Thursday, December 14, 2023

FORHP Announcements - December 14

SAMHSA funding rural emergency medical services
FORHP Header with Logos

Read this online.

December 14, 2023

What's New

Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals Program – Apply by January 31. Applications are being accepted to receive two years of technical assistance through this FORHP-supported program for rural hospitals struggling to maintain health care services.  Technical assistance for this project is provided by the Center for Public Health Practice and Research at the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, and will begin March 2024. 

New Funding Opportunity for Rural Emergency Services – Apply by March 20.  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will award up to $200,000 per year for a two-year program to recruit and train Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel in rural areas with a focus on addressing substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring disorders (COD) of substance use and mental health. Recipients of the federal funding will be expected to train EMS personnel on SUD and COD, as well as trauma-informed, recovery-based care for people with such disorders. Eligible applicants are rural EMS agencies operated by a local or tribal government (fire-based and non-fire based) and rural non-profit EMS agencies.  See Resources of the Week below to learn more about rural emergency medical services.

CMS Enforcement of State Medicaid Renewal Requirements – Comment by February 2.  In January 2023, we first informed you of state-level changes to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) brought by the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). These programs play a critical role in rural areas, where people are more likely to be uninsured and face challenges accessing health care. In brief, states received extra federal funding to allow beneficiaries to keep their coverage – known as continuous enrollment – for as long as the PHE declaration remained in place.  As of August 2023, more than 13 million people had their enrollment in Medicaid/CHIP coverage renewed, but more than 7 million were disenrolled.  In this interim final rule, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) detail new reporting requirements for states as they "unwind" continuous enrollment – that is, return to reviewing the eligibility status of individuals and families.  The new requirements specify that reports for certain metrics, such as the number of individuals disenrolled and information about transitions to coverage through state Health Insurance Marketplaces, be completed and submitted in a timely manner.  New enforcement actions include suspended disenrollments, civil money penalties, and a reduction in federal funding known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage

Public Comments Requested: Interventions for Overweight/Obesity in Children and Adolescents – Comment by January 16.  This week, national experts in disease prevention issued draft recommendations for clinical treatment of children with a high body mass index (BMI).  The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force identifies children and teens who are Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaska Native, Non-Hispanic Black, and from lower income families as those with the highest rates of obesity, determined by a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for age and gender.  October 2023 research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that rural children and adolescents had higher odds of being overweight or obese than their urban counterparts.  The recommendation includes behavioral counseling interventions (pdf) from health professionals.

Ongoing: Updates to Requirements for Buprenorphine PrescribingAs announced by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in January 2023, clinicians no longer need a federal waiver to prescribe buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder.  Clinicians are still required to register with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to prescribe controlled medications.  On June 27, the DEA began to require that registration applicants – both new and renewing – affirm they have completed a new, one-time, eight-hour training.  Exceptions for the new training requirement are practitioners who are board certified in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry, and those who graduated from a medical, dental, physician assistant, or advanced practice nursing school in the U.S. within five years of June 27, 2023.  Watch this 11-minute video that explains the changes.  Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) still have the opportunity to apply for a $3,000 payment on behalf of each provider who trained between January 1, 2019 and December 29, 2022 (when Congress eliminated the waiver requirement).  Approximately $889,000 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

**New: COVID-19 Home Tests Available.  Every home in the U.S. is again eligible to receive four (4) free at-home tests ordered at www.covid.gov.  Delivery is free through the U.S. Postal Service. 

**New: Home Test to Treat is a new program funded by the National Institutes of Health focused on providing COVID-19 care and treatment for adults who are at greater risk of being affected by COVID-19.  Adults who do not currently have COVID-19 or flu may enroll and receive free tests if they are uninsured or are enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, the Veterans Affairs health care system, or the Indian Health Services. Individuals who are currently positive for COVID-19 can enroll to receive telehealth services for COVID-19 and treatment (if prescribed) at no cost. Enrollees may also be invited to participate in a completely optional research component of the program. Informational flyers are available in English and Spanish.

Learning About Long COVID & Fatiguing Illness  – Thursday, December 14 at 3:00 pm Eastern.  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.

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 through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act by the Federation of State Medical Boards and HRSA's Office for the Advancement of Telehealth. 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.


Funding and Opportunities

USDA Supporting Community Agriculture and Local Education Systems (Project SCALES) – January 26.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will focus on rural communities in its first round of funding for school food authorities.  The funding is intended to foster local innovations to improve the K-12 school food supply chain through partnerships between schools, food producers, processors, distributors, and other potential partners. 

Treasury Department Native American Community Development Financial Institution Assistance Program – February 15. The U.S. Department of Treasury provides funding to increase access to credit, capital, and financial services in native communities through the creation and expansion of Community Development Financial Institutions

USDA Sustainable Community Projects for Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk – February 15.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides funding to improve the quality and quantity of community-based programs for families supported by the Cooperative Extension System at USDA-designated Land-Grant Colleges and Universities

HHS Assistance for Tribal Self-Governance Negotiation – February 19.  The Indian Health Service at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) makes cooperative agreements that provide negotiation resources to tribes interested in participating in the Tribal Self-Governance Program, that gives tribes the authority to manage and tailor health care programs in a manner that best fits the needs of their communities.

SAMHSA Strategic Prevention Partnerships for Communities – February 21. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helps communities, local governments, universities, colleges, and Tribes/Tribal organizations by supporting the development and delivery of community-based substance misuse prevention and mental health promotion services.  A separate program, SAMHSA Strategic Prevention Framework/Partnerships for States, also has an application deadline of February 21. 

HRSA Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program – February 26.  HRSA's Bureau of Health Workforce provides grants to educate and train the primary care and geriatrics workforces for age-friendly and dementia-friendly care and to maximize patient and family engagement. Proposals that benefit older adults in rural, tribal, or other underserved communities/populations are a priority.

USDA Produce Prescription Program – February 28.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides funding for projects that demonstrate and evaluate the impact of prescribing fresh fruits and vegetables on dietary health, the reduction of household food insecurity, and the reduction in health care use and associated costs.  Projects that serve Tribal, rural, remote, and insular communities are a funding priority. 

USDA Rural Business Development Grants – February 28.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) supports targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenues. 

NIH Planning Grants for Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) – various dates until July 2026.  The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will provide funding to support federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, Tribal colleges and universities, Tribal health programs, or Tribal organizations to plan and conduct preparatory work to compete for NARCH funding.  Applications should identify workforce and infrastructure needs, a plan to formulate goals for NARCH work, and include an assessment of administrative capacity to support a future NARCH award.

NIH Data Informed, Place-Based Community-Engaged Research to Advance Health Equity – January 2027.  The National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued this Notice of Special Interest to support place-based research that advances health equity in different communities, including rural communities. 


Policy Updates

Send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov.

CMS Allows Medicare Billing for Two New Provider Types for Mental Health Care.  Beginning January 1, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will allow billing for two new provider types: Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) and Mental Health Counselors (MHC).  To qualify, MFTs and MHCs must be licensed or certified by the state where they provide services, have performed at least two years of clinical supervised experience, and meet other requirements of the federal government. The coverage of MFT and MHC practitioners can help address behavioral health work shortages in rural areas; recent research found that nearly one-fifth (18.4 percent) of rural counties are without a counselor compared to other behavior health provider types.  Learn more from CMS about how to become a Medicare provider.

New Medicaid Health Equity Data Briefs.  In an effort to measure disparities in access to care, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released three new briefs with data describing certain demographics and benefit use of enrollees in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).  Adding to previous data briefs on race and ethnicity, disability, and primary language, new data is provided showing beneficiary information for:

Each includes information for rural populations.  For example, in 2020, about 5.7 million Medicaid- and CHIP-enrolled children under age 19 resided in a rural area, and 45 percent received a well-child visit compared to 51 percent of those living in urban areas. 


Learning Events and Technical Assistance

White House Rural Partners Call – Thursday, December 14 at 3:00 pm Eastern.  Featured on this week's call is Department of Transportation (DOT) Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy Christopher Coes and Small Business Administration Director of Rural Affairs Anna Maria Lucas who will discuss investments their agencies are making in rural communities. See Resources of the Week below for new data on rural areas from the DOT. 

AgriStress Response Network – Mental Health Innovations Exchange – Wednesday, January 3 at 11:00 am Eastern.  The AgriSafe Network holds meetings on the first Wednesday of every month to hear from mental health and agriculture professionals. 


Resources of the Week

Learn About Grantees for Rural Opioid Response ProgramThis series of short videos highlights the work of grantees for the FORHP-supported Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP).  Newly updated directories of FY2023 grantees are now available for four separate RCORP programs:

Keeping Rural EMS Reliable and Sustainable, featuring James Small.  An episode of the Exploring Rural Health podcast featuring James Small, Rural EMS Outreach Director for the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health. Focuses on rural emergency medical services workforce and funding shortages, and how rural EMS can be maintained and expanded.

Department of Transportation Maps Intercity Transportation in Rural Areas.  The recently updated data resource provides information and an interactive map that shows the percentage of rural residents who have access to commercial air, intercity bus, or intercity rail transportation. Includes county-level data for the years 2006, 2012, 2018, and 2021. Depicts state-level transportation access data as well as demographic characteristics of rural areas.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Access to Capital Clearinghouse.  A database of available funding for Tribal governments, organizations, and individuals from across the federal government.


Approaching Deadlines

CMS Making Care Primary Model – Extended to December 14

HRSA Healthy Start: Eliminating Disparities in Perinatal Health – December 15

DOJ/CDC Reaching Rural: Collaborative Solutions for Substance Misuse – December 15

Learning Collaborative Increasing Access to Care for IPV and Exploitation Survivors – December 15

ACL Small Business Innovation Research Program – December 18

NIH Research Centers in Minority Institutions – December 18

National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation Rural Scholarships – December 31

USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program – December 31

Comments Requested:  Disincentives for Health Care Providers that Commit Information Blocking – Comment by January 2

Comments Request: No Surprises Act Federal Independent Dispute Resolution Operations for FY 2024 – Comment by January 2

USDA Technical Assistance/Training for Rural Water and Waste Disposal Systems – January 2

AmeriCorps State and National Grants – January 4

Proposed Update: Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans Comment by January 5

CDC Community Health Worker Services for HIV in Rural Communities – January 5

NARHC Bill Finerfrock Health Policy Fellowship – January 5

Proposed Updates: Health Insurance Marketplaces and Insurers for 2025 – Comment by January 8

NIDA Seeking Telemedicine/Remote-Based Platforms for SUD Treatment – January 8

Alzheimer's Association Supporting Research in Health Disparities, Policy, and Ethics – Letters of Intent January 9

Request for Information: Upcoming ICD-11 – Comment by January 12

Public Comments Requested: Interventions for High Body Mass Index in Children and Adolescents – Comment by January 16

NTIA Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program – January 23

Udall Foundation Native American Congressional Internship – January 24

Rural Health Network Development Planning Program – January 26

USDA Supporting Community Agriculture and Local Education Systems (Project SCALES) – January 26

HHS Environmental Justice Community Innovator Challenge, Phase 1 – January 30

EPA Small Communities, Big Challenges Competition – January 31

Frontline Indigenous Partnership Ohiyesa Premedical Program – January 31

Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals Program – January 31

Department of Labor YouthBuild Grants – February 1

HHS Innovation Challenge: Preventing Human Trafficking/Women and Girls – February 1

CMS Enforcement of State Medicaid Renewal Requirements – Comment by February 2

EPA Training/Technical Assistance for Safe Drinking Water in Small Public Water Systems – February 2

HRSA Nurse Faculty Loan Program – February 5

HRSA Regional AIDS Education and Training Centers – February 5

RWJF Summer Health Professions Education Program – February 5

USDA Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program – February 6

HRSA Rural Residency Planning and Development Program – February 12

Treasury Department Native American Community Development Financial Institution Assistance Program – January 16

USDA Sustainable Community Projects for Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk – February 15

HHS Assistance for Tribal Self-Governance Negotiation – February 19

SAMHSA Strategic Prevention Partnerships for Communities – February 21

SAMHSA Strategic Prevention Framework/Partnerships for States – February 21

HRSA Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program – February 26

USDA Produce Prescription Program – February 28

USDA Rural Business Development Grants – February 28

CMS Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development (AHEAD) Model – March 18

SAMHSA Rural Emergency Medical Services Training – March 20


Ongoing Opportunities

HRSA Needs Rural Reviewers for Grant Applications

Economic Development Administration Public Works/Economic Assistance Program (CARES Act Funding)

Extended Public Comment Period for FCC's COVID-19 Telehealth Program

FCC Affordable Connectivity Program for Broadband Service

National Indian Health Board Vaccination Event Funding – Ongoing while funds last

SAMHSA 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Volunteer and Job Opportunities

USDA Disaster Repair Grants for Rural Community Facilities – Ongoing while funds last

USDA Water Infrastructure Grants for 2022 Disaster Areas – Ongoing while funds last

ACF Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

ACF Rural Community Development Program for Rural Water Systems

Addiction Policy Forum: Sites for Anti-Stigma Pilot

AgriSafe Mental Health Training for Agricultural Producers & Families

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

AmeriCorps American Connection Corps for Broadband in Rural Areas

Appalachian Community Fund Technical Assistance Grants

Appalachian Regional Commission J-1 Visa Waivers for Doctors

ASA Rural Access to Anesthesia Care Scholarship

CDC Direct Assistance to State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Health Agencies

CDC Training Pediatric Medical Providers to Recognize ACEs

CORH Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals Program

Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program

Delta Regional Authority Community Infrastructure Fund

Delta Doctors J-1 Visa Waiver Program

Department of Commerce: Economic Development Assistance Programs

DRA Technical Assistance for Delta Region Community Health Systems Development

EPA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

EPA Water Infrastructure and Innovation Act Program

FEMA/SAMHSA Post-Disaster Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program

GSA Federal Surplus Property Available for Public Use

GPHC & RWJF: Rapid Cycle Research and Evaluation Grants for Cross-Sector Alignment

HRSA/SAMHSA Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Training and Mentoring

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

National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence Technical Assistance

National Indian Health Board Vaccination Event Funding

National Indigenous Women's Resource Center Technical Assistance for Domestic Violence Programs

Native Americans into  Medicine

Host Sites for National Environmental Public Health Internship

NIH Special Interest Research – Pandemic Impact on Vulnerable Children and Youth – May 2024

NIH Research to Improve Native American Health – October 2024

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 Addressing the Impact of Structural Racism and Discrimination – Various dates until October 2025

NIH Research to Address Vaccine Hesitancy in Health Disparity Populations – June 2026

NIH Planning Grants for Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) – various dates until July 2026

NIH Research to Understand Disparities in Maternal Morbidity and Mortality – Various dates until October 2026

NIH Data Informed, Place-Based Community-Engaged Research to Advance Health Equity – January 2027

NIH Project Talk Initiative Host Site Applications

Nominations for Federal Advisory Commission on HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

NRHA Chief Nursing Officer Certification Program for Rural Hospitals

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

Rural Grocery Transition Specialist Program

RTT Collaborative: Rural Training Track Directors University

RWJF Investigator-Initiated Research to Build a Culture of Health

RWJF Pioneering Ideas Brief Proposals

SAMHSA Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program for Communities Post-Disaster

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 Intermediary Relending Program

USDA Multifamily Housing Loan Guarantees

USDA National School Lunch Afterschool Snack 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)

Veterans Affairs Health Professional Scholarship Program

Veterans Affairs Virtual Living Room - Using Technology to Address the Critical Healthcare Needs of Veterans in Rural Areas

Western Region Public Health Training Center – Future Leaders Program

WWAMI Area Health Education Center Scholars Program

3RNET Recruitment and Retention Assistance


This email was sent to myhcistech.healthnews360@blogger.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: HRSA · 5600 Fishers Lane · Rockville, MD 20857  GovDelivery logo

No comments:

Post a Comment