Category: HRSA

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

HRSA Announces Complete Lists of Health Professional Shortage Areas

November 18, 2024

HRSA Announces Complete Lists of Health Professional Shortage Areas

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) new lists, maintained and updated by HRSA’s Data Warehouse, were announced in the Federal Register last week. The lists identify all geographic areas, population groups, and facilities designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Designations that are currently proposed for withdrawal will remain in this status until a second notice is published in the Federal Register.

Click Here to See New Lists

HRSA Health Center Performance Improvement Toolkit

November 8, 2024

HRSA Health Center Performance Improvement Toolkit

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has introduced a new Health Center Performance Improvement Toolkit.

The toolkit can be used to conduct self-assessments to understand the focus areas and potential activities needed to achieve your performance improvement goals.

The resources aim to:

  • Foster innovation
  • Enhance patient care
  • Improve health outcomes for underserved populations

Click Here to access the toolkit

Upcoming Webinar: Access to Maternity Care in Rural U.S. Communities, November 14

November 8, 2024

Upcoming Webinar: Access to Maternity Care in Rural U.S. Communities, November 14

Consider joining this webinar where the leadership of the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center Maternity Care Team will provide a timely update on critical issues impacting maternal health in rural U.S. communities.

The presentation will describe disparities in maternal health outcomes for rural populations, the growing scarcity of obstetric care, and the far-reaching consequences of obstetric unit closures.

Additionally, the presentation will delve into the reasons behind these closures and examine policy solutions aimed at improving access to maternal health care and advancing health equity.

Registration is free and required. Attendance of the live webinar is limited to 500 persons. If you are unable to attend, you will be able to access the recording, archived on the Gateway website.

Cost: Free

When: Thursday, November 14, 10:00 a.m.

Click Here to Register