Rural Spotlight

Call for Applications: National Research Study on Incorporating Play in Pediatric Care

February 14, 2023

Call for Applications: National Research Study on Incorporating Play in Pediatric Care

The Weitzman Institute is excited to announce an opportunity to engage in a national research study focused on embedding a learning through play intervention into pediatric care.

Prescription for Play is a program delivered by medical providers during routine well-child visits for patients 18-36 months.  The program promotes learning through play by supplying free LEGO®️ DUPLO® brick kits and educational materials to pediatric providers to use as prompts to engage caregivers around the benefits of play in early child development.  We are recruiting organizations now to participate in a 6-month feasibility study!

Benefits of Participation in the Study:

  • Enhance the quality of your 18-36 month well-child visits by educating caregivers on the value of play in early childhood
  • Receive LEGO®️ DUPLO®️ bricks for your patients
  • Opportunities to collaborate on publications or presentations on the findings of the study
  • Receive a financial stipend of up to $50,000 for your organization

Interested in applying? Complete the short application below by February 24, 2023.

Apply Now

The above program information is being forwarded by the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care (ORHPC) as a service of this office. ORHPC does not endorse or recommend any vendor or service. Please review for the appropriate use within your organization.

New Policy Brief: CAH Workforce During COVID-19: Barriers and Facilitators for Recruiting and Retaining Staff

February 14, 2023

New Policy Brief: CAH Workforce During COVID-19: Barriers and Facilitators for Recruiting and Retaining Staff

A new policy brief is available on the Flex Monitoring Team website: Critical Access Hospital Workforce During COVID-19: Barriers and Facilitators for Recruiting and Retaining Staff. A survey of Critical Access Hospital CEOs revealed difficulty recruiting and retaining a variety of staff positions, but primarily nurses and respiratory therapists. Barriers and facilitators to these challenges are discussed, as described by survey participants.

View Policy Brief

Expand GME Training at Your Hospital: How to Apply for Section 126 Positions

February 9, 2023

A joint webinar facilitated by CMS, HRSA, and the Rural Residency Planning and Development Technical Assistance Center (RRPD-TAC)

Monday, February 13 at 11:00 am ET

The purpose of the session is to provide a background on Section 126 and the application process (e.g., timeline, eligibility, requirements, etc.). The deadline to submit a completed application for FTE resident slots under Section 126 for Fiscal Year 2024 is March 31, 2023. The FTE resident cap slots awarded under the round are effective July 1, 2024. Frequently Asked Questions on Section 126 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), 2021.

Register Here

CDC’s Public Health Associate Program Host Site Application Opens

February 8, 2023

 

CDC’s Public Health Associate Program Host Site Application Opens

USDA RD is pleased to share the following announcement from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Apply to become a PHAP host site!

CDC’s Center for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support has announced the opening of the Public Health Associate Program (PHAP) host site application, which will close on February 28, 2023. As a host site, an early career public health professional will be placed at your organization for a two-year assignment and will gain experience in public health program operations while helping to increase your agency’s capacity.

Organizations that serve rural communities, from state, tribal, local, and territorial public health agencies; nongovernmental organizations such as community-based organizations, public health institutes and associations; and academic institutions are encouraged to apply.

The host site will receive benefits including:

  • Insights and valuable skillsets from the CDC-funded associate placed at their organization.
  • A partnership with the CDC and added resources to address staff shortages and funding gaps.
  • Online learning opportunities and access to CDC subject matter expertise.

PHAP senior staff are available for one-on-one or group information briefings and webinars. If you are interested in setting up a briefing, please email PHAP@cdc.gov. Rural-serving entities are encouraged to submit host site applications to increase public health services for rural communities.

Find more information on the CDC’s PHAP host site page. Applications must be submitted by February 28, 2023.

Recognizing Outstanding Contributions to Increasing Missouri’s Immunization Awareness and Vaccination Rates

February 6, 2023

Help the Missouri Immunization Coalition celebrate Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March) by recognizing those individuals within your organizations who have raised vaccination awareness or who have increased vaccination rates within their communities. “The Missouri Immunization Coalition’s mission is to promote immunizations, prevent disease, and protect all Missourians. It is only fitting that we acknowledge those individuals whose work best exemplifies MIC’s mission,” said Nicole Cope, MIC’s Executive Director.

During February’s Black History Month, MIC will recognize our African American colleagues. In March, MIC will recognize our female colleagues. All nominations must include the nominee’s name, title, email address, headshot, and a brief two paragraph story on how they have contributed to increasing vaccination rates or awareness within their community. Send your nominations to Paloma Martinez Crespo, MIC’s Communications Director, at pmartinezcrespo@moimmunize.com. MIC will recognize these individuals throughout the months of February and March on our social media platforms.

As we celebrate Black History month in February and Women’s History month in March, let us reflect upon the contributions, struggles and accomplishments of these past pioneers. Moreover, let us recognize the additional work that must be done, and the dreams not yet fully realized.

Celebrate these two particularly important months with us. Please send your nominations today.

Now Available! Monthly MBQIP – February 2023

February 6, 2023

Now Available! MBQIP Monthly – February 2023

MBQIP Monthly is an e-newsletter that highlights current information about the Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project (MBQIP) and provides critical access hospitals (CAHs) information and support for quality reporting and improvement. MBQIP Monthly is produced through the Rural Quality Improvement Technical Assistance program by Stratis Health.

February 2023 content:

  • CAHs Can! National Rural Virtual Quality Improvement Mentor Profile Series: Linda Webb
  • Data: CAHs Measure Up – EDTC Measure Reporting Trends
  • Tips: Robyn Quips – MBQIP Measure Updates
  • Tools and Resources – Helping CAHs succeed in Quality Reporting & Improvement

Reminder! MBQIP Data Reporting Reminders – February 2023
Quality data reporting for critical access hospitals, including upcoming data submission deadlines, corresponding collection time periods, and submission tools.

Request for Feedback! Measures Under Consideration for MBQIP (2023) – The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) is seeking feedback regarding 10 measures under consideration for inclusion in MBQIP. The resource linked above includes a summary of the 10 measures and the link to an electronic feedback form, which will be open through Tuesday, February 28. All interested parties are encouraged to provide input.

Upcoming Office Hours!  Ask Robyn – Quarterly Open Office Hour Call for Data Abstractors | Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT Register
Sometimes it just helps to talk to someone! Quality Reporting Specialist Robyn Carlson offers open office hour calls to discuss your MBQIP abstraction questions. Sessions are free of charge, but registration is required. For more information about the Ask Robyn calls, contact Robyn Carlson (rcarlson@stratishealth.org).

If you have MBQIP questions, please contact tasc@ruralcenter.org.

Forecasted FY23 Nursing Workforce Programs

February 6, 2023

Forecasted FY23 Nursing Workforce Programs

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) would like to share the Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW) FY23 Forecasted Nursing Workforce programs listed below.

Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) Program

  • Purpose: 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.
  • Anticipated FY 2023 Funding – $34,828,907
  • Who is Eligible:
  • Accredited schools of nursing,
  • Nursing centers,
  • Academic health centers,
  • State or local governments,
  • Other private or public nonprofit entities -Domestic and community-based organizations -Tribes and Tribal organizations

Advanced Nursing Education Nurse Practitioner Residency and Fellowship Program (ANE-NPRF)

  • Purpose: Prepares new Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to effectively provide primary care by supporting the establishment, expansion and/or enhancement of existing community-based Nurse Practitioner residency and fellowship training programs that are accredited or in the accreditation process.
  • Anticipated FY 2023 Funding: $30,012,988
  • Who is Eligible:
  • Accredited schools of nursing, nurse-managed health clinics/centers, academic health centers, state or local governments and other private nonprofit, or public entities
  • Domestic and community-based organizations
  • Tribes and Tribal organizations

Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)

  • Purpose: Increases the number of qualified nursing faculty nationwide.
  • Anticipated FY 2023 Funding: $26,500,000
  • Who is Eligible?
  • Accredited schools of nursing with advanced nursing programs
  • Tribes and Tribal organizations

Nurse Anesthetist Training (NAT) Program

  • Purpose: Increases the supply and distribution of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).
  • Anticipated FY 2023 Funding: $2,250,000
  • Who is Eligible?
  • Accredited schools of nursing,
  • Nursing centers,
  • Academic health centers,
  • State or local governments,
  • Other private or public nonprofit entities
  • Tribes and Tribal organizations

Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention-Pathway to Registered Nurse Program (NEPQR-PRNP)

  • Purpose: Strengthens nursing workforce capacity to improve access to care and health equity through the development and implementation of bridge programs.
  • Anticipated FY 2023 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

Sign up for E-mail notifications: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USHHSHRSA/subscriber/new?qsp=HRSA-

Apply for a Grant: https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply-for-a-grant

HRSA Funding Opportunities: https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/find-funding

Forecasted HRSA Funding Opportunities: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=HRSA,%20forecast

CDC Science Brief – Mpox Brief

February 3, 2023

CDC Science Brief – Mpox Brief

Today, CDC released an updated Science Brief: Detection and Transmission of Mpox Virus. These updates incorporate findings from a growing body of scientific evidence that now show some people can spread mpox virus to others from one to four days before symptoms of mpox appear. This is known as presymptomatic spread. There is currently no evidence showing that people who never develop symptoms have spread mpox virus to someone else.

During the current outbreak, the most common way mpox has spread from person to person is through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids, especially during sexual contact. People infected with mpox virus may be able to spread mpox virus to others for up to two weeks after becoming ill.

In the United States, mpox cases have declined, but it’s still important for people who are eligible to get vaccinated to prevent future cases, especially people in communities disproportionally affected by mpox. Vaccination is an important tool to protect people from mpox and stop the spread of mpox. People who are eligible for mpox vaccination should get two doses for the best protection. The second dose should be given four weeks after the first dose.

Science Brief

How mpox spreads

Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)

February 3, 2023

Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)

The Office of Rural Health and Primary Care is now accepting applications for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). This program awards Missouri Primary Care Physicians, Dentists, and Psychiatrists funds to apply toward their educational debt. Up to $50,000 for a 2-year Service Obligation.

Apply Electronically January 1 – March 1, 2023

For more information please contact the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care (ORHPC)

Phone: (573) 751-6441 or email: DHSS.LoanRepayment@health.mo.gov

USDA Launches Rural Data Gateway to Strengthen Partnerships and Expand Access to Resources for People in Rural America

February 3, 2023

USDA Launches Rural Data Gateway to Strengthen Partnerships and Expand Access to Resources for People in Rural America

New Resource Makes It Easier for People to Access Data on USDA-funded Projects in Rural Communities

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today unveiled the Rural Data Gateway, a new resource to make the Department’s data for rural projects easier to access for its partners and for people living in rural communities.

The Rural Data Gateway will help USDA better target resources to the people who need them most in rural places. It also will help the Department be a stronger partner to rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and other stakeholders.

“The Biden-Harris Administration knows that transparency is important for a free government,” Torres Small said. “It also drives innovation, accountability and more equitable outcomes for rural people everywhere. The Rural Data Gateway will highlight places where USDA has expanded access to capital for people in rural communities who need it most. It will demonstrate how Rural Development (RD) funds are being used across rural America. It will help business owners, farmers and ranchers better understand where RD resources have helped to modernize infrastructure and create economic prosperity. It will help rural people see where investments are being made to expand or improve access to health care, high-speed internet, and safe drinking water in their communities, and much more.”

To learn more, read the full news release.