September 15, 2022 What's New FY 2022 Award for the Rural Northern Border Region Healthcare Support Program. The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy awarded approximately $1,990,000 to the Rural Health Redesign Center Organization (RHRCO) from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in a three-year cooperative agreement intended to provide technical assistance (TA) to rural health care providers and organizations in the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). This cooperative agreement will help providers and organizations prioritize health issues, identify funding sources, assist with grant writing and develop strategic plans – with the overall intent to increase health care delivery capacity within the region. In alignment with the Rural Northern Border Region Healthcare Support Program, RHRCO's proposed project will provide rural healthcare providers with technical assistance to improve access to care, including behavioral health and substance use disorder (SUD) services, workforce development, recruitment, and retention, and to support transitions to value-based care. The TA provided in this cooperative agreement will continue to build on FORHP's efforts to help underserved NBRC rural communities identify and better address their health care needs. Rural Children More Likely to Report Positive Childhood Experiences. While studies have shown rural children face higher rates of many adverse childhood experiences – also known as ACEs – new research aimed at distinguishing urban-rural differences finds factors that may give rural areas an edge in positive experiences. These include a greater likelihood that children volunteer in their church, school, or community; they are more likely to have a mentor for advice or guidance; and that they are more likely to live in a safe and supportive neighborhood. CMS Asks You to Make Your Voice Heard – Respond by November 4. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeks public input on access to health care and related challenges, understanding provider experiences, advancing health equity, and assessing the impact of waivers and flexibilities provided in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. CMS will use the comments received to identify opportunities for improvement and efficiencies across CMS policies, programs, and practices. CMS notes that responses may include, but are not limited to, challenges in accessing care in underserved areas, including rural areas. Sustained Growth in Rural Telemedicine. In a study of 10.4 million rural Medicare beneficiaries, researchers discovered continuous growth in telemedicine use between 2010 and 2019 – especially for care provided by nurse practitioners and other non-physician clinicians. Medicare beneficiaries with serious mental illness (e.g., bipolar disorder) used a disproportionate share of all telemedicine visits, with more than 1 in 10 beneficiaries using telemedicine annually in 891 counties in the U.S. Postpartum Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Extended in Two New States. Last week, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services approved the extension of Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage from 60 days to 12 months after pregnancy in Indiana and West Virginia. It's the latest move in the White House's whole-government effort to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly for women in underserved and rural communities where a series of barriers means higher rates of morbidity and mortality. 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 *New: Updated Guidance on COVID-19 Booster Shots. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anticipates continued circulation of the virus, with potential for surges over the next several months. To reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, CDC has a new online tool to help individuals and families find out when to get a booster. *On September 12, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services announced that people with public, private, or no insurance coverage can get COVID-19 vaccines at no cost, for as long as the federal government continues purchasing and distributing them. To find nearby locations for vaccines, masks, testing, and treatment, visit COVID.gov. Provider Relief Fund. The Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Reporting Portal closes for Reporting Period 3 on September 30, 2022. Providers who received one or more PRF payments exceeding $10,000, in the aggregate, during the third Payment Received Period must report on their use of funds to comply with PRF Reporting Requirements. More information and resources can be found on the PRF Reporting web page. 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 USDA Emergency Rural Health Care Grants – (Track One only) September 2023 or until funds run out. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide up to $500 million in grants for COVID-19 testing and vaccines, rural health care services, and food assistance. Eligible applicants that are public, nonprofit, or tribal organizations may apply for Track One Recovery Grants that must be used in response to the pandemic and to support immediate health care needs. Funding is available until September 30, 2023, or until funds are exhausted. USDA has informed FORHP they are no longer accepting Track Two applications. National Indigenous Women's Resource Center - Technical Assistance for Tribal Domestic Violence Programs – September 30. The Native-led nonprofit offers on-site technical assistance to strengthen advocacy and improve services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and sex trafficking. Dates for training offered in this opportunity must be set between March 1 and August 31, 2023. The organization offers ongoing, as-needed training and consultation through their website. Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Broad Pragmatic Studies – Letters of Intent October 4. PCORI provides funding of up to $10 million for a five-year project. Proposals for patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research must align with one of four priority areas: 1) addressing disparities; 2) assessment of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options; 3) communication and dissemination of research; and 4) improving healthcare systems. Racial and ethnic minority groups, and residents of low-income and/or rural areas are among the priority target populations. Learn more about PCORI's focus on rural health. HUD Community Development Block Grants - Tribes, Alaska Native Villages – October 24. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will make 80 awards of up to $5 million each for construction or rehabilitation of housing, infrastructure, and public facilities, among other approved projects. Tribes may also apply for Imminent Threat Grants, which provide funds to address issues that have an immediate negative impact on public health or safety of tribal residents. SAMHSA Support for 988 Tribal Response – October 25. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will provide resources to improve response to 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline contacts (including calls, chats, and texts) originating in tribal communities and/or activated by American Indians/Alaskan Natives. USDA Rural Energy for America (REAP) Grants and Loans – October 31. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program provides financial assistance to agriculture producers and rural small businesses to purchase, install, and construct renewable energy systems or energy efficiency improvements. Funds may be used for the purchase, installation and construction of renewable energy systems, or for the purchase/installation of energy efficient improvements. USDA Rural eConnectivity Broadband Loans and Grants – November 2. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides support for broadband service in rural areas without sufficient broadband access, which is defined as 100 megabits per second (mbps) downstream and 20 mbps upstream. Funding may be used for construction, improvement, or acquisition of systems. The service area must be rural and in an area designated by USDA Rural Development. RWJF Health Policy Fellows – November 7. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) selects exceptional midcareer professionals from academic facilities, government, and nonprofit health care organizations to participate in the policy process at the federal level. Applicants for the 12-month residential experience in Washington, DC must have earned an advanced degree in one of 10 health-related disciplines. Funding of up to $165,000 is offered for institutions sponsoring a fellow; fellows without a sponsor may receive up to $104,000. 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. Health Insurance Marketplaces: Issuer Participation Trends in Non-Metropolitan Places, 2014-22. Since the 2014 implementation of Health Insurance Marketplaces (HIMs), authorized by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, considerable changes have been observed in the number of insurance companies offering plans across the 50 states and the District of Columbia. This policy brief from the RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis describes the changes in HIM plan issuers over the 2014-2022 period with an emphasis on the variation across metropolitan and non-metropolitan places. Policy Updates Visit the FORHP Policy page to see all recent updates and send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. CMS Proposes Changes to Streamline Medicaid, CHIP, and Basic Health Program – Comment by November 7. Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a proposed rule that would make changes to simplify the processes for eligible individuals to enroll and retain eligibility in Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Basic Health Program. This proposed rule would remove barriers and facilitate enrollment of new applicants, particularly those dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid; align enrollment and renewal requirements for most individuals in Medicaid; establish beneficiary protections related to returned mail; create timeliness requirements for redeterminations of eligibility in Medicaid and CHIP; make transitions between programs easier; eliminate access barriers for children enrolled in CHIP by prohibiting premium lock-out periods, waiting periods, and benefit limitations; and modernize recordkeeping requirements to ensure proper documentation of eligibility and enrollment. Medicaid is an important source of health care coverage for rural America, covering nearly a quarter of individuals under age 65 living in rural areas. Of interest to rural stakeholders, CMS is seeking comment on whether States either should be permitted or required to update beneficiary contact information based on information obtained from specific groups including providers like Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics. Learning Events and Technical Assistance Telemedicine Obstetrical Program: a Patient Centered Approach – Thursday, September 15 at 1:00 pm ET. In this webinar from the HRSA-supported South Central Telehealth Resource Center, Dr. Melony Stokes describes a high-risk pregnancy workflow via telehealth. Health Center Program Research and Evaluation Webinar – Thursday, September 15 at 1:00 pm ET. Learn about recent Health Center Program research findings on health care access, equity, quality, and cost. This includes results from a study on access to care among rural patients at HRSA-funded health centers. Researchers will discuss how health centers have responded to emerging health priorities to better serve their communities. Learn More about HUD Program to Address Rural Homelessness – Thursday, September 15 at 3:00 pm ET. Three national nonprofit organizations host this webinar to further understanding of new funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that was announced in June of this year. The application deadline for this initiative to address unsheltered and rural homelessness is October 20. HRSA: Caring for Women with Opioid Use Disorder – Thursday, September 15 at 3:00 pm ET. Join HRSA's Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs Regions 3 and 9 to learn about Caring for Women with Opioid Use Disorder: A Toolkit for Organization Leaders and Providers. This webinar is part of HRSA's Women's Health Leadership Series, which focuses on emerging issues and innovative women's health practices by and for HRSA-supported and other safety net settings of care. Data has shown higher rates of drug overdose deaths for women in rural counties. AgriSafe Events for National Farm Safety and Health Week – September 19-23. There will be two webinars each day. The daily topics are: tractor safety and rural roadway safety; overall farmer health; safety and health for youth in agriculture; confined spaces; and safety and health for women in agriculture. HRSA on Using Telehealth to Address Maternal Health Challenges – Tuesday, September 20 at 12:00 pm ET. As part of its Maternal Health Webinar Series, HRSA's Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs will highlight funding and resources at the federal and local levels. AgriSafe: Health and Safety Learning Opportunities for Agricultural Communities – Tuesday, September 20 at 1:00 pm ET. As part of its ongoing learning series, AgriSafe will discuss mechanisms for putting time and distance between someone struggling with a mental health concern and lethal means of self-harm. Studying the Role of Telehealth in Cancer Care – Friday, September 23 at 12:00 pm ET. In 2021, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) launched a national telehealth research agenda focused on improving cancer-related care and outcomes. In this hour-long webinar, investigative teams working in four NCI Telehealth Research Centers of Excellence will provide an overview and research goals for each center. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that rural counties had lower cancer incidence rates, but higher rates of cancer-related deaths. For the last five years, NCI has partnered with the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy and other federal agencies to accelerate rural cancer control. 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. Preparing for Medicaid/CHIP Unwinding – Wednesday, September 28 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. Resources of the Week Exploring Rural Health Podcast: Obstetricians, Gynecologists, and Maternal Health. In a half-hour episode, a physician in rural Maryland discusses the rural OBGYN workforce and the challenges of providing maternal care in rural areas. How a Rural Paramedicine Program Brings Primary Care to High-Risk Patients. A FORHP-funded program partners a Federally Qualified Health Center with an ambulance district to help vulnerable patients access care at home. Approaching Deadlines 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 Foundation for Appalachian Ohio African American Community Fund – 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 National Indigenous Women's Resource Center - Technical Assistance for Tribal Domestic Violence Programs – September 30 Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project – September 30 3RNet Recruiting for Retention Academy – October 3 AAPD Foundation Access to Pediatric Dentistry Grants – October 3 Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Broad Pragmatic Studies – Letters of Intent October 4 CDC Traditional Food Sovereignty/Tribal Workforce Development Fellowship – October 5 USDA Small Business Innovation Research, Phase 1 – October 6 HRSA Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children Program – October 12 USDA Emergency Rural Health Care Grants – October 12 DOT Reconnecting Communities Pilot Discretionary Grant Program – October 13 HUD Older Adults Home Modification Grants – October 13 BIA National Tribal Broadband Grant – October 17 HRSA Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program – October 18 HUD Supplemental Funding to Address Unsheltered and Rural Homelessness – October 20 Comments Requested: CMS Proposals for Medicaid & CHIP Quality Reporting – October 21 FORE Community-Driven Response to OUD and Overdose Mortality - October 21 HUD Community Development Block Grants for Tribes, Alaska Native Villages – October 24 SAMHSA Support for 988 Tribal Response – October 25 USDA Rural Energy for America (REAP) Grants and Loans – October 31 HRSA Geriatrics Academic Career Award Program – November 3 USDA Rural eConnectivity Broadband Loans and Grants – November 2 CMS Seeks Feedback on Challenges During COVID-19 – November 4 Comment on CMS Changes to Medicaid, CHIP, and Basic Health Program Application Process – November 7 RWJF Health Policy Fellows – November 7 NIH Extramural Loan Repayment Program – November 17 NIH Researching Integrated HIV/AIDS, Addiction, and Primary Care Services – November 18 HRSA Rural Health Network Development Program – November 22 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 USDA Emergency Rural Health Care Grants (Track One only) – September 2023 or until funds run out VA Rapid Retraining Assistance Program – December 2022 or Until Funds Run Out ACF Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program ACF Rural Community Development Program for Rural Water Systems 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 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 Social, Behavioral, and Economic Impact of COVID-19 in Underserved/Vulnerable Populations – 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 Oweesta Native CDFI Loan Funds and Technical Assistance 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) | 
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