February 3, 2022 What's New January 2022 Roundup. In addition to an historic level of funding for its rural programs in 2021, the agency's focus on health equity and meeting the needs of the underserved during the pandemic brought more than $8 billion in grants and other resources to communities across the country and its territories last year. Among several actions taken in January 2022, HRSA welcomed new leadership, awarded funds to address burnout for the nation's health care workforce, and continued to distribute Provider Relief Fund payments. COVID-19 Vaccination Rates Lower in Rural America. Data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention show that on January 10, 2022, the overall vaccination rate in nonmetropolitan counties was lower than in metropolitan counties—48 percent in nonmetro areas versus 61 percent in metro areas. The Economic Research Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture compiled the data from the CDC and state health departments and reports substantial regional variations. Nonmetro counties in the Northeast, the northern Midwest, and the West have vaccination rates that are above national nonmetro average; meanwhile, a large proportion of counties in the South and southern Midwest have vaccination rates below the national nonmetro average. February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The federal website HIV.gov has an event planning guide and social media kit for the annual observance meant to increase HIV education, testing, community involvement, and treatment in Black communities. Most recent data show that Black American men and women make up the most-affected population for new HIV diagnoses. While most lived in a metropolitan area during the time of the study, about 6 percent of these new cases were in rural areas where access to care remains a challenge. HRSA's Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) continues to focus efforts on key populations that are disproportionately affected, including those in rural areas identified by the federal Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative. Last week, the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors delivered its latest annual report on funding and services delivered by states under RWHAP, including data for viral suppression in rural areas (section 3). HHS on Trends in Telehealth Use: Disparities in Utilization. The HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) has released new findings on Medicare telehealth use that includes rural verse urban comparisons. ASPE has also released a companion brief that examines state Medicaid telehealth coverage and policies before and after the pandemic. Milbank Fund Assesses Primary Care Access. The report assesses the evidence for policy interventions in five dimensions of primary care access. For example, Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics provide appointments more quickly and tend to have a higher and growing percentage of racially and ethnically diverse patients than private physician offices. Spread the Word About Vaccine Boosters. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services 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. A few weeks ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded booster eligibility to include adolescents ages 12 to 17, recommending that they receive a booster shot five months after their initial vaccination. The CDC also released a new resource, based on input from rural health departments and organizations, with 12 strategies to increase vaccine uptake in rural communities (pdf). Search by zip code to find nearby locations providing adult and pediatric vaccines and boosters for COVID-19 and the flu at vaccines.gov. 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 Provider Relief Fund (PRF). The reporting portal is open for providers required to report on PRF payments during Reporting Period 2, and will remain open until March 31, 2022. 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. Community Toolkit for Addressing Health Misinformation. The new resources help 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. 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 (pdf) 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 COVID-19 Vaccination Trainings (pdf) for new and experienced providers, and Tips for Talking with Patients about COVID-19 Vaccination. New: Updated Guidelines on Quarantine and Isolation, and Rural Considerations for Vaccine Confidence and Uptake Strategies (pdf). 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 Grant 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 Indigenous Public Health Leadership Program – February 21. The National Network of Public Health Institutes provides a six-month leadership training program for up to 48 emerging public health leaders working within a tribal department of health, the Indian Health Service, or tribal health care facilities serving American Indian/Alaska Native Communities. Eligible applicants include staff/personnel and early career professionals. National Indian Health Board/CDC Infectious Disease Learning Community Facilitation (pdf) – February 25. Partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the NIHB will provide funding and technical assistance to prevent and control infectious disease outbreaks in Tribal communities. Appalachian Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) – Letters of Intent March 3. The federal Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will make grants of up to $500,000 for projects that move individuals from substance abuse treatment to recovery to employment, with a focus on support services for entry or re-entry into the workforce. Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments; institutions of higher education; and public or private nonprofit organizations in the 423 counties served by the ARC. Letters of Intent are required by March 3. National Environmental Public Health Internship – March 9. The National Environmental Health Association will pair students with a mentor at local, state, or tribal health departments for a 10-week internship. To be eligible, applicants must be beyond their freshman year and currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate environmental health academic program. Fifty internships are available each year with a base stipend of $6,000 to cover lodging, food, and expenses. Applications for Host Sites for National Environmental Public Health Internship are accepted on an ongoing basis. DOJ Grants to Tribal Governments/Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction – March 22. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will make awards of up to $450,000 each for a three-year project that encourages collaboration of the criminal justice system and victim service providers. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments are eligible to apply. USDA Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program – March 23. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide up to five grants for scholarship programs leading to degrees in Food and Agricultural Sciences or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Eligible applicants are Land Grant Institutions and colleges and universities with significant minority enrollment. CMS Funding for Connecting Kids to Coverage Outreach and Enrollment – March 28. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will make 36 awards of up to $1.5 million each to increase the participation of eligible children, parents, and pregnant individuals in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance program. Eligible applicants are state, local, and Tribal governments and nonprofit organizations able to reach children with lower than average health coverage rates, including those in rural areas. Informational sessions will be held February 9 and February 23 at 12pm ET. HRSA Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program – March 31. HRSA will make 30 awards with total funding of $19.2 million to train residents in community-based patient care centers. Eligible applicants are public or private institutions of higher education and Native American tribal organizations and governments. Grantees will prepare residents with competencies to serve in rural communities and populations with health disparities. ACF Early Childhood Home Visiting Program for Tribal Communities – April 15. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) will make six awards, each up to $600,000 per year for a five-year project. Grantees will provide high-quality, culturally relevant home visiting services to families and primary caregivers of young children aged birth to kindergarten entry. Policy Updates Send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. No updates this week. See Events section below for CMS Rural Health Open Door Forum on Thursday, February 3 at 2:00 pm. Learning Events and Technical Assistance Application Assistance for RCORP Behavioral Health Funding – Thursday, February 3 at 1:00 pm ET. FORHP staff will provide information for a successful application to the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Behavioral Health Care Support. Call-In number: 1-833-568-8864; Participant Code: 66603797. Registration is not required to attend the 90-minute session; for those who cannot, a recording can be obtained by writing to ruralopioidresponse@hrsa.gov. CMS Rural Health Open Door Forum – Thursday, February 3 at 2:00 pm ET. The forum will cover new provisions for Graduate Medical Education that include 1,000 new Medicare-funded physician residency slots for hospitals serving rural and underserved populations. Applications for these slots are due March 31 (See Approaching Deadlines below). CMS will also discuss payment policies for administering COVID-19 monoclonal antibodies. A question and answer session will follow the presentations. White House Weekly Rural Stakeholders Call – Thursday, February 3 at 3:00 pm ET. On this week's call, the White House Office of Public Engagement will be joined by USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Meryl Harrell who will provide an update on the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's investments to address post-wildfire and hurricane recovery. Impact of CMS Rule Changes on Rural GME – Tuesday, February 8 at 12:00 pm ET. In this one-hour webinar session, the FORHP-supported Rural Residency Planning and Development (RRPD) -Technical Assistance Center will discuss several Medicare graduate medical education (GME) policy changes and the impact on health care workforce training in rural areas. (See new provisions for Graduate Medical Education.) Registration is required. HRSA: Role of Telehealth Expanding Access to Care and Services – Tuesday, February 8 at 12:00 pm ET. The four-part webinar series will focus on the role of Community Health Workers in team-based care in rural communities, how telehealth expands these services, and lessons learned in implementing these programs. Learn more about HRSA's Office for the Advancement of Telehealth at HRSA.gov. Enabling Dental Therapy Practice to Improve Access to Oral Health Services Webinar – Wednesday, February 9 at 2:00 pm ET. Join HRSA in a robust conversation ranging from origins of the workplace to training and practice to legislation and standardization. Rural Communities Opioid Response: Developing a Systems Mindset – Thursday, February 10 at 2:00 pm ET. Experts will provide an overview of a systems thinking approach to address complex public health challenges. All are welcomed to attend this learning event hosted by the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Technical Assistance, a HRSA/FORHP-supported program. Long COVID ECHO Webinar Series – Thursday, February 10 at 3:00 pm ET. The Health Centers of San Diego, the ECHO Institute, University of Washington, and University of Colorado have collaborated to provide CDC-funded monthly webinar-style ECHO learning sessions to rapidly disseminate findings and best practices related to patients experiencing ongoing health challenges after COVID-19 infection, a condition generally known as "Long COVID." This is a monthly webinar series with sessions currently scheduled from February through June. Project ECHO (pdf) began as an effort to support the management of patients with the hepatitis C virus in rural New Mexico, and has since been adapted to a number of other health conditions and settings. Resource of the Week CDC's Guidelines for Inclusive Communication. To help public health professionals ensure their communication products and strategies adapt, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide principles and specific suggestions on a variety of topics to help inform an inclusive and respectful approach to public health communication. This is a living document that will change with new information. It offers key principles and preferred terms for select populations while recognizing there isn't always agreement on these terms. Approaching Deadlines National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Programs – Extended to February 3 CDC Research to Prevent Firearm-Related Violence and Injuries – February 4 Comments Requested: NIH Draft Report on Priorities for Rural Telehealth – February 4 NTIA Request for Comment on Broadband Programs in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – 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 SAMHSA Harm Reduction Program – February 7 VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families – February 7 USDA Farm and Food Worker Relief Grants – February 8 PCORI Funding for Broad Pragmatic Studies – Letters of Intent February 8 IHS Tribal Self-Governance Negotiation – February 10 IHS Tribal Self-Governance Planning – February 10 CDC Strengthening Infection Prevention – February 11 Rural Healthy People 2030 Survey – February 14 SAMHSA Grants for Rural Emergency Medical Services Training – February 14 CDC Public Health Associate Program Host Sites – February 18 Indigenous Public Health Leadership Program – February 21 CDC Evaluating Substance Use Prevention Incorporating ACEs Prevention – February 22 HRSA Mobile Health Training - Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention – February 22 USDA Rural eConnectivity Broadband Loan and Grant Program – February 22 DOL Employment Services for Homeless Vets – February 23 Comments Requested: Changes to Graduate Medical Education Payments – February 25 NIH Preventing Opioid Misuse by Intervening on Social Determinants – March 2 Appalachian Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) – Letters of Intent March 3 Comments Requested: 2023 Proposed Updates to Medicare Advantage (MA) and Prescription Drug Program – March 7 HRSA Rural Health and Economic Development Analysis Program – March 8 National Environmental Public Health Internship – March 9 Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Behavioral Health Care Technical Assistance (RCORP-BHCTA) – March 9 CDC Rigorous Evaluation of Recovery Support Services – March 14 CDC Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country – March 16 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholars Program – March 16 HRSA Rural Public Health Workforce Training Network Program – March 18 HRSA Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program – March 21 DOJ Grants to Tribal Governments/Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction – March 22 USDA Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program – March 23 ONC Seeks Public Input on Electronic Prior Authorization – Comment by March 25 CMS Funding for Connecting Kids to Coverage Outreach and Enrollment – March 28 HRSA Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program – March 31 Medicare-Funded Residency Slots – March 31 USDA Program for Women and Minorities in STEM Fields – March 31 FCC/USAC Rural Health Care Connect Fund – April 1 FCC/USAC Telecommunications Program – April 1 HRSA Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies Program – April 5 USDA Local Food Purchase Assistance Program – April 5 NIH Evaluating Pandemic-related Food/Housing Policies on Disparity Populations – April 7 DOT RAISE Grants for Transportation Infrastructure – April 14 HRSA Health Workforce Research Centers – April 14 USDA Rural Business Development: Technical Assistance for Rural Transportation Systems – April 14 ACF Early Childhood Home Visiting Program for Tribal Communities – April 15 HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) – Behavioral Health Care Support – April 19 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 Affordable Connectivity Program 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 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Seed Grants for Climate Change and Health – Quarterly through August 2023 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 Seeking Nominations for Migrant Health Advisory 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 Host Sites for National Environmental Public Health Internship 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 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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