August 18, 2022 What's New Understanding Long COVID. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced an action plan to build on early research into the effects and needed response to long COVID, now estimated to affect up to 23 million Americans. The research agenda coordinates efforts of departments across the federal government; along with HHS, these include agencies within the Department of Veteran Affairs, Department of Labor, Department of Defense, and the Social Security Administration. Current data show that roughly one million people may be out of the workforce at any given time; research outside of government has shown a disproportionate impact on rural communities. Status of Child Nutrition Programs. The Economic Research Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides the latest data on several USDA programs that ensure nutritious meals and snacks. Operations for initiatives such as the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs were disrupted in 2020 by the pandemic, even as food needs were on the rise. Total expenditures on Child Nutrition Programs declined to $21.9 billion in FY 2020 and increased to $28.4 billion in FY 2021, the first full fiscal year of the pandemic. According to the nonprofit Food Research & Action Center, 1 in 5 households with children in rural areas was food insecure in 2016. Dementia Study Seeks Family Caregivers. Researchers at Drexel University and UC Davis are recruiting family caregivers of people living with dementia for a nationwide, remote study funded by the National Institute of Aging. Experts note there is very little research regarding the differences in rural-urban prevalence of dementia, but many factors present barriers to care once a diagnosis is made for rural patients. Eligible caregivers for the study must by 21 years or older, speak English, and have internet access and a capable device. 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 Providers Clinical Support System. COVID-19 Resources 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. New: The Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Reporting Portal is now open for reporting on use of funds in Reporting Period 3. Providers who received one or more PRF payments exceeding $10,000, in the aggregate, during the third Payment Received Period (January 1 to June 30, 2021) must report on their use of funds by September 30, 2022. New users can get started by registering in the PRF Reporting Portal (if not yet completed). If a reporting entity has previously reported, they do not need to register again and may log into the portal with their username, TIN, and password. For more information visit the PRF Reporting web page. COVID-19 Vaccines Available for Children Under Age 5. In June, the federal committee that advises on all vaccines recommended that all children 6 months and older should receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Parents can reach out to their doctor, nurse, local pharmacy, health department, or visit vaccines.gov to learn more about vaccine safety and to find availability nearby. New: Research identifies the most effective messages for parents. Guidance on COVID-19 Booster Shots. On May 19, the Centers for Disease Control and 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. 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 Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project – September 30. Applications are being accepted to receive one year of technical assistance through this ongoing program administered by the FORHP-supported National Rural Health Resource Center. Beginning in January 2023, experts will help small rural hospitals and certified Rural Health Clinics strengthen their foundation in key elements of value-based care including, but not limited to, efficiency, quality, patient experience, and safety of care. Write to rhptp@ruarlcenter.org with questions about the project or application process. HRSA Geriatrics Academic Career Award Program – November 3. HRSA will award approximately $2.1 million to up to 26 grantees for four years. The program aims to provide training in clinical geriatrics and develop an age-friendly workforce that can lead in rural and medically underserved settings. Eligible applicants include accredited health professions schools or graduate programs, accredited graduate programs in health administration and behavioral health and mental health practice, and accredited schools or programs of chaplaincy. EPA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund – Ongoing. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides funding and technical assistance to help states achieve protection objectives of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Financial assistance include loans, refinancing, bond insurance, grants, and principal forgiveness for projects that install or upgrade facilities and infrastructure. Policy Updates Send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. No updates this week. Learning Events and Technical Assistance Preparing for Medicaid/CHIP Unwinding – Wednesday, August 24 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. Project ECHO Distance Training for Providers of Pediatric Dentistry – Friday, August 26 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. HRSA Telehealth Learning Series: Funding and Resources – Tuesday, August 30 at 2:00 pm ET. The series highlights successful projects and best practices. Topics in this session: broadband provisions in the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Affordable Connectivity Program, and Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants. NRTRC 2022 Telehealth Conference – September 26-28. The Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center (NRTRC) invites participants to its annual conference virtually or in person Salt Lake City, Utah. The agenda includes opportunities to network and learn about innovative telehealth models, policy, and what's to come. Apply by August 15 for a limited number of scholarships available for employees at Indian Health Services facilities, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, or Critical Access Hospitals. Resource of the Week What Helps and Hinders COVID Vaccinations in Minority Communities. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine summarize proceedings of their workshop on equity-centered approaches to indigenous, undocumented, and ethnic minority communities. Approaching Deadlines ARC Training for Nonprofits in Appalachia – August 19 HRSA Registered Nurse Training Program – August 19 NACCHO Mentorship Program for Health Equity and Overdose Prevention – August 19 HRSA Nurse Education - Clinical Faculty and Preceptor Academies Program – August 22 Comments Requested: CMS ESRD Policies and Payment Updates for 2023 – August 22 EPA Training/Technical Assistance for Rural Wastewater Treatment – August 22 HUD Veterans Housing Rehabilitation/Modification Pilot Program – August 24 Natl Center for American Indian Health Professions Pre-Admissions Workshops - August 24 ACF Economic Development Focus on Energy Communities – August 29 Comments Requested: Rural Emergency Hospital Conditions of Medicare Participation – August 29 Request for Information on How to Improve Medicare Advantage – August 31 USDA Capacity Building for Historically Black 1890 Land-Grant Institutions – August 31 Comments Requested: Medicare Updates Physician Payment and Other Policies for 2023 – September 6 Department of Education Full Service Community Schools Program – September 12 Comments Requested: CY2023 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Proposed Rule – September 13 NRHA Rural Health Fellows Program – September 15 Comments Requested: Proposed Rule on Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities – September 26 Department of Education Promise Neighborhoods Program – September 27 PCORI Stakeholder Convening Support – Letters of Intent, September 29 PCORI Capacity Building for Small Organizations – Letters of Intent, September 29 CMS New Model for Cancer Care in Medicare – September 30 DOJ Reaching Rural: Advancing Collaborative Solutions for SUD – September 30 NTIA Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure – September 30 Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project – September 30 USDA Small Business Innovation Research, Phase 1 – October 6 HRSA Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children Program – October 12 DOT Reconnecting Communities Pilot Discretionary Grant Program – October 13 HUD Supplemental Funding to Address Unsheltered and Rural Homelessness – October 20 HRSA Geriatrics Academic Career Award Program – November 3 AmeriCorps State and National Grants – January 4 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 – October 2023 AHRQ Research to Improve Patient Transitions through HIT – December 2022 American Heart Association Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator 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: 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 EPA Water Infrastructure and Innovation Program 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: Intervening w/ Cancer Caregivers to Improve 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 Research to Improve Native American Health – Various Dates Until September 2023 NIH Practice-Based Research for Primary Care Suicide Prevention – February 2023 NIH Researching Mental Health Practices in Low-Resource Settings – September 2024 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 Community Assistance Corporation Community Facility Loans for Western States and Pacific Islands Rural Graduate Medical Education Planning and Development RWJF Investigator-Initiated Research to Build a Culture of Health RWJF Pioneering Ideas Brief Proposals SAMHSA Training to Provide Medication Assisted Treatment 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 Multifamily Housing Loan Guarantees 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) | 
No comments:
Post a Comment