| Read this online. January 11, 2024 What's New HRSA Updates HPSA Designations. HRSA's Bureau of Health Workforce has released the current list of Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) – which can be geographic areas, populations, or facilities – that have a shortage of primary, dental, or mental health care providers. The designations are used to determine eligibility for federal programs that support the health workforce, such as the National Health Service Corps, as well as safety net programs such as HRSA's Health Centers and CMS's Rural Health Clinics. For more details on the information used to determine HPSAs, visit the HRSA Data Warehouse. Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Grants for the Appalachian Region – Letters of Intent February 16. The federal Appalachian Regional Commission works in partnership with 13 states to promote economic growth where one-fourth of the region's 423 counties are rural. The INSPIRE initiative supports the post-treatment to employment continuum, which could include investments in healthcare networks that support substance use disorder recovery, recovery-focused job training programs, and other initiatives that coordinate these efforts. Successful INSPIRE grant applications will demonstrate the potential for individuals in recovery to obtain and maintain stable employment, with a focus on support services and training opportunities that lead to successful entry and re-entry into the workforce. Letters of Intent are required by February 16, 2024. The deadline for final applications is March 8, 2024. Award announcements are anticipated to be made in September 2024. HHS Catalytic Program for the Climate – National Sessions Beginning January 25. The Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) was established in 2021 to address the impact of climate change on health in the United States and territories. The office has been coordinating efforts across 12 operating divisions, including HRSA, in the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). From the beginning, the initiative identified rural areas as uniquely vulnerable – where people, businesses, and safety net health organizations pay disproportionately high costs to recover from storms, heat waves, and wildfires. Following on an information session in November 2023 the OCCHE is launching its Catalytic Program later this month – providing funding, tax credits, grants and other supports made available by the Inflation Reduction Act. The opportunities are meant for health care organizations – especially safety net providers – to improve energy efficiency, infrastructure resilience, and more. The Catalytic Program will be carried out through collaboration with federal partners, including the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy, and reach out to ground-level partners through a series of national webinars and separate breakout sessions by provider type (e.g., rural facilities) to help organizations to assess their needs and opportunities. Sign up now to take part in sessions taking place January through April. Ongoing: Updates to Requirements for Buprenorphine Prescribing. As 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 Learn About Long COVID & Fatiguing Illness – Thursday, January 11 at 3:00 pm Eastern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fund this monthly webinar-style ECHO learning session to rapidly disseminate findings about Post-COVID Conditions (PCC) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The series offers 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. **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. 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 Department of Justice Mentor Site Initiative for Jail-Based Medication-Assisted Treatment – February 9. The federal Bureau of Justice Assistance, Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) offers a peer-to-peer learning opportunity for jails interested in providing or enhancing medication assisted treatment services for individuals with substance use disorders. NIH Researching Firearm Injury and Mortality Prevention – February 2026. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued a Notice of Special Interest for research to improve understanding of the determinants of firearm injury; the identification of those at risk of firearm injury; the development, piloting, and testing of innovative interventions to prevent injury and mortality; and to find improvements for existing interventions. Policy Updates Send questions to ruralpolicy@hrsa.gov. CMS Accepting Applications for New Physician Residency Slots – Apply by March 31. Federal legislation under Section 126 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, authorizes the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to distribute additional residency positions (also known as slots) for physician training in underserved areas. Eligible hospitals must use MEARIS, CMS's online application system to apply by March 31 for 200 newly available slots. In a one-hour webinar on Wednesday, January 17, at 12:00 pm Eastern, experts will provide background information on Section 126. The session is hosted by RuralGME.org, the FORHP-supported organization that helps hospitals plan and develop rural residencies, and will focus on considerations for rural hospitals. Submit Nominations for Medicaid Commission – January 25. The Medicaid And CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) makes recommendations to Congress, to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and to states on a wide array of issues affecting Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The U.S. Government Accountability Office is now accepting nominations for MACPAC commissioner appointments that will be effective May 2024. Nominees may include individuals with direct experience as enrollees or as caregivers of enrollees in Medicaid or CHIP; individuals with expertise in federal safety net health programs, health finance and economics, actuarial science, health plans and integrated delivery systems, reimbursement for health care, health information technology; or other providers of health services, public health, and other related fields. The commission seeks a mix of different professions as well as urban and rural representation. Send letters of nomination and resumes to MACPACappointments@gao.gov. Medicare Interoperability Deadlines and New Requirements for Hospitals. Eligible hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) participating in the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program have until February 29 to complete a self-assessment in the safe use of electronic health records (EHR) for the reporting period ending December 31, 2023. The Safety Assurance Factors for EHR Resilience (SAFER) Guides are recommended practices for hospitals to reduce patient safety risk related to EHRs. For this reporting requirement, participants can attest yes or no to whether they have completed their self-assessment. New for 2024, eligible hospitals and CAHs will be required to attest 'yes' to the self-assessment. Learning Events and Technical Assistance Research Priorities for Preventing and Treating Alzheimer's Disease – Tuesday, January 16 at 8:30 am Eastern. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine host a two-day workshop to identify barriers and explore promising areas of research. Research published in 2021 showed lower prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in rural areas, but diagnosed residents in metropolitan areas experienced longer survival. HRSA Grants 101 Virtual Workshop in Spanish – Tuesday, January 16 at 12:00 pm Eastern. Presented in Spanish with live English translation, this workshop will share information about HRSA's funding opportunities and application process. Choose one of three sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, January 16-18, each beginning at noon Eastern and running until 4:30 pm. Resources for Planning Rural Training for Doctors – Wednesday, January 17 at 12:00 pm Eastern. In a one-hour session, experts will provide background information on Section 126 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 – the federal legislation that creates positions (also known as slots) for physician residencies in underserved areas. The session is hosted by RuralGME.org, the FORHP-supported organization that helps hospitals plan and develop rural residencies, and will focus on considerations for rural hospitals. Changes in Federal Regulation for Prescribing Buprenorphine – Thursday, January 18 at 1:00 pm Eastern. Sponsored by HRSA's Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) this webinar will review the federal requirements for prescribing medications for opioid use disorder. Rural Health Research Gateway on Rural Healthy People 2030 – Monday, January 22 at 2:00 pm Eastern. FORHP-supported researchers host a one-hour presentation on their findings from a national survey of rural stakeholders. Resource of the Week The Role of CAHs in Collaborative Community Health Networks. The report explores Critical Access Hospital (CAH) involvement in collaborative community health networks, and features interviews with leadership from CAHs and local public health departments about the challenges and lessons learned from these collaboration. The report was created by the Flex Monitoring Team, a FORHP-supported consortium of researchers who evaluate the impact of HRSA's Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program. Approaching Deadlines 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 Treasury Department Native American Community Development Financial Institution Assistance Program – January 16 Housing Assistance Council Affordable Housing for Rural Veterans Initiative – January 22 NTIA Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program – January 23 Udall Foundation Native American Congressional Internship – January 24 Submit Nominations for Medicaid Commission – due January 25 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 HRSA Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals – 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 Indian Health Service Community Opioid Intervention Prevention Program – February 7 Department of Justice Mentor Site Initiative for Jail-Based Medication-Assisted Treatment – February 9 HRSA Rural Residency Planning and Development Program – February 12 Department of Treasury Community Development Financial Institutions – February 15 USDA Sustainable Community Projects for Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk – February 15 ARC Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Grants for the Appalachian Region – Letters of Intent February 16 NOSORH Rural Health Grant Writing Institute – February 16 HHS Assistance for Tribal Self-Governance Negotiation – February 19 USDA Rural Utilities Service – Community Connect Grants – February 20 HRSA School-Administered Loans for Public Schools – February 21 SAMHSA Strategic Prevention Partnerships for Communities – February 21 SAMHSA Strategic Prevention Framework/Partnerships for States – February 21 CMS' Proposed Rule Addresses Appeals Rights for Certain Changes in Patient Status – Comment by February 22 HRSA Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program – February 26 SAMHSA FentAlert Challenge: Empowering Youth for Safe Choices – February 26 Indian Health Service Scholarship Programs – February 28 USDA Produce Prescription Program – February 28 USDA Rural Business Development Grants – February 28 Institute of Museum and Library Sciences Native American Library Services Basic Grants – March 1 HRSA Physician Assistant Rural Training in Behavioral Health – March 15 CMS Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development (AHEAD) Model – March 18 SAMHSA Rural Emergency Medical Services Training – March 20 NIHB/CDC Strengthening Tribal Public Health Systems – March 21 HRSA Behavioral Health Integration Evidence Based Telehealth Network Program – March 22 CMS Accepting Applications for New Physician Residency Slots – March 31 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 Researching Firearm Injury and Mortality Prevention – February 2026 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 | 
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