September 29, 2022 What's New New Awards for Rural Opioid Response. On Friday, HRSA announced more than $104 million awarded to expand treatment and prevention services for substance use in rural communities. The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program is a multi-year initiative that has invested more than $500 million since its start in 2018. The new awards will give a boost to three of RCORP's seven programs: RCORP Implementation, Medication Assisted Treatment Access, and Behavioral Health Care Support. What States Should Know About the New REH Designation. The National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) provides another layer of insight into how a new provider type, the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH), will work when it goes into effect at the start of next year. Eligible hospitals that receive the designation may reduce their risk of closure and receive additional payment from Medicare – regardless of facility size or volume of patients – to maintain emergency services in rural areas. As reported here a few weeks ago, the National Conference of State Legislatures is tracking the way states are tailoring REH licensing requirements. In spring 2023, NASHP will join HRSA in a day-long, in person peer-to-peer learning opportunity for state officials to develop implementation plans for individual states. In the near term, the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) will host a webinar on Wednesday, October 12 at 3:00 pm ET to explain the Rural Emergency Hospital and other FORHP-funded activities to support hospitals exploring the REH option. New GAO Report on Telehealth in Medicare. The federal agency charged with examining how taxpayer dollars are spent reports on the effects of temporary waivers issued by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) to ease the use of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. For beneficiaries of Medicare – the public health insurance that allows access to care for those who are 65 years and older, and younger people with certain disabilities – use of telehealth increased from about 5 million services pre-pandemic to more than 53 million services from April to December 2020. GAO also found that, while telehealth use increased across all provider specialties, 5 percent of providers delivered over 40 percent of services. The difference in telehealth use between rural and urban Medicare beneficiaries was slight – 33 percent versus 39 percent respectively. In considering whether to make these changes permanent, GAO makes three recommendations to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: 1) clarify guidance for billing audio-only telehealth to allow tracking of these visits, 2) require providers to use available place of service codes, and 3) make a comprehensive assessment of the quality of services delivered via telehealth to insure improved outcomes for patients. Monkeypox Update and New Resources. New data show the outbreak is slowing; as of Wednesday, September 28, there were there were 25,509 confirmed cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to provide updates on trends and resources, recently focusing on reducing stigma. CDC also recommends health care personnel adhere to recommended infection prevention and control measures and stay up to date on pain management for infected patients. See Funding and Opportunities below for the CDC's Monkypox Vaccine Equity Pilot Program. HRSA Awards $5 Million to Fund Health Workforce Research. Through its Bureau of Health Workforce's National Center for Health Workforce Analysis, HRSA recently awarded $5 million in funding to nine Health Workforce Research Centers to help decision-makers at the federal, state, and local levels understand health workforce needs. In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, two of the nine centers have been awarded, specifically, to expand research into public health and behavioral health areas. 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 NOTE: The official website for federal funding opportunities, Grants.gov, will be offline for system maintenance September 23-29. ACL Community Care Hub National Learning Community – October 4. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) seeks applications to build new networks of community-based organizations that will integrate medical and social services in underserved communities. Community Care Hubs will centralize administrative functions such as contracting with health care organizations, managing payment operations, data collection, and reporting. Community-based organizations that apply will gain access to peer support, technical assistance from national experts, and up-to-date information on Community Care Hub initiatives. National Health Service Corp Students to Service Loan Repayment – December 1. The application cycle for 2023 is now open. Medical, dental, nursing and physician assistant students in their final year of school can receive awards up to $120,000 in exchange for a three-year commitment providing primary care services at NHSC-approved sites in high-need rural, urban and frontier areas. Review the 2023 Application and Program Guidance for more information on how to apply. CDC Monkeypox Vaccine Equity Pilot Program – Ongoing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will provide vials of Monkeypox vaccine provided at no cost for projects that contribute to the CDC's knowledge of best practices for reaching populations that face barriers to awareness, education, and prevention measures. There is a specific need to reach individuals who may avoid vaccination out of fear of being stigmatized. Eligible applicants are state, local, and tribal health departments. USDA Water and Waste Disposal Grants to Alleviate Health Risks on Tribal Lands and Colonias – Ongoing. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides grants for water and waste disposal facilities on federally-recognized tribal lands and colonias – economically distressed communities near the U.S./Mexico border – that face significant health risks due to a lack of access to adequate, affordable water or waste disposal. Funds may be used for construction of basic drinking water and waste disposal systems, including storm drainage. Utility districts may also be able to provide grants to individual households to install indoor plumbing and connect to the system. 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. Key Informant Perspectives on Supporting Health and Well-Being for LGBTQ+ Rural Residents. This policy brief from the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center presents findings from interviews with national LGBTQ+ support organizations regarding challenges to physical and mental health and well-being for LGBTQ+ individuals in rural communities, as well as considerations for improving the ability to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals living in rural areas. Rural-Urban Differences in Child and Adolescent Access to and Receipt of Mental Health Services Prior to and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from the National Survey of Children's Health. This study from the Rural and Minority Health Research Center fills a critical gap by comparing rural-urban differences in access to and receipt of mental health services to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on service accessibility and utilization in different geographic settings. Examining the Burden of Public Stigma Associated with Mental Illness in the Rural United States. This policy brief from the Rural Health Equity Research Center documents the burden of public stigma associated with any mental illness in rural versus non-rural communities in the United States. Differences in stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs by rurality, gender, race and ethnicity, and age are examined. Policy Updates Visit the FORHP Policy page to see all recent updates and send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. See top section for new information on Rural Emergency Hospitals. Learning Events and Technical Assistance NACo: County Strategies for Adapting and Responding to Today's Opioid Epidemic – Thursday, September 29 at 3:00 pm ET. The National Association of Counties (NACo) holds an hour-long discussion with national experts and county leaders about county-led strategies that have demonstrated the greatest impact. AgriSafe: Health and Safety Learning Opportunities for Agricultural Communities – Thursday, September 29 at 1:00 pm ET. The next topic in the ongoing learning series is the new 24/7 AgriStress Helpline, a mental health crisis lifeline staffed by trained professionals. CMS Bootcamp for Medicare Open Enrollment Period – September 29 at 1:00 pm ET. In a 90-minute session, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will share Medicare Program updates and resources to help those who assist people with Medicare make informed decisions about their 2023 health care coverage. HRSA Clinical Leaders Forum: Impact of Dental Therapists – Friday, September 30 at 2:00 pm ET. HRSA invites clinical leaders to participate in a peer-to-peer forum for chief medical professionals. Via one-hour webinar, attendees will receive information about programs in HRSA's Bureau of Health Workforce, hear from health professionals on pertinent topics, and share best practices. Housing Assistance Council: Permanent Supportive Housing in Rural Areas – Wednesday, October 5 at 2:00 pm ET. The national nonprofit will provide information on challenges and opportunities for long-term, affordable housing for vulnerable individuals and families and discuss financial resources for acquisition, rehab, and new construction. Learn More About the New Rural Emergency Hospital – Wednesday, October 12 at 3:00 pm ET. FORHP will provide an overview of how the new designation came about, what's needed for rural hospitals to transition, and resources on hand to assist with the process. Federal Resources for Rural Communities: Tips for Writing a Successful Grant Application – Tuesday, October 18 at 1:00 pm ET. Advance registration is required for this three-hour webinar. FORHP will share information about some of our grant programs and what you need to know for a successful application. This offering is part of our effort to address health disparities by raising awareness of federal programs, so we hope readers will share with anyone who may have limited access to information. Resources of the Week Report from Rural Health Equity and Quality Summit. The FORHP-supported National Rural Health Resource Center held a virtual summit in June 2022. The report will assist rural hospitals, clinics, and network leaders on their path to value-based care and alternative payment models. Introduction to School-Based Telehealth. The federal resource telehealth.hhs.gov outlines how to build a school telehealth program and prepare students and guardians for attending telehealth appointments. The guide is also available in Spanish. Approaching Deadlines 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 CDC National Leadership Academy for the Public's Health - October 3 3RNet Recruiting for Retention Academy – October 3 AAPD Foundation Access to Pediatric Dentistry Grants – October 3 ACL Community Care Hub National Learning Community – October 4 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 NIH HEAL Initiative: Prevention and Management of Chronic Pain in Rural Populations – Letters of Intent October 22 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 Common Fund: Community-Led Health Equity Structural Intervention Initiative – Letters of Intent November 18 NIH Researching Integrated HIV/AIDS, Addiction, and Primary Care Services – November 18 NIH HEAL Initiative: Prevention and Management of Chronic Pain in Rural Populations – November 21 EPA Brownfield Assessment Grants – November 22 EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grants – November 22 EPA Brownfield Multipurpose Grants – November 22 EPA Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund Grants – November 22 HRSA Rural Health Network Development Program – November 22 National Health Service Corp Students to Service Loan Repayment Program – December 1 AmeriCorps State and National Grants – January 4 Ongoing Opportunities CDC Monkeypox Vaccine Equity Pilot Program 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 USDA Water and Waste Disposal Grants to Alleviate Health Risks on Tribal Lands and Colonias USDOT Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (R.O.U.T.E.S) | 
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