June 16, 2022 What's New HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program - Medication-Assisted Treatment Access – Applications Due July 29. HRSA's Federal Office of Rural Health Policy will make approximately 10 awards of up to $1 million per year to establish new access points for medication-assisted treatment in rural areas. Applicants can be any public or private, non-profit, or for-profit entity, but the proposed MAT access points must be located in HRSA-designated rural areas and cannot currently provide MAT as a clinical service. To learn more, join a webinar for applicants on Thursday, June 23 at 2:00 pm. Registration is not required, and a recording will be made available for those who cannot attend. Join by phone: 1-833-568-8864; Participant Code: 160 096 3647. New Public Health AmeriCorps is Recruiting. In April, the federal AmeriCorps joined with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to announce a new and ongoing investment in recruitment and training for careers in public health at the local level. In its first year, the new initiative is expected to recruit 3,000 members who will learn from the expertise and best practices of existing CDC, AmeriCorps and other public health programs. Applications are being accepted for organizations in each state; many are directing efforts to rural areas that have been underserved. Access to Primary Care: HRSA's Innovation Challenge. Last week, HRSA announced a national competition with a total of $1 million in cash prizes for low-cost, scalable solutions that improve patient access to primary care and link health care to social services. The competition is open to broad public participation, including individuals, groups, health care organizations, and other entities. Submissions for phase 1 are due Tuesday, August 2nd. For more information, join an upcoming webinar on Wednesday, June 29 at 3:00 pm. HHS Allows for Audio-Only Telehealth. This week, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) issued guidance stating that audio-only telemedicine appointments comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, also known as HIPAA, as long as providers take measures to protect patient privacy. HHS's Office of Civil Rights says that this is an important tool for reaching people in rural areas with limited internet access, and/or those who are unable to use video. Telehealth Use for Mental Health Patients in Rural Louisiana. Researchers looked at 7,069 telehealth visits that took place between April 2020 and March 2021 to determine what and how socioeconomic factors affected remote mental health services. Some findings were not surprising, e.g., telehealth use is lower among elderly patients, and help-seeking behavior is higher among women than men. But the study also found that intensity – the number of telehealth visits for each patient – varied by the nature of illness, presence of multiple chronic conditions, and discharge status. COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage by Race and Ethnicity, December 2020–November 2021. The latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report shows differences by geography (including rural/urban), age, household income, and health insurance status. Separately, a group of researchers asked rural Oklahomans about their perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines, and found that the most common reasons for hesitancy were their rapid development and lack of research about long-term effects. 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 New: CDC on Available Therapies for COVID-19 – Thursday, June 16 at 2:00 pm ET. In this hour-long call, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) present an overview of the efficacy and distribution of medications that can reduce chances of severe illness and death. Updated Guidance on COVID-19 Booster Shots. On May 19, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommended a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 who completed their primary vaccination more than five months ago. The CDC also strengthened its recommendation that those 12 and older who are immunocompromised and those 50 and older should receive a second booster dose at least four months after their first. Visit COVID.gov to find nearby locations for masks, testing, vaccines, and treatment. Provider Relief Fund. HRSA supports health care providers facing solvency challenges that affect their ability to respond to emerging health crises in an equitable manner. One Stop Online for COVID Prevention and Treatment in Every County. Visitors to the site can enter their county and map nearby locations for masks, respirators, vaccines, boosters, and all testing and treatment options. 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. 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. Teams of critical care clinicians - critical care physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other specialized clinical experts – 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. Online Resource for Licensure of Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Psychologists and Social Workers. The site provides up-to-date information on emergency regulation and licensing in each state. 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. Webinar recordings explaining RHC vaccine programs are available on the National Association of Rural Health Clinics website. Federal Office of Rural Health Policy Resources for COVID-19. A set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from our grantees and stakeholders. 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 ACL Local Models for National Community Care Corps – July 8. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is one sponsor of a program that seeks a diverse geographic cross section – urban, rural, frontier, and tribal – of underserved communities in the U.S. Funding will support innovative local models in which volunteers help family caregivers, older adults, and adults with disabilities maintain their independence and age in place. NIH Researching Social Connectedness for SUD Treatment – August 15. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will fund exploratory/developmental research to better understand the role of social connectedness and/or loneliness in prevention, treatment, and recovery from substance use disorders (SUD). Treasury Department Opportunity Zone Economic Development Program – Ongoing. To encourage economic development and job creation in distressed communities, the U.S. Department of Treasury allows investors to defer taxes on most capital gains until December 2026. Policy Updates Send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. GAO Requests Nominations for Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee – Deadline July 11. The Government Accountability Office is requesting nominations for the committee that makes recommendations on physician payment models to the Department of Health and Human Services. Learning Events and Technical Assistance CDC on Available Therapies for COVID-19 – Thursday, June 16 at 2:00 pm ET. In this hour-long call, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) present an overview of the efficacy and distribution of medications that can reduce chances of severe illness and death. Rural Health Research: Chartbooks for the Northern Border Region – Tuesday, June 21 at 1:00 pm ET. The FORHP-supported Rural Health Research Gateway hosts a discussion about new data on health and health outcomes in the Northern Border Region that includes counties in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. Rural-Urban Differences in Adverse Childhood Experiences – Tuesday, June 21 at 1:00 pm ET. Rural and minority children often have higher rates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), but previous studies on ACEs and rurality have been limited. The National Library of Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health, hosts a one-hour discussion of new findings. Preparing for Medicaid/CHIP Unwinding – Wednesday, June 22 at 12:00 pm ET. In March 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services temporarily waived certain eligibility requirements for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to help people keep their health coverage during the pandemic. With the public health emergency ending, states will soon be required to restart eligibility reviews. This session is part of a monthly learning series through the end of the year to help states prepare for the change. Telehealth Before and During the Pandemic – Wednesday, June 22 at 2:00 pm ET. In this one-hour webinar, the nonprofit FAIR Health will share insights from its Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker to examine the evolving role of telehealth over the last two years. AgriSafe: Health and Safety Learning Opportunities for Agricultural Communities – Thursday, June 23 at 11:00 am ET. AgriSafe continues its QPR Training each Thursday to help laypeople and professionals recognize and respond to mental health crises using the Question, Persuade, and Refer method. Also lined up for the next few weeks: a workshop on assistance for agricultural workers with disabilities, guidance on heat stress and personal protective equipment for women, and community-led interventions for gulf coast seafood workers. Project ECHO Distance Training for Providers of Pediatric Dentistry – Friday, June 24 at 1:00 pm ET. Community providers will get expert knowledge in a virtual learning network with the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry. The online meetings are held on the 4th Friday of each month. Some upcoming topics: caries risk assessment, vaping and dental treatment for patients with special health care needs. Resources of the Week Rural Resilience: Resources for Natural Disaster. The national nonprofit Housing Assistance Council has a map that shows the level of risk by county in this comprehensive guide to readiness, response, and recovery in rural areas. The Telehealth Partner Toolkit empowers HRSA partners to share important resources that patients and providers can find on Telehealth.HHS.gov. Use the digital toolkit's customizable newsletter articles, social media, and tip sheets to spread the word about how telehealth helps keep providers and patients connected and provides health care flexibility for patients and families. Approaching Deadlines Comments Requested: CMS Proposes Medicare Inpatient Hospital Payment Rules – June 17 Comments Requested: CMS Proposes "Birthing-Friendly" Hospital Designation – June 17 CMS Requests Information on Issues of Health Equity – June 17 Department of Interior Indian Business Incubator Grants – June 17 HRSA Delta Region Rural Health Workforce Training Program – June 17 IHS Ending the HIV/HCV Epidemics in Indian Country – June 17 Comments Requested: New HHS Office of Environmental Justice – June 18 DOJ Second Chance Act Pay for Success Initiative – June 21 NIH Practice-Based Research for Primary Care Suicide Prevention – June 21 ACF Demonstration Grants for Human Trafficking in Native Communities – June 25 Comments Requested: CMS Proposes Updates to Medicare Enrollment and Eligibility Rules – June 27 Comment on NQF Updates to Key Measures of Rural Health Quality – June 27 DOI Native American Business Development Institute – June 27 DOJ Alaska Native Youth Training and Technical Assistance - June 27 SAMHSA Tribal Opioid Response Grants – June 27 HUD Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program – June 28 HRSA Faculty Loan Repayment Program – June 30 Pacific Public Health Fellowship Program – June 30 USDA: The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program - Produce Prescription Program – June 30 HRSA Rural Northern Border Region Healthcare Support Program – July 1 Indian Health Service Coordinating Center for Zero Suicide Initiative – July 6 NIH Cancer Control Research in Persistent Poverty Areas – July 6 HRSA Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program – July 7 ACF Regional Partnerships for Children/Families Affected by Substance Abuse - July 8 ACL Local Models for National Community Care Corps – July 8 CDC Social Determinants of Health Accelerator Plans - July 8 DOL Appalachian/Delta Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities – July 8 ACF Community Economic Development Projects – July 11 GAO Requests Nominations for Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee – Deadline July 11 HHS Reducing Maternal Deaths Due to Substance Use Disorder – July 11 USDA Rural Housing Preservation Grants – July 11 USDA Delta Health Care Services Grant Program – July 12 USDA Tribal Colleges Research Grants – July 13 SAMHSA Recovery Innovation Challenge – July 15 IHS Addressing Dementia in Indian Country: Models of Care – July 18 SAMHSA State Opioid Response Grants – July 18 SAMHSA Partnerships for Innovative Community Crisis Response – July 25 HRSA Rural Emergency Hospital Technical Assistance Center – July 27 CMS Minority Research Grant Program – July 28 HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program - Medication-Assisted Treatment Access – July 29 HRSA Primary Health Care Innovation Challenge – August 2 NIH Researching Social Connectedness for SUD Treatment – August 15 NTIA Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure – September 30 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 SAMHSA 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Volunteer and Job Opportunities VA Rapid Retraining Assistance Program – December 2022 or Until Funds Run Out ACF Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program AgriSafe Mental Health Training for Agricultural Producers & Families AgriSafe Nurse Scholar Program – March 2023 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 Post-Disaster Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program 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 Treasury Department Opportunity Zone Economic Development Program 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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