January 26, 2023 What's New Medicare Graduate Medical Education (GME) Residency Positions Available – Applications Due March 31. Hospitals interested in residency slots that will be supported by Medicare in Fiscal Year 2024 must apply through the Medicare Electronic Application Request Information (MEARIS™) by March 31. This is the second of five rounds of awards; the first 200 slots were awarded earlier this month. Rural hospitals are among the facility types eligible to establish new programs or expand existing residency programs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will prioritize training sites located in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), and Tribal facilities located outside of a HPSA. For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions and the application submission process guide. Approaching Deadline for Rural HIV and Aging Challenge – Submit by January 31. The Administration for Community Living will award $500,000 in cash prizes for innovative and effective pilot solutions that address the needs of people in rural communities who are aging with HIV. Some potential solutions may be: enhancing the capacity of community-based organizations; increasing engagement/reducing isolation for long-term survivors; or addressing social determinants of health such as transportation or access to physical activities. Up to 10 winners may be selected to each receive a prize of up to $15,000. Because these are prize competitions, there are no reporting requirements, deliverables, or other restrictions associated with federal grants. The participants selected to receive a prize for Phase 1, Design of Concept, may compete for Phase 2, Development of Solution. HHS Poverty Guidelines for 2023. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) published the household income data that determines eligibility for Medicaid and a number of other Federal programs. Request for Information: Updating the Healthy Start Initiative – Respond by February 3. To inform future planning, HRSA's Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) seeks perspectives on the federal program that aims to reduce disparities for mothers and babies. Respondents need not answer every question in the Request for Information, but MCHB would like to know about both challenges and innovations in rural areas. Federal Awards Support Education in High-Needs Communities. Last week, the U.S. Department of Education announced more than $35 million in grants awarded for projects that support "cradle-to-career" solutions for low-income students through the Department's Promise Neighborhoods program. The national nonprofit Partners for Rural Impact is one of the newest Promise Neighborhood grantees, supporting two schools in Hazard, Kentucky, where the U.S. Secretary of Education made the announcement. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released data showing similar rates of cancer incidence for both rural and metropolitan areas; for certain cancers, however, there were higher rates of death for rural residents. One of these is cervical cancer, and the CDC identified efforts at prevention and early detection as one source of the disparity – that is, rural areas generally have lower rates of vaccination and cancer screening. Since the CDC's report, several studies have examined barriers to these efforts, particularly slow and low rural uptake of the vaccine that prevents the human papillomavirus – also known as HPV – that causes nearly 35,000 new cancers each year. Ongoing: HRSA Payment Program for RHC Buprenorphine-Trained Providers. As announced by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in January 2023, 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. COVID-19 Resources Rural Health Clinic Vaccine Distribution (RHCVD) Program. Under the program, Medicare-certified Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) will receive direct COVID-19 vaccines in addition to their normal jurisdictions' weekly allocation. Webinar recordings explaining RHC vaccine programs are available on the National Association of Rural Health Clinics website. *New: As a reminder, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 bivalent vaccine for people 12 years of age and older is available to order through the RHCVD program in both single and multi-dose vials. The single-dose option responds to widespread requests to allow greater flexibility for RHCs that may not have the demand or capacity to store multi-dose vials. Contact RHCVaxDistribution@hrsa.gov for more information. 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. 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 Appalachian Regional Commission INSPIRE SUD Recovery to Work – Letters of Intent Required by February 21. The Federal Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) seeks proposals for its Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) initiative. The grant program addresses the region's substance use disorder (SUD) crisis with investments up to $13 million in the creation and expansion of an SUD recovery ecosystem that facilitates workforce entry and re-entry. Eligible applicants are organizations within the ARC service area that can help individuals in recovery obtain and maintain employment. National Center for Rural Health Professions Summer Preceptorships – March 5. Students of all health disciplines are encouraged to apply for the six-week experience that will take place at three practice sites in Illinois. Each student will receive a $1,500 stipend as they learn about all aspects of rural health care. Department of Transportation Planning for Areas of Persistent Poverty Program – March 10. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) expects to fund 45 projects with a total investment of $20 million to support the planning of transportation projects. These projects may include planning for: new or improved transit routes, low- or no-emission buses, and facilities that support transit services. Applicants may use the FTA's mapping tool to determine if a proposed project is in an area of persistent poverty. CDC High Obesity Program – March 21. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will fund 5-year projects in counties where more than 40 percent of adults have obesity. The funds will go to no more than one land grant university per state awarded; land universities will in turn work collaboratively at the state level to leverage investments, partnerships, and resources from various sectors, such as agriculture, transportation, education, health care, parks/recreation, business, and housing. Get more information, including about the work of past grantees, on the CDC website. HRSA Integrated Substance Use Disorder Training Program – March 21. HRSA's Bureau of Health Workforce aims to increase the number of clinicians providing mental health and substance use disorder treatment in underserved primary care settings. Eligible applicants are health care facilities, including Rural Health Clinics, with a demonstrated record of success in providing training for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, health service psychologists, counselors, nurses, and/or social workers. SAMHSA Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children's Health – March 21. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) expects to make 13 awards, each up to $800,000 per year, for projects that promote wellness for children from birth to 8 years. Grantees will incorporate culturally and linguistically appropriate practices, provide mental health consultation in early care and education, and develop a plan to improve collaboration across family-serving systems. At least two awards will be made to Tribes/Tribal organizations, pending sufficient application volume from these groups. UMMC Caregiver University for Alzheimer's Support – Quarterly Deadlines Until October 10. The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) offers a multiple-session training program, at no charge, for family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Participants meet virtually, via Zoom, for 90 minutes each day during a two-week training period. The classes are taught by community experts and organizations providing care and support to individuals living with dementia. The deadline to apply is four weeks prior to the start of each quarterly program. Native Americans into Medicine – Ongoing. The University of Minnesota provides a seven-week summer enrichment program for college sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in pursuing health careers. Accepted students earn a stipend for living expenses, and campus housing is available. 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. Variations in Affordability of Health Care by Non-Metropolitan/Metropolitan and Race/Ethnicity Status across Eight Geographically Dispersed States. Among the findings in this brief from the Rural & Minority Health Research Center: Hispanic adults had the lowest health insurance rates; non-Hispanic Black individuals reported higher levels of forgoing medical care due to cost; non-metropolitan individuals ages 18-64 were more likely to report forgoing medication due to cost. Policy Updates Visit the FORHP Policy page to see all recent updates and send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. See announcement for Graduate Medical Education residency slots under What's New, and watch this space for coming information about Medicaid/CHIP unwinding that will start next week. Learning Events and Technical Assistance 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. CMS Rural Health Open Door Forum – Thursday, January 26 at 2:00pm ET. The Rural Health Open Door Forum (ODF) addresses Rural Health Clinic (RHC), Critical Access Hospital (CAH) and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) issues as well other topics relevant to rural providers. The next Rural Health ODF will focus on CAH distance location requirements, the recent correction notice for the final rule for Rural Emergency Hospitals (REHs) and additional REH updates. This call will be Conference Call Only. To participate by phone dial 1-888-455-1397 and reference conference passcode 5109694. Early Bird Registration for Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Summit – Ends Friday, 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. Advancing Health Equity Among Hispanic/Latino Populations – Tuesday, February 7 at 1:00 pm ET. HRSA's Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs holds the first in a four-part series about the factors that contribute to health disparities, and successful models for health equity among Hispanic/Latino populations. The session will be broadcast in Spanish, with live language interpretation to English. For more information about the session, please contact Lauren DeVol at LDeVol@hrsa.gov or Veronica Roa at VRoa@hrsa.gov. Long COVID & Fatiguing Illness Recovery Program – Thursday, February 9 at 3:00 pm ET. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fund this monthly webinar-style ECHO learning session to rapidly disseminate Post-COVID Conditions (PCC) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) findings and emerging best practices. The series offers didactic presentations by subject matter experts, examples of emerging best practices and models of care, and a facilitated Q&A. This program is intended primarily for providers who care for patients with PCC and ME/CFS but is open to all healthcare professionals and all Long COVID and ME/CFS patient-lived experience experts interested in learning more about the treatment of Long COVID and ME/CFS. Resource of the Week A Redesigned RuralCenter.org. The FORHP-supported Rural Health Resource Center provides ongoing technical assistance to health providers nationwide through reports, webinars, podcasts, toolkits, and other media. Responding to feedback from stakeholders, they've redesigned their website to make it easier to navigate and use. Approaching Deadlines 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 Request for Information: Updating the Healthy Start Initiative – 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 Appalachian Regional Commission INSPIRE SUD Recovery to Work – Letters of Intent Required by February 21 HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program – February 23 USDA Rural Business Development Grants – February 28 National Center for Rural Health Professions Summer Preceptorships – March 5 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 Department of Transportation Planning for Areas of Persistent Poverty Program – March 10 Comments Requested: Proposed Updates for Interoperability – March 13 CDC High Obesity Program – March 21 HRSA Integrated Substance Use Disorder Training Program – March 21 SAMHSA Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children's Health – March 21 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 Medicare Graduate Medical Education (GME) Residency Positions Available – March 31 FCC Rural Health Care Telecommunications Program – April 1 UMMC Caregiver University for Alzheimer's Support – Quarterly Deadlines Until October 10 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 Native Americans into Medicine 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 | 
No comments:
Post a Comment