Month: March 2023

New Virtual Option for Annual NRHA Conference

March 21, 2023

New Virtual Option for Annual NRHA Conference

NRHA’s 46th Annual Rural Health Conference events, May 15-19 in San Diego, Calif., cover the needs of all rural health stakeholders from hospital leaders to health educators, with an overarching goal of health equity for all.

Be sure to act by April 17 to save hundreds on registration and hotel for the nation’s largest gathering of rural health professionals. The hotel block is filling up fast and will sell out before that date.

Register Today

NRHA is offering an on off-site, virtual registration option that includes access to 46 sessions of recorded content across all events available for viewing the day after it occurs on the agenda. No sessions will be livestreamed during this event, but recordings of sessions noted in green within each agenda will be available to view through Aug. 16.

San Diego is the perfect place to turn a week of learning into a vacation. Coronado Island has one of the best beaches in the US, a charming main street, and great hotels for families or a romantic getaway.

Balboa Park is the site of the renowned San Diego Zoo, along with numerous art galleries, artist studios, museums, and gardens. A deep harbor is home to a large active naval fleet, with the USS Midway, an aircraft carrier turned museum, open to the public.

Be sure to register early to save hundreds. We look forward to seeing you in San Diego.

Registration Now Open: CMS Health Equity Conference

March 21, 2023

Registration Now Open: CMS Health Equity Conference

Registration for the in-person Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) inaugural Health Equity Conference is now open. The conference will serve as an opportunity to gain invaluable insights and a better understanding of disparities that exist from leading experts in the field. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with peers, build relationships, and share research, best practices, and initiatives that are reducing disparities in CMS programs and increasing equity for underserved populations and gain the skills necessary to effectively address them moving forward.

Attendance is free and open to all. Reserve your spot now before all the spots are filled.

When: June 7 – 8, 2023; 8 AM to 5 PM

Where: Howard University, Washington, D.C.

Register by May 19, 2023

USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Help Socially Disadvantaged Agricultural Producers and Business Owners in Rural

March 21, 2023

USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Help Socially Disadvantaged Agricultural Producers and Business Owners in Rural

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for grants to support technical assistance for socially disadvantaged agricultural producers and rural business owners.

USDA is making available up to $3 million in Fiscal Year 2023 through the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant Program. The maximum amount an individual applicant may receive is $175,000.

The Department is making the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grants available to organizations that will provide any technical assistance for the development of cooperatives or the formation of new cooperatives. Technical assistance includes leadership training, and developing feasibility studies, business plans and/or strategic plans. The grants are not provided directly to businesses or individuals.

USDA defines a socially disadvantaged group as one whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic or gender prejudice because of their identity as a member of that group without regard to their individual qualities. Applicants may be based in any area, but the groups they serve must be located in an eligible rural area.

The Department is offering priority points to projects that advance key priorities under the Biden-Harris Administration to create more and better market opportunities and improved infrastructure, advance equity and combat climate change. These extra points will increase the likelihood of funding for projects seeking to address these critical challenges in rural America.

Electronic applications will be accepted via Grants.gov until 4:30 p.m. local time on May 16, 2023.

For additional information, see page 16404 of the March 17, 2023, Federal Register.

Contact your local USDA Rural Development State Office to discuss potential projects and ask questions about the application process. You may also visit www.rd.usda.gov/mo, call (573) 876-0976, or email RDMissouri@usda.gov.

USDA Rural Development has 25 offices across the state to serve the 2.2 million residents living in rural Missouri. Office locations include a state office in Columbia, along with local offices in Butler, Charleston, Chillicothe, Clinton, Dexter, Eldon, Farmington, Higginsville, Houston, Kennett, Kirksville, Maryville, Mexico, Moberly, Neosho, New London, Poplar Bluff, Richmond, Rolla, Sedalia, Springfield, St. Joseph, Troy, and West Plains.

If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates in Missouri, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page and follow @RD_Missouri on Twitter.

Contact the Business Program that serves your county

USDA Makes $31 Million in Grants Available to Help Farmers and Ranchers Add More Value to Their Products to Access New and Better Markets

March 21, 2023

USDA Makes $31 Million in Grants Available to Help Farmers and Ranchers Add More Value to Their Products to Access New and Better Markets

USDA is making $31 million in grants available to help farmers and ranchers access new and better markets by adding more value to their products.

USDA is making the grants available under the Value-Added Producer Grants program. The grants help agricultural producers generate new products, create marketing opportunities and increase their incomes through value-added activities.

USDA is offering priority points to projects that advance key priorities under the Biden-Harris Administration to help rural communities and people address climate change and environmental justice, advance racial justice, place-based equity, and opportunity, and create more and better market opportunities.

Eligible applicants include independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures.

Funding priority will be given to beginning farmers or ranchers who are military veterans or socially disadvantaged individuals; small and mid-sized family farms or ranches; and farmer or rancher cooperatives. Priority also will be given to projects that propose a mid-tier value chain by developing a supply network that moves agricultural products from production through consumption in a local or regional market.

The funding may be used for planning activities or working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product. Planning activities may include conducting feasibility studies and developing business plans. Working capital expenses may include costs associated with processing, marketing, advertising, inventory and salaries.

The maximum award for a planning grant is $75,000. The maximum award for a working capital grant is $250,000.

Electronic applications will be accepted via Grants.gov until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 11, 2023. Paper applications must be sent to the State Office where the project is proposed.

Paper applications must be postmarked and mailed or sent overnight by May 16, 2023. Applications also may be delivered in person or emailed to a local RD field office by close of business May 16, 2023.

Additional information is available on page 16396 of the March 17 Federal Register or by contacting your local USDA Rural Development office.

For assistance with an application or to learn more about Rural Development programs, visit www.rd.usda.gov/mo, call (573) 876-0976, or email RDMissouri@usda.gov.

USDA Rural Development has 25 offices across the state to serve the 2.2 million residents living in rural Missouri. Office locations include a state office in Columbia, along with local offices in Butler, Charleston, Chillicothe, Clinton, Dexter, Eldon, Farmington, Higginsville, Houston, Kennett, Kirksville, Maryville, Mexico, Moberly, Neosho, New London, Poplar Bluff, Richmond, Rolla, Sedalia, Springfield, St. Joseph, Troy, and West Plains.

If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates in Missouri, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page. You can also stay current by following @RD_Missouri on Twitter.

More USDA State Contacts:

Business & Cooperative Programs

Nathan Tutt

Phone (573) 876-9327

Email: Nathan.tutt@usda.gov

 

Local USDA Offices:

To locate the office nearest you, please refer to the map of USDA Rural Development Missouri offices.

Upcoming NRHA Partner Webinar for Rural Healthcare – Swing Bed Culture and Attention to Wellness Vital to Rural Healthcare, A Transitional Care Model

March 21, 2023

 

Upcoming NRHA Partner Webinar for Rural Healthcare – Swing Bed Culture and Attention to Wellness Vital to Rural Healthcare, A Transitional Care Model

 Thursday, April 27, 1:00 – 2:00 pm CST

Allevant, a joint venture between Mayo Clinic and Select Medical, helps Critical Access Hospitals by developing post-acute Transitional Care programs using available Swing Beds. Focused on assisting patients to transition to their highest level of independence, Transitional Care is a program that involves the patient and family, makes available the total resources of the Critical Access Hospital, and focuses on measured outcomes and evidence-based processes to ensure patients get the best care possible.

Allevant has supported approximately 100 Critical Access Hospitals across 22 states, including independent and part of health systems. Our clients have cared for over 12,000 patients, representing over 158,000 swing bed days.

With a strong focus on quality, outcomes, and growth, our clients saw an average increase in swing bed days of 55% by the second year. 64% of patients were categorized as complex medical or complex surgical, a growing patient population. Only 7% of Transitional Care patients were discharged directly back to acute care during a program stay of fewer than 30 days. 76% of patients were discharged from Transitional Care back to independence. The average patient rating was 4.83 out of 5 when asked if patients would “recommend the program to others.”

Register

Learn more at www.Allevant.com

Upcoming NRHA Partner Webinar for Rural Healthcare – How 30 Rural Providers Unlocked the Unrealized Value in their Patient Payment Plans

March 21, 2023

Upcoming NRHA Partner Webinar for Rural Healthcare – How 30 Rural Providers Unlocked the Unrealized Value in their Patient Payment Plans

 Thursday, March 30, 2:00 – 3:00 pm CST

Join Hospital Revenue Cycle Expert Michael Berger and Revenue Cycle Director Rhonda Ridenour as they share how 30 rural healthcare facilities turned their in-house patient payment plans into immediate cash, resulting in improved financial metrics. With over 30 years of senior revenue cycle leadership in 35 states, Michael’s extensive experience was instrumental in developing and implementing the collaborative approach that prioritized patient and community satisfaction. This ongoing program also led to benefits such as reduced cost-to-collect, bad debt reduction, and increased cash-on-hand. By attending this webinar, you’ll learn how to replicate these results at your own healthcare facility while engaging patients and improving their satisfaction.

Register

Missouri Telehealth Network

March 21, 2023

The Missouri Telehealth Network’s Show-Me ECHO program builds learning communities of health care professionals who serve patients across Missouri. Show-Me ECHO facilitates multidisciplinary collaboration on topics various topics in adult and child clinical care, behavioral/mental health, community efforts, and education. Project ECHO fundamentally changes the way knowledge is shared to ensure the latest research and best practices reach every citizen in every corner of the state, especially rural and underserved populations.

Through videoconferencing technology, each month, professionals discuss participants’ cases and collaborate to share strategies and solutions. More than 7,500 healthcare professionals have participated over the years in more than 67,000 hours free instruction. There are over 40 different ECHO programs to choose from at no cost to participating sites or individuals. Many ECHOS also provide free continuing education credit for qualifying professionals.

       

         

Register to join the next ECHO session by visiting showmeecho.org.

Forecasted FY2023 Open Nursing Workforce Program – Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) Program

March 17, 2023

Forecasted FY2023 Open Nursing Workforce Program – Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) Program

The Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) Program – HRSA-23-014 increases the number of primary care nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and certified nurse midwives providing primary care services, mental health and substance use disorder care, and/or maternal health care.

Who is Eligible:

  • Accredited schools of nursing
  • Nursing centers
  • academic health centers
  • state or local governments
  • Other public or private non-profit entities
  • Domestic and community-based organizations
  • Tribes and Tribal organizations

Deadline: April 11, 2023 

Learn More

Forecasted RY2023 Open Nursing Workforce Programs – Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention – Pathway to Registered Nurse Program (NEPQR-PRNP)

March 17, 2023

Forecasted RY2023 Open Nursing Workforce Programs – Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention – Pathway to Registered Nurse Program (NEPQR-PRNP) – HRSA-23-009

The Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention – Pathway to Registered Nurse Program (NEPQR-PRNP) – HRSA-23-009 strengthens nursing workforce capacity to improve access to care and health equity through the development and implementation of bridge programs.

Anticipated FY2023 Funding: $8,900,000

Who is Eligible:

  • Accredited schools of nursing
  • Health care facilities or a partnership of such a school and facility
  • Tribes and Tribal organizations

Deadline: April 27, 2023

Learn More

Missouri Ending the HIV Epidemic – Community Forum – PrEP, March 2023

March 17, 2023

The Ending the HIV Epidemic Community Forum was held on Tuesday, March 14, covering PrEP. The recording of the noon session is available to watch, with a copy of the slide deck. Access to the recording is stored in Box; click HERE to watch.

Do you have questions about PrEP or offering PrEP to your patients? Please contact Wendy Lovelace, Prevention and Field Services Director, at Wendy.Lovelace@health.mo.gov or by phone at (573)751-6084.

Are you ready to start PrEP? Speak to your provider or find a provider at PrEPLocator.org.

Want to know more? Visit http://www.MOHIVPrEP.com

Are you a healthcare provider who would like to provide HIV testing and care? Connect with the ShowMe ECHO HIV Clinic.

The next session to discuss HIV and Tuberculosis on Tuesday, June 14, at noon or 6 p.m. Registration will be available soon. Stay tuned to the www.health.mo.gov/ehe web page for updates.