March 31, 2022 What's New HRSA Public Health Scholarship Program – Applications due June 1. HRSA's Bureau of Health Workforce will invest $39 million for 26 awards. Awarded recipients will provide scholarships to individuals for public health training in professional, graduate, and/or certificate programs. Eligible applicants are government entities, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions with an existing public health training program and partnerships that can transition students into employment. One Stop Online for COVID Prevention and Treatment in Every County. The new website, COVID.gov, asks visitors to enter their county and then provides nearby locations for masks and respirators, vaccines and boosters, and all testing and treatment options. The site also maps out clinics and pharmacies with a test-to-treat option, where one can get tested and, if positive, immediately receive anti-viral pills. According to the White House, there are now more than 2,000 test-to-treat locations; the new website, announced yesterday, makes it easier to find them. Provider Relief Fund Reporting Period Closes Today. 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. Providers who fail to submit a completed report by the March 31 deadline will be subject to further enforcement actions such as repayment or exclusion from receiving and/or retaining future PRF payments. For more details, review the Reporting Non-Compliance Fact Sheet. To get started, providers must register in the Portal (if not yet completed). More information and resources can be found on the PRF Reporting web page. Take Telehealth Technology Survey Today. Every two years, the HRSA-funded National Telehealth Technology Assessment Resource Center (TTAC) asks a variety of questions about the types of technologies, roles, and future plans of organizations and individuals using telehealth technology. TTAC uses this data to 1) identify technologies of interest for future evaluations, toolkits, video series and other resources; 2) understand trends that are affecting the telehealth landscape regionally and nationwide; and 3) o determine how TTAC can better engage with its stakeholders. The survey takes less than 10 minutes and closes today, Thursday, March 31st. Census Bureau Updates Criteria for Defining Urban Areas. Last week, the U.S. Census Bureau published its final criteria for defining urban areas based on the results of the 2020 Decennial Census. Rather than distinctions for urbanized area or an urban cluster, all areas with a population of at least 5,000 and containing at least 2,000 housing units will be designated urban areas. The notice defines rural as territory not defined as urban. Some federal and state agencies use the Census Bureau's urban-rural classification for allocating funds, setting standards, and implementing aspects of their programs. Stakeholders should be aware that the changes to the urban area criteria also might affect the implementation of these programs. 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 $1.2 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) provides 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. On April 5, 2022 at 11:59 pm ET, the Coverage Assistance Fund will stop accepting vaccination claims. 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. The Uninsured Program has stopped accepting claims for testing and treatment due to lack of sufficient funds. On April 5, 2022 at 11:59 pm ET, the Uninsured Program will also stop accepting vaccination claims. CDC COVID-19 Updates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides daily updates and guidance, including 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 National Center for American Indian Health Professions Pre-Admissions Workshop – April 20. The workshop will be held virtually on May 5-6 to help American Indian and Alaska Native students navigate the application process for medical or other health profession schools. Selected students, who are high school seniors or currently enrolled or recently graduated college-level students, will get free access to workshops to prepare for the application process. DOL Employment and Training Grants for Native Americans – May 6. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) will make 167 awards, each up to $6.5 million per year for a four-year project. The funding supports employment and training activities in the areas of health care, manufacturing, IT, energy, and other industries. Eligible applicants are native/tribal-controlled organizations. AACOM Osteopathic Health Policy Fellowship – May 15. The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) will fill 12 fellowship positions and cover the cost of sessions that include a four-day academic orientation and nine weekend seminars. The leadership training is for practicing or teaching osteopathic physicians with at least five years of experience with an interest in health policy, including for rural and other health disparate populations. DOJ Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grants – May 20. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will make 45 awards of up to $2 million each to integrate substance abuse treatment into judicially-supervised court settings. Priority consideration will be given to applications that provide resources to rural and tribal jurisdictions. EPA Tribal Environmental Justice Small Grants – May 20. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates 16-20 awards of up to $100,000 each to address local environmental and public health issues for federally recognized tribal governments. Projects should establish or modify public participation programs that set community priorities by first building consensus. USDA Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grants – May 23. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make 15 awards of up to $150,000 each. The funding goes to intermediary organizations providing technical assistance and training help rural organizations identify and plan for community facility needs in their area. Eligible applicants must be from rural and tribal areas with no more than 20,000 residents. Matching funds are not required, but preference is given to applications with a cash match. Rural Health Research Research in this section is provided by the HRSA/FORHP-supported Rural Health Research Gateway. Sign up to receive alerts when new publications become available. Rural Hospital Profitability During the Global COVID-19 Pandemic Requires Careful Interpretation. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government has provided enhanced financial support for hospitals and other health care providers to compensate for revenue loss and higher costs. This brief from the North Carolina Rural Health Research and Policy Analysis Center describes the pre-pandemic trend of rural hospital profitability and explains why possible increases in reported profitability during the pandemic may mask the long-term financial challenges of rural hospitals. Policy Updates Send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. No updates this week. Learning Events and Technical Assistance White House Weekly Rural Stakeholders Call – Thursday, March 31 at 3:00 pm ET. On this week's call, the White House Office of Public Engagement will be joined by USDA Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity Dr. Sara Bleich who will provide an update on National Nutrition Month, and by USDA Assistant Secretary for Administration Oscar Gonzales who will discuss the celebration of Cesar Chavez Day. The Role of Medicaid in Reducing Low-Risk Cesarean Delivery (LRCD) – Thursday, March 31 at 2:00 pm ET. As part of the Improving Maternal Health by Reducing LRCD Learning Collaborative, CMS invites state Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) agencies, along with their hospital and obstetrical providers, managed care plans, public health agencies, and other quality improvement partners, to this first in a series of webinars presenting strategies that states can use to reduce LRCD births, such as doula services, community health workers, and maternity health home. In 2017, Medicaid paid for 43 percent of all births in the United States and an estimated 50-60 percent of births in rural areas. BHW Virtual All Grantee and Stakeholder Meeting – April 5-6: Join HRSA's Bureau of Health Workforce's (BHW) first ever meeting allowing participants to exchange information and resources and share their successes making an impact on the rural and underserved healthcare landscape. Participants will gain an understanding of ways BHW programs focus on the unique needs of communities by hearing from grantees and BHW staff in several program areas, including COVID-19, behavioral and community health, data and performance measures, provider resilience and telehealth, trainee projects, and health equity and diversity. New Initiative to Improve Pediatric Care in EDs – Friday, April 8 at 2:00 pm ET. The National Pediatric Readiness Quality Initiative (NPRQI), a free, open-access quality improvement platform, is the implementation arm of the National Pediatric Readiness Project. Over 80% of children (24 million/year) are seen in general emergency departments (EDs) located in rural and community settings. Funded by Emergency Medical Services for Children, part of HRSA's Maternal Child Health Bureau, NPRQI was created to support low-resourced EDs in implementing quality improvement efforts targeting pediatric emergency care delivery. Impact of CMS Rule Changes on Rural GME, Part III: A Deeper Dive into Section 131 – Tuesday, April 12 at 12:00 pm ET. In this one-hour webinar session, the FORHP-supported Rural Residency Planning and Development (RRPD) -Technical Assistance Center will continue to share information about Medicare graduate medical education (GME) policy changes on a one-time opportunity to test low FTE resident caps and low or zero per resident amounts that may impact rural hospitals who plan to train physicians in Medicare-supported residency programs. This webinar is the third series on recent CMS Medicare GME policy changes to expand physician training in hospitals serving rural and underserved communities (view previously recorded Part I and Part II). For Rural Facilities: How to Become a National Health Service Corps Site – Wednesday, April 13 at 3:00pm ET. Facilities that provide outpatient, ambulatory, and primary health care services in high-need areas may apply through May 10 to become an approved site of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC). Eligible site types include facilities providing substance use disorder treatment, and facilities with prior NHSC status that is currently inactive. During this hour-long session hosted by the Rural Health Information Hub, federal and national experts will discuss the importance of this program for clinician recruitment and retention in rural areas. For general application assistance, HRSA's Bureau of Health Workforce will hold two upcoming Q&A sessions for applicants: one on Thursday, April 14 and another on Wednesday, April 27. Assistance for Nurse Corps Scholarship Applicants – Thursday, April 14 at 3:00 pm ET. 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. Program experts will answer questions about what goes into a successful application during this 90-minute webinar. National Rural Substance Use Disorder Health Equity and Stigma Summit – May 18-20. Registration is open. The event will focus on the challenges that are brought on by substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) and equip rural providers, community-based organizations, and other recovery champions with actionable strategies and information on how to successfully address barriers to those seeking SUD/OUD care. This event is supported by the University of Rochester RCOE, one of three FORHP-funded RCORP-Rural Centers of Excellence on Substance Use Disorders. Resource of the Week Grantee Sourcebook: Rural Health Opioid Program, 2018-2021. The resource gives an overview of the program's impact and details the activities and achievements of the 26 grantees in the FY18 cohort. Approaching Deadlines 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 NQF Core Set of Rural Health Measures – April 12 Fuel Up to Play 60: School Funding for Healthy Eating and Physical Activity – April 13 DOT RAISE Grants for Transportation Infrastructure – April 14 FCC Requests Comments on Promoting Telehealth in Rural America – 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 National Center for American Indian Health Professions Pre-Admissions Workshops – April 20 DOJ Grants for Culturally Specific Sexual Assault Services – April 21 CMS Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Realizing Equity, Access, and Community Health (REACH) Model – April 22 NOSORH Rural Health Data Institute – 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 USDA Rural Health and Safety Education Grants Program – April 29 SAMHSA Navigator Program for SUD/HIV Prevention for Minorities – May 2 ACL Elder Justice Innovation Grants for Cases Involving Opioids/SUD – May 3 HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program – May 5 National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program – May 5 DOL Employment and Training Grants for Native Americans – May 6 NIH Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health – May 8 SAMHSA Grants for Substance Use Treatment Capacity in Drug Courts – May 9 New Sites for National Health Service Corps – May 10 AACOM Osteopathic Health Policy Fellowship – May 15 DOJ Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grants – May 20 EPA Tribal Environmental Justice Small Grants – May 20 NIH Research to Improve Native American Health – May 17 USDA Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grants – May 23 DOT Bus and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Program – May 31 HRSA Public Health Scholarship Program – June 1 NIH Practice-Based Research for Primary Care Suicide Prevention – June 21 NIH Cancer Control Research in Persistent Poverty Areas – July 6 Ongoing Opportunities CFPB Rental Assistance Finder Extended Public Comment Period for FCC's COVID-19 Telehealth Program FCC Affordable Connectivity Program for Broadband Service 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 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 Practice-Based Research for Primary Care Suicide Prevention – February 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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