Rural Health News

In recognition of National Rural Health Day on Nov. 17, 2022, AHA today joined a Twitter chat on rural health literacy hosted by the Rural Health Information Hub and National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health.

In recognition of National Rural Health Day Nov. 17, AHA recently released a webinar recording exploring new rural health care partnership models developed by the Build Healthy Places Network to invest in community health.

In recognition of National Rural Health Day Nov. 17, this first in a two-part series on rural behavioral health examines how a health system in rural Colorado collaborated with mental health providers, first responders and others in its community to address a spike in suicides.

As an increasing number of rural hospitals have been forced to shut their doors for good, difficult choices face those that remain open. Get the read on the current landscape from Jeff Subler, president and CEO of Wayne HealthCare in Greenville, Ohio, which serves a rural and agricultural population of 50,000.

Public and private entities may apply through Jan. 6 for up to $100,000 each to plan and develop integrated health care networks to expand access to basic health care services, coordinate and improve care and outcomes, and advance health equity for rural underserved populations.

The House today voted 230-201 to pass a continuing resolution extending current federal funding levels for health care and other programs through Dec. 16. The Senate approved the measure yesterday. Current government funding expires at midnight tonight.

A new report from the AHA highlights the variety of causes that resulted in 136 rural hospital closures from 2010 to 2021, and a record 19 closures in 2020 alone. These include many longstanding pressures, such as low reimbursement, staffing shortages, low patient volume and regulatory barriers, as well as the continued financial challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

New AHA-supported legislation was introduced today by Reps. Carol Miller, R-W.Va., and Terri Sewell, D-Ala., to extend the Medicare-dependent hospital program and low-volume hospital adjustment, which both serve as critical lifelines for rural hospitals. The Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals (ARCH) Act would extend each for five years. In its letter of support to the sponsors of the ARCH Act, AHA highlighted rural hospitals’ important roles in the communities they serve and the bill’s ability to support these efforts.

AHA, in comments today to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, voiced support for the agency’s new rural emergency hospital designation, particularly its potential value in the area of maternal health. “It is undeniable that access to maternal and child care services is lacking in certain areas of the country, including many rural communities,” AHA wrote.

AHA's John Supplitt and Aisha Syeda joined the Rural Health Information Hub’s Exploring Rural Health podcast to discuss rural health care challenges and solutions.

HRSA yesterday released another $450 million in American Rescue Plan Act payments to rural health care providers.

AHA today launched a new suite of resources for rural health care leaders, including an on-demand webinar and playbook.

Join the AHA April 28 at 2 p.m. ET for a virtual discussion with rural hospital leaders and board members.

Join the AHA April 28 at 2 p.m. ET for a discussion with rural hospital leaders and board members.

The grants are the first awards from $475 million in emergency grants authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act. 

Sens. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, last week introduced a Senate companion to the Rural Hospital Support Act.

The Federal Communications Commission Friday adopted a notice proposing changes to the Rural Health Care Program, which provides funding to help rural health care providers expand telehealth services.

At the AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference, AHA held an open dialogue on strengthening emergency management systems, which will translate into case studies, action plans and compendiums for the field as part of a five-year partnership with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. Kristin Preihs, AHA’s director of clinical quality, grants & contracts, and Helena Bonfitto-Wolf, senior program manager for AHA’s Center for Health Innovation, outline key takeaways from the conference session in this new blog post.

Sky Lakes Medical Center in Klamath Falls, Ore., will receive the AHA’s 2021 Rural Hospital Leadership Award at the Rural Health Care Leadership Conference next week in Phoenix, AHA announced.

Rural health clinics, community-based organizations and others may apply through April 19 for a portion of $13 million in Health Resources and Services Administration funding to increase access to substance use disorder and other behavioral health care services in rural communities.