April 9, 2020

What’s New

Federal Office of Rural Health Policy FAQs for COVID-19.  A set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from our grantees and stakeholders, updated regularly.

CDC COVID-19 Updates.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides daily updates and guidance. A CDC site for rural-specific information will have an archived recording of yesterday’s call for rural stakeholders in about a week.

FCC COVID-19 Telehealth Program.  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) just approved an Order to create a $200 million telehealth program to support healthcare providers responding to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, using funds appropriated as part of the CARES Act.  The COVID-19 Telehealth Program will help healthcare providers purchase telecommunications, broadband connectivity, and devices necessary for providing telehealth services.  Applications from healthcare providers will be accepted and processed on a rolling basis as soon as application forms are published in the Federal Register.  Details on information that applications must include are on page 14 of the Order.

HHS Behavioral Health Resources for COVID-19.  The Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange (TRACIE) is a site created by the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS).  This section of the TRACIE website lists resources for behavioral health in the current public health emergency.

Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Counties.  The RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis provides up-to-date data and maps on rural and urban confirmed cases throughout the United States.  An animated map shows the progression of cases beginning January 21.

Rural Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019.  The Rural Health Information Hub has created a guide to help you learn about activities underway to address COVID-19.