor Stand Down Grants for Veterans Services – December 31 USDA Guaranteed Loans for Rural Rental Housing – December 31 COVID-19 Extension for Medicare Graduate Medical Education (GME) Affiliation Agreement – January 1 Treasury Department New Markets Tax Credit Program – January 3 CDC Grants for New Investigators/Research for Interpersonal Violence Impacting Children/Youth – January 4 COVID-19 Vaccination Required for Workers in Medicare/Medicaid Facilities – January 4 HHS COVID-19 and Health Equity Impact Fellowship – January 4 HRSA Family-to-Family Health Information Centers (F2F HICs) – January 5 Nominations Sought for Indigenous Health Equity Committee – extended to January 7 NIH Research for AI/AN End-of-Life Care – January 8 USDA Farm to School Grants – January 10 HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program – January 13 HRSA Nurse Faculty Loan Program – January 13 HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program - Implementation – January 13 CDC Research on Telehealth Strategies for PrEP and ART – January 18 Comments Requested: DEA Regulation of Telepharmacy Practice – January 18 NIH Researching Behavioral Risk Factors for Cancer in Rural Populations – January 18 Department of Labor YouthBuild Program – January 21 ACL Empowering Communities for Chronic Disease Self-Management – January 25 ACL Empowering Communities to Deliver and Sustain Falls Prevention Programs – January 25 HRSA Delta Region Rural Health Workforce Training Program – January 25 CDC Cancer Prevention and Control for State, Territorial, and Tribal Organizations – January 26 HRSA Access to HIV Services for Women and Children – January 28 HRSA Rural Health Network Development Planning Program – January 28 HHS Technology Challenge for Racial Equity in Postpartum Care – January 31 HRSA Centers of Excellence for Training Minorities in Health Professions – January 31 HRSA Leadership Education in Adolescent Health – February 1 Indian Health Service Forensic Healthcare Services for Domestic Violence Prevention – February 2 Indian Health Service Substance Abuse and Suicide Prevention Program – February 2 Indian Health Service Zero Suicide Initiative – February 2 National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Programs – Extended to February 3 CDC Research to Prevent Firearm-Related Violence and Injuries – February 4 RWJF Summer Health Professions Education Program for Underrepresented Minorities – February 5 HRSA Predoctoral Training in Public Health Dentistry and Dental Hygiene – February 7 VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families – February 7 USDA Farm and Food Worker Relief Grants – February 8 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 HRSA Payment Program for Buprenorphine-Trained Clinicians – Until Funds Run Out 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 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 Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health – May 2022 NIH Practice-Based Research for Primary Care Suicide Prevention – June 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 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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