September 8, 2022 What's New CFPB Dives Deep Into the Cost of Debt in Rural Appalachia. Nearly a quarter of rural Appalachians have medical debt in collections, compared to 17 percent nationally. This comes from an in-depth investigation by the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency created in 2011 to monitor the practices of banks, debt collectors, and other financial companies. The report finds that rural Appalachians with medical debt have more than double the rates of other types of delinquencies, including mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, and student loans. Higher debt increases the likelihood that a consumer uses higher-interest services such as payday, pawn, or auto title loans. This report is part of the CFPB's Rural Initiative, which is focused on financial issues facing rural America. TODAY, at 2:00 pm ET, CFPB Director Rohit Chopra will host a virtual discussion with advocates, service providers, community leaders, and members of the public on nursing home debt collection. The field hearing is a chance for the CFPB to hear from consumers and their advocates from all parts of the country, and an opportunity for consumers to learn more about their rights. New COVID-19 Boosters Now Available. On Thursday, September 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed recommendation for the new boosters made by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The update for Pfizer-BioNTech booster covers people 12 years and older; the Moderna booster is for those 18 and older. Both versions add components for Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 – the two subvariants of the virus that have proven to be more transmissible and more likely to evade antibodies made against earlier subvariants. At its meeting with the CDC last week, the ACIP discussed data about updated COVID-19 boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech for children ages 5 through 11 years, and from Moderna for children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 years. When the FDA authorizes these vaccines and age groups, CDC will expand its recommendations accordingly. Get more information from the CDC's COVID-19 information site, including details to help you understand your level of risk. 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. 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 Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program – September 30. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides funding in the form of grants of up to $300,000 and loans for as much as $1.5 million. The program is designed to promote rural economic development and job creation; eligible projects include facilities and equipment for education or medical care, nonprofit community development, and start-up business costs. USDA Emergency Rural Health Care Grants – October 12. 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 two tracks of funding: 1) Track One Recovery Grants that must be used in response to the pandemic and to support immediate health care needs; and 2) Track Two Impact Grants that create sustainable solutions for long-term regional rural health care problems. HUD Older Adults Home Modification Grants – October 13. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will set aside at least one-third of the funding for rural projects for this program. About 20 awards of up to $1.2 million each will be made to nonprofits and local governments for home modifications and limited repairs for low-income, elderly homeowners. NIH Extramural Loan Repayment Program – November 17. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers loan repayment assistance of up to $50,000/year to researchers who are not employed by the NIH. Loan repayment awards are not to support specific research, but based on an applicant's potential to build and sustain a research career. Eligible applicants must have a doctoral degree from an accredited institution. NIH Researching Integrated HIV/AIDS, Addiction, and Primary Care – November 18. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will support projects that develop and test innovative models of care that integrate HIV and substance used disorder treatment with primary care services. 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. Update on Rural Independently Owned Pharmacy Closures in the United States, 2003-2021. Nearly half of rural pharmacies are independently owned retail stores and are susceptible to closing due to financial hardship. This policy brief from the RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis builds on the history of Rural Policy Research Institute projects examining the provision of pharmacy services and updates pharmacy closure in rural areas of the United States. Monthly data on all institutions providing pharmacy services in the 50 states and District of Columbia were obtained from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs. Policy Updates Send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. No updates this week. Learning Events and Technical Assistance CFPB on Nursing Home Debt Collection – Thursday, September 8 at 2:00 pm ET. The federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will host a virtual discussion to explore challenges around nursing home debt collection practices and the impact they can have on the financial wellbeing of caregivers, their families, and friends. Caregivers and consumer advocates from around the country are asked to attend and provide feedback about experiences with nursing home debt and debt collection practices. PCSS Webinar: Opioid Use Disorder in Rural America – Thursday, September 8 at 3:00 pm ET. The nonprofit Providers Clinical Support System (PCSS) will discuss how the pandemic exacerbated overdose deaths and created new opportunities for servicer delivery in rural areas. Upper Midwest Telehealth Resource Center Conference – September 13-14. The 4th annual event taking place South Bend, IN, will be of interest to a wide range of professionals including clinicians, administrators, public health officials, Rural Health Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, local health departments, universities/students, and others interested in the development and delivery of telehealth in their community. CMS Listening Session: Gathering Information on Emergency Preparedness – Tuesday, September 13 at 1:00 pm ET. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is looking to gather information from health care providers and suppliers on experiences during public health emergencies (PHE) outside of the COVID-19 PHE. The input will be used to evaluate CMS regulations regarding emergency preparedness for certain health care providers. Rural Health Investment: Why Multi-Sector Collaboration Matters – Tuesday, September 13 at 1:00 pm ET. As part of its New Rural Playbook, the national nonprofit Build Healthy Places Network will convene experts to discuss strategies for multisector approaches to community investment in rural health. The UMMC Project ECHO for Dermatology – Wednesday, September 14 at 12:45 pm ET. This hour-long session will take place on the second Wednesday of each month by video conference. Specialists in dermatology will share expertise to help remote providers expand treatment. Research has shown one in four primary care visits includes some type of skin complaint. This month's topic is eczema. HRSA Virtual Job Fair – Wednesday, September 14 at 6:00 pm ET. From 6:00 to 9:30 pm ET, health care professionals can connect with representatives from facilities around the country recruiting for hundreds of medical, nursing, dental, and behavioral health job opportunities. Learn more about job opportunities, benefit packages, and how you can help underserved communities. Telemedicine Obstetrical Program: a Patient Centered Approach – Thursday, September 15 at 1:00 pm ET. In this webinar from the South Central Telehealth Resource Center, Dr. Melony Stokes describes a high-risk pregnancy workflow via telehealth. Health Center Program Research and Evaluation – 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. 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: 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. 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. Approaching Deadlines NIH Research: Intervening w/ Cancer Caregivers to Improve Outcomes – September 8 NIH Research on Minority Health/Health Disparities – September 8 NIH Research on Palliative Care in Home/Community Settings – September 8 Department of Education Full Service Community Schools Program – September 12 Comments Requested: 2023 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 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 Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project – September 30 USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Programs – September 30 3RNet Recruiting for Retention Academy – October 3 AAPD Foundation Access to Pediatric Dentistry Grants – October 3 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 HRSA Geriatrics Academic Career Award Program – November 3 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 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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