Rural Spotlight

Region 7 Virtual Birth Worker Forum, September 18

August 29, 2024

Region 7 Virtual Birth Worker Forum, September 18

Please join Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) IEA and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) for the Region 7 Virtual Birth Worker Forum.

This free forum will bring together birth workers (e.g., doulas, community health workers, midwives) from across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska to engage and learn about programs and resources to support moms and families during pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

Topics at a Glance

  • Birth worker coverage and reimbursement
  • Providing culturally responsive care
  • Leveraging birth workers to support rural families
  • Supporting and sustaining the workforce
  • HRSA Programs and Resources to Support Maternal Health
  • Syphilis epidemic

Cost: Free

When: Wednesday, September 18, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CT

Click Here to Register

Delta Grants 101 Workshop, September 11

August 29, 2024

Delta Grants 101 Workshop, September 11

The Delta Regional Authority and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) IEA Regions 6 and 7 is hosting a FREE Grants 101 Workshop in Sikeston.

Attendees will learn about:

  • the federal grant application process,
  • where to find funding opportunities,
  • strategies for putting together a successful application, and
  • resources to support their grant writing efforts.

This workshop is offered in person only; there will not be a virtual option.

You MUST register to attend this workshop.

Cost: Free

When: Wednesday, September 11, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CT

Where: Three Rivers Community College, 1400 South Main Street, Sikeston

Delta Health Workforce Partnership Meeting – September 10

August 29, 2024

Delta Health Workforce Partnership Meeting – September 10

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) IEA Regions 6 and 7 is hosting a Health Workforce Meeting in Sikeston.

Consider joining this meeting to learn about HRSA health workforce programs and resources, as well as to discuss health workforce issues, including:

  • challenges,
  • strategies and models to support the health workforce,
  • current technical assistance needs, and
  • opportunities for collaboration.

This meeting is offered in-person only; there will not be a virtual option.

When: Tuesday, September 10, 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CT

Where: Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation Training Room, 203 N. New Madrid St., RM Social 1919, Sikeston

Click Here to Register

Delta Maternal Health Partnership Meeting – September 10

August 29, 2024

Delta Maternal Health Partnership Meeting – September 10

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) IEA Regions 6 and 7 is hosting a Maternal Health Meeting in Sikeston, Missouri.

Join this meeting to learn about HRSA maternal health programs and resources, as well as to discuss maternal health issues, including:

  • challenges in serving mothers and families,
  • strategies and models to support maternal health
  • current technical assistance needs, and
  • opportunities for collaboration.

This meeting is offered in person only; there will not be a virtual option.

When: Tuesday, September 10, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT

Where: Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation Training Room, 203 N. New Madrid St., Room Social 1919, Sikeston

Click Here to Register

2025 Students to Service Loan Repayment Program – Apply by November 7

August 29, 2024

2025 Students to Service Loan Repayment Program – Apply by November 7

Eligible students in the last year of medical, nursing, or dental school can receive loan repayment assistance from the NHSC Students to Service Loan Repayment Program (NHSC S2S LRP). In return, they provide at least three years of full-time service at an NHSC-approved site in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).

A Maternity Care Target Area Supplemental Award of an additional $40,000 is available to physicians specializing in obstetrics, gynecology, or family medicine physicians who practice obstetrics on a regular basis, as well as certified nurse midwives.

Click Here to Learn More and Apply Here

Pharmacists as Community Health Workers Looking to Provide Telehealth Services to Rural Health Care Providers at NO COST

August 28, 2024

Pharmacists as Community Health Workers Looking to Provide Telehealth Services to Rural Health Care Providers at NO COST

COUNSELMEDS is looking to partner with a rural healthcare provider to execute a Rural Citizens Access to Telehealth Grant.

COUNSELMEDS is a telehealth service where licensed pharmacists act similar to community health workers but provide additional pharmacy services to Missouri Medicaid patients with chronic and complex conditions. Their team of licensed pharmacists dedicate 1 hour of support services to each eligible Medicaid patient each month (at no cost to healthcare provider of patient).

COUNSELMEDS process includes:

  1. Completing an eligibility check to identify Medicaid patients eligible for the service
  2. Matching eligible patients with a pharmacist who conducts 1 hours of support services
  3. At-risk patients are empowered to lead healthier lives and the healthcare provider receives additional capacity

Services include:

  • Counseling on the importance of medication adherence
  • Providing medication education
  • Supporting patients with challenges with Medicaid coverage
  • Coordinating refills
  • Developing medication treatment plans
  • Coordinating with staff of providers to provide exceptional care
  • Coordinating free home delivery
  • Monitoring and evaluating response to medication
  • Assess physical and mental health status

If you are interested in partnering with COUNSELMEDS, please contact Marcus Howard at:

marcus@greaterhealthpharmacy.com or call 314 497-8553

The above program information is being shared 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 services. Please review for the appropriate use within your organization.

Tech Giants Help Small Hospitals Defend Against Cyberattacks

August 23, 2024

Tech Giants Help Small Hospitals Defend Against Cyberattacks

Keeping up with the latest cybersecurity tools can be expensive, but it’s crucial for hospitals big and small. They’ve recently become prime targets for malicious hackers because of valuable patient data that can be sold or held for ransom.

That’s why Google and Microsoft, in collaboration with NRHA and other stakeholders, will offer one year of free security assessments and discounts of up to 75 percent on cybersecurity tools for small and rural hospitals.

Confirm your eligibility and sign up for the cybersecurity program here.

New Journal of Rural Health (JRH) Articles on Mental Health Access Barriers, More

August 23, 2024

New Journal of Rural Health (JRH) Articles on Mental Health Access Barriers, More

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) Journal of Rural Health recently published new articles on the following topics:

Click to Read All

NRHA Webinar: Planning and Executing Strategic Facility Investments, August 28

August 23, 2024

NRHA Webinar: Planning and Executing Strategic Facility Investments, August 28

Join the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) for “Planning and Executing Strategic Facility Investments”, led by Brian Haapala, CEO of Stroudwater Capital Partners, who has over two decades of experience in planning and financing  over $1.5 billion in facility projects.

This session will delve into the sources of funding available for rural health investments and discuss best practices for accessing affordable and sustainable funding for Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Health organizations.

From determining the best funding sources for your organization to reviewing USDA funding processes and requirements for low-interest loans and grants, attendees will gain a strong understanding of how to bring their planned facility investments to life.

Key Takeaways:

  • Identifying the best funding sources for rural health investments
  • Understanding USDA funding processes and requirements
  • Accessing affordable and sustainable funding
  • Bringing planned facility investments to life

Cost: Free

When: Wednesday, August 28, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. CT

Click Here to Register