January 19, 2023 What's New NACRHHS Update: Emergency Medical Services and Integration of Behavioral Health and Primary Care Services – Tuesday, January 24 at 1:00 pm ET. During the 90th meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health & Human Services (NACRHHS), members explored two topics of importance to rural areas. The first was access to emergency medical services in rural areas. The second was the integration of behavioral health and primary care services. This 75-minute webinar will highlight the rural context related to these topics, and discuss the policy brief and recommendations submitted to the Secretary of Health & Human Services. SAMHSA Removes Requirement for OUD Prescribing. Last week, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced it will no longer require nor accept applications for the DATA 2000 Waiver previously needed to prescribe the drug most frequently used for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). All practitioners with a current DEA registration that includes prescribing authority for Schedule III substances may now prescribe buprenorphine for OUD if permitted in the state where they practice. The change comes from Section 1262 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, that removes the federal requirement for practitioners to submit a Notice of Intent to prescribe medications for the treatment of OUD. HRSA Payment Program for RHC Buprenorphine-Trained Providers. Clinicians no longer need DATA 2000 Waiver training to prescribe buprenorphine; however, the payment program to defray earlier training costs is still active. Launched in June 2021, the initiative pays for providers who previously received a waiver 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 previously trained to obtain the waiver necessary to prescribe buprenorphine after January 1, 2019. Approximately $900,000 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. Federal Effort to Boost Public Health Workforce – Apply by February 1. AmeriCorps, the federal agency that matches volunteers with projects for economic and social development at the community level, seeks applicants for its Senior Workforce Development Demonstration Program. Projects that receive funding will help older adults, aged 55 and older, secure employment in skilled labor and professional careers, such as education, health care, engineering, law. Applicants interested in addressing immediate public health needs, reducing health disparities in their communities and building the public health workforce may apply via the Public Health Careers Track to propose a program that aligns with Public Health AmeriCorps. Unwinding Continuous Enrollment for Medicaid and CHIP. In March 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 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. Last year, CMS announced states would have to return to normal eligibility and enrollment operations once the official Public Health Emergency (PHE) had ended – a process referred to as "unwinding." Last week, it was announced that the PHE would be extended by another 90 days to mid-April. However, new legislation calls for eligibility waivers and other pandemic-related flexibilities to end on March 31, 2023. See the communications toolkit for a plain-language explanation that will help both policymakers and beneficiaries understand Unwinding, and attend monthly webinars (Events section, below) held by CMS to get help with the process. Federal Effort to Boost Public Health Workforce – Apply by February 1. AmeriCorps, the federal agency that matches volunteers with projects for economic and social development at the community level, seeks applicants for its Senior Workforce Development Demonstration Program. Projects that receive funding will help older adults, aged 55 and older, secure employment in skilled labor and professional careers, such as education, healthcare, engineering, law. Applicants interested in addressing immediate public health needs, reducing health disparities in their communities and building the public health workforce may apply via the Public Health Careers Track to propose a program that aligns with Public Health AmeriCorps. HRSA: The Work Keeps Going. In its 2022 Overview, FORHP's parent agency offers some insight into the efforts of 15 program areas over the last year, including serving more than 1,500 rural counties and municipalities across the country. COVID-19 Resources Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Reporting Portal – Report by March 31 for RP4. The PRF Reporting Portal is open from January 1, 2023 to March 31, 2023 for Reporting Period 4 (RP4). Providers who received one or more PRF (General or Targeted) and/or American Rescue Plan Rural payments exceeding $10,000, in the aggregate, from July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021, must report on their use of funds during RP4. Resources are available to assist providers with completing their reports. For a quick glance at all PRF reporting-related resources, visit the PRF Reporting Resources Page. **NEW: Phase 4 and ARP Rural Payment Reconsiderations Deadline: Providers who believe their Phase 4 and/or ARP Rural payment was calculated incorrectly have an opportunity to submit a payment reconsideration request by February 21, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET. All providers have had at least 45 days from the date of their Phase 4 and/or ARP Rural payment determination notification to submit a reconsideration request. The February 21 deadline reflects the final opportunity to submit a request. For more information visit the Payment Reconsideration webpage. Updated Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccines. In December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines for children down to 6 months of age. This expands earlier guidance announced in October. Current recommendation is that people aged 6 months and older receive one updated (bivalent) dose if it has been at least 2 months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose, whether that was: - Their final primary series dose, or
- An original monovalent dose
People who have gotten more than one original (monovalent) dose are also recommended to get an updated (bivalent) dose. In September, 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. 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 AHCJ Rural Health Journalism Fellowships – January 25. The American Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ) provides financial assistance for reporters and editors serving rural communities to attend their AHCJ annual conference. The fellowship includes the conference registration fee, up to four nights in the conference hotel, up to $400 for travel assistance, and a one-year membership in the AHCJ. American Heart Association Health Equity Research Network – Pre-Proposals January 26. The AHA seeks proposals for research projects that address the increased risk for cardiovascular and stroke mortality for rural residents. The research effort is part of a Call to Action from the AHA president and aims to form a single Health Equity Research Network (HERN) that will include multiple projects. Network applications will include five projects, each at a distinct institution. Applicants must be an AHA Professional Member; new membership processing may take 3-5 days. Final deadline for applications is April 4; but applicants must submit a pre-proposal form by Thursday, January 26. Treasury Department: Emergency Capital Investment Program – January 31. The U.S. Department of Treasury provides funding to certified Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions to provide loans, grants, and forbearance for small businesses, minority-owned businesses, and consumers. The program is intended to support low- to moderate-income communities, minority communities, rural communities, and other underserved areas – especially those that have been disproportionately impacted by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC/NIHB Strengthening Tribal Public Health Systems – February 8. With support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the National Indian Health Board will provide funding and technical assistance for projects designed to build the public health capacity of tribes. Applicants may choose between two types of projects: 1) Performance Improvement projects to build public health capacity, and 2) System Improvement projects which focus on incorporating health equity, collaboration, and interconnection of various systems that can impact the public health of the community. NOSORH Rural Health Grant Writing Institute – February 17. From February 27 to May 8, 2023, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) offers a series of nine online learning sessions that cover grant writing with a unique rural health focus. There is a $750 registration fee with a discount for five students registered together. SAMHSA Expanding SUD Capacity in Adult and Family Drug Treatment Courts – March 6. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will make approximately 80 awards, each up to $400,000 per year. Existing drug courts should have a coordinated, multi-system approach designed to collaborate with effective SUD treatment services. SAMHSA Expanding MAT for Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction – March 7. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) expects to make 24 awards of up to $750,000 each to increase access to medication assisted treatment (MAT) services. Grant recipients will provide at least one of the FDA-approved medications in combination with comprehensive psychosocial services, counseling, behavioral therapies, recovery support services, and other clinically-appropriate services. Treasury Department: Community Development Financial Institutions Capital Magnet Fund – March 21. The U.S. Department of Treasury specifies underserved rural areas as a target for this program that provides financing for revitalization. The Capital Magnet Fund provides grants to certified Community Development Financial Institutions and qualified nonprofit housing organizations. In turn, these award recipients create financing tools such as risk-sharing loans and loan guarantees for local investment in affordable housing, community service facilities, and economic development. Of the 59 organizations awarded funds in 2022, more than half committed to investing at least a portion in rural areas. 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. COVID-19 Mortality Rates across Noncore, Micropolitan, and Metropolitan Counties by Community Characteristics, December 2020-January 2021. This policy brief from the RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis examines differences in COVID-19 mortality rates across rural-urban designations and stratifications by geography, county-level sociodemographic factors, and county-level health care factors. Between December 2020 and January 2021, COVID-19 deaths were at their peak, hospital capacity was stretched, and COVID-19 vaccines were not widely available, making this a critical time period to examine. Policy Updates Send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. See What's New for information about pandemic-related policy updates from CMS. Learning Events and Technical Assistance Suicide Hotline 988: It's Not Just a Number – Friday, January 20 at 12:30 pm ET. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Forum on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders will be convening two virtual webinars focusing on challenges and opportunities to support state and local implementation of 9-8-8. The first webinar will present an overview of 988 implementation and explore how mental health and crisis services need to be viewed as a utility and public good for counties to adopt and implement. SAMHSA Indigenous Behavioral Health Series – Tuesday, January 24 at 12:00 pm ET. The first session provides an overview of substance use and substance use disorders. The next session, on February 7, will look at prevention. The series is hosted by the National American Indian and Alaska Native Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network. The ATTC Network, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA), is formed by eight regional centers and two national, population-based centers. NACRHHS Update: Emergency Medical Services and Integration of Behavioral Health and Primary Care Services – Tuesday, January 24 at 1:00 pm ET. During the 90th meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health & Human Services (NACRHHS), members explored two topics of importance to rural areas. The first was access to emergency medical services in rural areas. The second was the integration of behavioral health and primary care services. This 75-minute webinar will highlight the rural context related to these to topics, and a discussion of the policy brief and recommendations submitted to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Learn About the Women's Preventive Services Initiative – Tuesday, January 24 at 3:00 pm ET. HRSA is joined by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to host a 90-minute webinar to introduce the Women's Preventive Services Initiative, a new federally-funded program. For more information about the webinar, contact HRSA's Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs at regionix@hrsa.gov. Preparing for Medicaid/CHIP Unwinding – Wednesday, January 25 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. When the public health emergency ends, states will be required to restart eligibility reviews. This session is part of a monthly learning series to help states prepare for the change. Application Assistance for HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program – Thursday, January 26 at 2:00 pm ET. The first of two informational webinars for the federal program that pays up to 85 percent of unpaid nursing education debt in exchange for work in an underserved area or nursing school. Early Bird Registration for Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Summit – Ends January 27. The agenda for the Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center (MATRC) 2023 Summit includes telehealth inequities and telebehavioral health. Whether attending online or in-person in Norfolk, VA, early bird registration ends January 27 for the event taking place March 15-17. The MATRC is one of 12 HRSA-supported Telehealth Resource Centers. Resource of the Week BHW Footprint Map of Federal Health Workforce Programs. HRSA's Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW) offers programs that support thousands of health care sites and tens of thousands of providers at these sites. This new interactive map is updated daily with a comprehensive view of BHW program sites, Health Professional Shortage Areas, and other relevant health workforce data sets. Approaching Deadlines HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Overdose Response – January 19 Comments Requested: Revised Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Criteria – January 20 Clinic Applications for ALAI UP - HIV Treatment for Underserved Populations – January 20 Requesting Nominations: Advisory Committee on Infant and Maternal Mortality – January 23 AHCJ Rural Health Journalism Fellowships – January 25 American Heart Association Health Equity Research Network – Pre-Proposals January 26 EPA Training and Technical Assistance for Small Public Water Systems – January 26 Extended: HHS Seeks Feedback on Tribal Consultation Policy – January 27 Education Department Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grants – January 27 HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Evaluation – January 27 HRSA Rural Residency Planning and Development Program – January 27 Comments Requested: Proposed Updates to Health Insurance Marketplaces – January 30 Comments Requested: Proposed Policies for the 340B Drug Pricing Program's Alternative Dispute Resolution Process – January 30 USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants – January 30 ACL Rural HIV and Aging Challenge, Phase 1 – January 31 Comments Requested: Protections for Patients with Substance Use Challenges – January 31 Treasury Department: Emergency Capital Investment Program – January 31 AmeriCorps Seniors Workforce Development Demonstration – February 1 American Psychiatric Association Diversity Leadership Fellowship – February 3 SAMHSA Minority Fellowship – February 3 Department of Labor Youthbuild Grants – February 7 HRSA Funding for Rural Health Innovation and Transformation Technical Assistance Provider – February 7 CDC/NIHB Strengthening Tribal Public Health Systems – February 8 HRSA Nurse Anesthetist Traineeship Program – February 10 HRSA Maternal and Child Health Secondary Data Analysis Research – February 13 Comments Requested: Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D Updates – February 13 Comments Requested: Proposed Updates to Expand Access to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment – February 14 EPA Grants Supporting Technical Assistance for Brownfields Communities – February 14 CDC Researching Strategies to Prevent Firearm-Related Violence – February 16 HRSA Funding One Provider: Rural Quality Improvement Technical Assistance – February 17 HRSA Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part C Capacity Development Program – February 17 NOSORH Rural Health Grant Writing Institute – February 17 CDC Research Grants to Inform Firearm-Related Violence Prevention Strategies – February 20 HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program – February 23 USDA Rural Business Development Grants – February 28 SAMHSA Expanding SUD Capacity in Adult and Family Drug Treatment Courts – March 6 USDA Emergency Food Assistance Program – Reach and Resiliency – March 6 CDC Advancing Health Equity for Priority Populations with or at Risk for Diabetes – March 7 HRSA Funding One Provider: Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals – March 7 SAMHSA Expanding MAT for Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction – March 7 HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response - Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome – March 8 Comments Requested: Proposed Updates for Interoperability – March 13 Treasury Department: Community Development Financial Institutions Capital Magnet Fund – March 21 Delta States Rural Development Network Grant Program – March 22 Administration for Native Americans – Social/Economic Development Strategies – March 31 FCC Rural Health Care Telecommunications Program – April 1 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 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 American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) Foundation - Accreditation Grants American Heart Association Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator American Indian Public Health Resource Center Technical Assistance Appalachian Regional Commission J-1 Visa Waivers for Doctors 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 Delta Doctors J-1 Visa Waiver 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 Distressed Cities and Persistent Poverty Technical Assistance Program 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 Community Assistance Corporation Environmental Infrastructure Loans for Western States 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 United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc Tribal Health Program Support 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 and Loan Guarantees 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) WWAMI Area Health Education Center Scholars Program | 
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