March 10, 2022 What's New New Data on Rural-Urban Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last year that, in the first four months of the vaccine's availability, coverage for adults overall was lower in rural than in urban counties. New data released last week show that the rural-urban gap in COVID-19 vaccination coverage has more than doubled since April 2021. Provider Relief Fund Reporting Period Closes Soon. The Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Reporting Portal will close on March 31 for Reporting Period 2. Providers who received one or more PRF payment exceeding $10,000, in the aggregate, during the second Payment Received Period must report on their use of funds no later than March 31, 2022. To get started they must register in the Portal (if not yet completed). More information and resources can be found on the PRF Reporting web page. Suicide Rates Decline, But Remain High for Certain Groups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data showing suicide rates were inversely related to county urbanization level, with the most rural (noncore) counties experiencing the highest rate (20.6 per 100,000). Overall, there was a three percent decline in the suicide rate in 2020, a downward trend that started in 2019. While the rate is 13.9 per 100,000 in the general U.S. population, disparities persist. The rates were highest among persons who were non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native (23.9 per 100,000), followed by non-Hispanic White (16.9 per 100,000). 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 Spread the Word About Vaccine Boosters. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (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. 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. 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 Tips for Talking with Patients about COVID-19 Vaccination and Rural Considerations for Vaccine Confidence and Uptake Strategies (pdf). New: Know Your COVID-19 Community Level 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. 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 Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program Funding Opportunity – deadline extended to March 22. HRSA will be making approximately 40 awards of up to $200,000 each to support the planning and implementation of quality improvement activities in rural communities. Applicants must be rural domestic public or private nonprofit entities with demonstrated experience serving, or the capacity to serve, rural underserved populations in a HRSA-designated rural area. DOJ Rural Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Assistance Program – April 7. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will make 55 awards with a total investment of $32 million to expand services provided by local nonprofit, government, and nongovernmental organizations in rural communities. Read about The Ruralness of Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence in The Rural Monitor. DOJ Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program – April 19. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will make eight awards of up to $525,000 each for support services that may include intervention, advocacy, and victim assistance in court, medical facilities, and police departments. Special consideration will be given to proposals serving LGBTQ and immigrant communities. Eligible applicants include Federally recognized Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Tribal consortia. SAMHSA Strategic Prevention Framework for Prescription Drugs – April 25. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) designed this program to work with pharmaceutical and medical communities on the risks of overprescribing, and to raise awareness about the dangers of sharing medications. Using the Strategic Prevention Framework, funding recipients will actively engage community members and health care providers. SAMSHA Medication Assisted Treatment – Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction – April 29. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will make 30 awards with $22.6 million for a five-year program that expands access to medications for opioid use disorder. At least $11 million is set aside for federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native tribes/tribal organizations. SAMHSA SUD Treatment for Minority Populations at High Risk for HIV/AIDS – April 29. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will make 61 awards with total funding of $30.5 million to increase engagement in care for racial and ethnic minorities with substance use disorder (SUD) who are at high risk for HIV or are HIV positive. Research has shown that more than one in four Black persons diagnosed with HIV in rural areas received a late stage diagnosis. In a 2020 policy brief from the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health & Human Services, experts noted that SUD has made treating HIV even more complicated (pdf) in rural areas. ACL Elder Justice Innovation Grants for Cases Involving Opioids/SUD – May 3. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) will invest $6 million for 20 awards that support prevention of elder abuse. For this opportunity, ACL seeks effective strategies and solutions for direct home- and community-based services for clients impacted by the opioid epidemic and other substance use disorders (SUD). HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program – May 5. HRSA's Bureau of Health Workforce supports eligible nursing students with tuition, fees, and other educational costs in return for a minimum of two years' service at a critical shortage facility in rural and underserved areas. Rural Health Clinics, Critical Access Hospitals, and Indian Health Service facilities are among the designated sites eligible to employ Nurse Corps participants. Policy Updates Send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. Resources to Support Medicaid Programs Unwind after the PHE Ends. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed several resources to help state Medicaid programs prepare for "unwinding" the Medicaid eligibility policy flexibilities adopted during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). There is guidance for ensuring continuity of health coverage, planning tools for restoring regular Medicaid operations, and a toolkit with flyers and graphics to communicate with enrollees. Medicaid is an important source of insurance coverage in rural areas (pdf) covering nearly a quarter of non-elderly rural adults. Learning Events and Technical Assistance White House Weekly Rural Stakeholders Call – Thursday, March 10 at 3:00 pm ET. On this week's call, the White House Office of Public Engagement will be joined by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Terry Cosby who will provide an overview of NRCS's recent infrastructure funding announcement through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Listening Session – Thursday, March 10 at 2:30 pm ET. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services seeks public input on practices to improve provider enrollment requirements and eligibility for providers and drivers to transport Medicaid enrollees to non-emergency medical appointments. Topics include driver background screenings; patient abuse, neglect, and exploitation by drivers; and driver identification to the State Medicaid Agency. Long COVID ECHO Webinar Series – Thursday, March 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. Rural-Urban Differences in Adverse and Positive Childhood Experiences – Tuesday, March 15 at 12:00 pm ET. The FORHP-supported Rural Health Research Gateway will host an hour-long discussion on measuring adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) for rural and urban children. HRSA Advancing Equity Among Hispanic/Latino Populations: Disparities in Maternal Health – Wednesday, March 16 at 1:00 pm ET. HRSA's Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs will identify innovative programs that are linguistically and culturally appropriate to address and reduce maternal health disparities among Hispanic/Latina women. Roundtable on Safety Net Provider Participation in CMS Innovation Center Models – Wednesday, March 16 at 1:00 pm ET. The CMS Innovation Center invites interested stakeholders to listen to a special roundtable discussion on how CMS can support safety net provider participation in value-based care models. Stakeholders, including those representing the rural safety net, may provide feedback on three issues: 1. Defining the safety net; 2. Identifying suitable financial incentives, structures, and support; and 3. Addressing infrastructure needs such as technical assistance, data and workforce. See the registration link above with more information on the three specific questions, along with instructions on how to provide a written response. Climate Change and Health: The Risks to Community Health and Health Care Utilization – Thursday, March 17 at 1:00 pm ET. Climate change influences human health and diseases in numerous ways, and underserved communities stand to bear the brunt of these climate-induced risks (e.g., extreme heat, poor air quality, flooding, extreme weather events). HRSA and CDC's Climate and Health Program invite you to consider the impacts of climate change on the U.S. health care system. CDC will share its work to build resilience to these public health effects. Learn more about the federal focus on the impact that climate change has on health. HRSA 2022 Patient Safety Awareness Week – Thursday, March 17 at 2:00 pm ET. Patient Safety Awareness Week is March 13-19. HRSA is hosting an event in partnership with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Indian Health Service, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Amelia Brooks from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement will provide strategies that health care organizations can use to immediately improve the safety culture. She will share how to focus on safety within the context of staffing crises, how to reduce burdens on frontline providers, and eliminating tasks that do not add value. Demographers Share Insights on Living in Rural Areas – Friday, March 18 at 12:00 pm ET. The Population Association of America will convene a panel of policy researchers to discuss demographic, economic, and environmental change in rural America, as well as the impact of social/health issues such as the overdose epidemic, COVID-19, and natural disasters. Resource of the Week Public Transportation's Role in Rural Health Care Access. Co-Director of the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center, Carol Wright Kenderdine, talks about ways in which COVID-19 has spurred innovation in rural transportation. The interview is the second episode of a new podcast, Exploring Rural Health. Approaching Deadlines CDC Rigorous Evaluation of Recovery Support Services – March 14 NIH Health Disparities Research Institute – March 14 Native American Community Development Financial Institution Assistance Program – March 14 U.S. Dept of Treasury Community Development Financial Institution – March 14 CDC Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country – March 16 NACCHO Building Rural/Frontier Workforce Capacity for COVID-19 – March 16 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholars Program – March 16 HRSA Rural Public Health Workforce Training Network Program – March 18 Kresge/Kellog Community Innovations for Racial Equity – March 18 HRSA Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program – extended to March 22 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 USDA Grants for Higher Education Distance Learning in Insular Areas – 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 NIH Innovations for Improving Minority Health/Eliminating Health Disparities – April 4 Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award: Stakeholder Convening Support – Letters of Intent April 4 HRSA Pediatric Mental Health Care Access – New Area Expansion – April 5 HRSA Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies Program – April 5 Comments Requested: VA Pilot Program on Graduate Medical Education and Residency – April 5 USDA Local Food Purchase Assistance Program – April 5 Comments Requested: VA Pilot Program on Graduate Medical Education and Residency – April 5 HRSA Area Health Education Centers – April 6 DOJ Rural Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Assistance Program – April 7 NIH Evaluating Pandemic-related Food/Housing Policies on Disparity Populations – April 7 HRSA State Loan Repayment Program – April 8 Comments Requested: CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids – April 11 CDC Drug Free Communities New Areas – April 11 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 ACF Social and Economic Development Strategies for Tribal Communities – April 15 ED Small Rural School Achievement Grants – April 15 Request for Information: Access to Care and Coverage for People Enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP – April 18 DOJ Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program – April 19 HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) – Behavioral Health Care Support – April 19 USDA Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) – April 19 USDA Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grants – April 19 CMS Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Realizing Equity, Access, and Community Health (REACH) Model – April 22 IHS Tribal Management Grant Program – April 25 SAMHSA Strategic Prevention Framework for Prescription Drugs – April 25 SAMSHA Medication Assisted Treatment – Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction – April 29 SAMHSA SUD Treatment for Minority Populations at High Risk for HIV/AIDS – April 29 ACL Elder Justice Innovation Grants for Cases Involving Opioids/SUD – May 3 HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program – May 5 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 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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