Category: HRSA

Peer-Reviewed Publication: Study Finds that Improving Pediatric Emergency Care Could Save More than 2,100 Children’s Lives Annually

December 2, 2024

Peer-Reviewed Publication: Study Finds that Improving Pediatric Emergency Care Could Save More than 2,100 Children’s Lives Annually

During medical emergencies, children have distinct needs. But 83% of emergency departments nationwide are not highly prepared to meet those needs. The new study, in JAMA Network Open, found that bridging that gap, known as having high levels of “Pediatric Readiness” could prevent the deaths of 2,143 children each year while costing between $0 and $12 per child resident, depending on their state.

The study underscores the importance of MCHB’s partnership in two initiatives, known as the Pediatric Readiness Projects. These projects support the nation’s 5,000+ emergency departments and 15,000+ emergency medical services agencies in improving pediatric emergency care. Data from a recent national emergency department assessment were the foundation for this study.

Click Here to Learn More about Pediatric Readiness Projects

Click Here to Read Study

Register Now: Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Screening for Perinatal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Roundtable

December 2, 2024

Register Now: Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Screening for Perinatal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Roundtable

Join this roundtable discussion hosted by the Health Resources and Services (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders program will address the complexities of using screening tools for perinatal mental health and substance use disorders.

The discussion will focus on cultural and linguistic responsiveness. The session will highlight the importance of considering the entire process – both before and after the screening – to ensure patients receive appropriate support.

Cost: Free

When: Thursday, December 5, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Click Here to Learn More

Click Here to Register

Become a Champion for the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

December 2, 2024

Become a Champion for the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced a new national public awareness campaign for the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA) in conjunction with their latest Enhancing Maternal Health Initiative convening in Portland, Oregon.

As part of this new campaign, HHS announced the first six Maternal Mental Health Champions. They include:

  • Grocery stores
  • Pharmacies
  • Community organizations
  • Other institutions

Champions will raise awareness of the hotline at their thousands of locations across the nation, including Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

You can be a Hotline Champion by ordering and downloading 1-833-TLC-MAMA materials for free at any time to share with your friends, family, and network.

Click Here to see Maternal Mental Health Champion list

Click Here to Learn More about National Public Awareness Campaign

Click Here to Order and Download free TLC MAMA materials

Updates to the Definition of Rural Area

November 26, 2024

Updates to the Definition of Rural Area

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) published a final notice with updates to the criteria for defining rural areas. This update incorporates a new Road Ruggedness Scale from the Economic Research Service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture and a technical clarification about treatment of Census Bureau-defined  urban areas in the definition given the removal of the term Urbanized Areas following the 2020 Census. HRSA’s Federal Office of Rural Health Policy uses this rural definition for determining rural health grant eligibility.

Click Here to view Road Ruggedness Scale

Click Here to see HRSA definition of Rural

New Rural Resources

November 26, 2024

New Rural Resources

To mark National Rural Health Day last week, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released new resources highlighting rural health investments across the country and key programs in rural communities.

  • Click Here to learn more about HRSA’s FY 2024 rural health investments to address health care needs in rural communities.
  • Click Here to find out more about HRSA’s rural health investments in your state.
  • Click Here to see infographic highlighting how HRSA supports rural maternal health.
  • Click Here to listen to the Exploring Rural Health Podcast: Advancing Maternal Health Care in Rural Communities featuring Dr. Kristen Dillon, HRSA’s Federal Office of Rural Health Policy Chief Medical Officer. She shares the challenges and successes of maternal health care delivery in rural communities and how HRSA is working to improve maternal health outcomes.

HRSA Launches a Nationwide Public Awareness Campaign to Promote the Maternal Mental Health Hotline

November 22, 2024

HRSA Launches a Nationwide Public Awareness Campaign to Promote the Maternal Mental Health Hotline

On Thursday, November 13, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced a new nationwide campaign to raise public awareness of the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA).

The National Maternal Health Hotline is a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader efforts to improve maternal health and supports HRSA’s ongoing initiative to reduce maternal mortality and health disparities.

As part of the campaign, HHS will collaborate with companies and organizations such as retailers, grocers, pharmacies, and health and community associations to publicize mental health resources for moms and pregnant women in everyday locations.

Click Here to Read Release

2025 Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Additional Facility Payment Announced

November 22, 2024

2025 Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Additional Facility Payment Announced

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that the 2025 monthly facility payment amount for REHs will be $285,625.90. congress created REHs to preserve access to emergency and outpatient services in rural areas.

Each REH receives the same Additional Facility Payment amount, and this payment is intended to support the operation and maintenance of the facility and furnishing of services. FORHP funds the Rural Health Redesign Center to provide 1:1 technical assistance to help hospitals and communities make informed decisions about converting to this model of care.

Click Here to Read More

Rural America at a Glance: 2024 Edition

November 22, 2024

Rural America at a Glance: 2024 Edition

Rural America at a Glance, 2024 edition, focuses on the age structure of the rural population and the implications of age-related demographic change including rural migration, employment, poverty, childcare, eldercare, and broadband

Click Here to Read

Health Equity: Research Recap

November 22, 2024

Health Equity: Research Recap

This research recap describes how telehealth impacts health equity and opportunities for reducing health disparities.

Click Here to Read More

DEA Extends Telehealth Flexibilities

November 22, 2024

DEA Extends Telehealth Flexibilities

This week, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in concert with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), issued a third extension of telemedicine flexibilities for the prescribing of controlled medications through December 31, 2025.

Click Here to Learn More