Rural Spotlight

HHS: Current Trends and Key Challenges to Health Care in Rural America

November 8, 2024

HHS: Current Trends and Key Challenges to Health Care in Rural America

A new report evaluates programs at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and finds that uninsured rates among adults under age 65 in rural areas have fallen substantially since the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), from 23.8 percent in 2010 to 12.6 percent in 2023.

Uninsured rates among rural residents are much higher is states that have not yet expanded Medicaid and analysts acknowledge ongoing disparities in health outcomes between rural and urban areas.

Research has shown, for instance, disparities in maternal outcomes, behavioral and mental health outcomes, risk factors for chronic disease such as obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease as well as in potentially harmful health behaviors such as smoking and physical inactivity to name a few.

Click Here to read full report

RHIhub This Week Now Available

November 8, 2024

RHIhub This Week Now Available

RHIhub This Week keeps you informed of the latest rural news, funding opportunities, publications and events.

Click Here to Access RHIhub This Week

Webinar: The Power of Rural in Action: RCORP Success Stories & Strategies, November 21

November 4, 2024

Webinar: The Power of Rural in Action: RCORP Success Stories & Strategies, November 21

Join the National Organization for State Offices of Rural Health in celebration of National Rural Health Day! This year’s event shines a spotlight on the transformative impact of the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP), featuring powerful success stories and innovative strategies from grantees and key partners.

Discover how these community-driven approaches can be adapted to drive lasting change in your own community.

Cost: Free

When: Thursday, November 21, 1:00 p.m.

Click Here to Register

Webinar: How Federal Funds are Being Used to Support Rural Communities, November 19

November 4, 2024

Webinar: How Federal Funds are Being Used to Support Rural Communities, November 19

This webinar features a panel discussion to include the Utah State Office of Rural Health, Uintah Basin Medical center, a rural hospital and Blue Mountain Hospital, a critical access hospital.

The panelists will share their experiences with leveraging combined federal funding to improve financial performance and enhance quality data outcomes in rural healthcare settings.

By the end of the webinar, participants will:

  • Understand the value of partnerships with SORHs, vendors, and hospitals
  • Learn how multiple funding streams can be combined to support hospitals

Cost: Free

When: Tuesday, November 19, 2:00 p.m.

Click Here to Register

RHIhub This Week Now Available

October 31, 2024

RHIhub This Week Now Available

RHIhub This Week keeps you informed of the latest rural news, funding opportunities, publications and events.

Click Here to Access RHIhub This Week

Upcoming HRSA Webinar – Addressing the Intersection of Intimate Partner Violence and Substance Use in Maternal Health Care, November 7

October 31, 2024

Upcoming HRSA Webinar – Addressing the Intersection of Intimate Partner Violence and Substance Use in Maternal Health Care, November 7

The Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Office of Women’s Health invites you to a webinar, “Addressing the Intersection of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Substance Use in Maternal Health Care”.

The webinar will feature speakers from HRSA’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), Office on Women’s Health.

Attendees will learn about the National Strategy to Improve Maternal Mental Health Care as well as HRSA and OASH’s initiatives that are integrating prevention and care for IPV, substance use, and maternal health.

Cost: Free

When: Thursday, November 7, 1:00 p.m. CT

Click Here to Register

Upcoming NRHA Webinar – Building Resilient Rural Healthcare: Strategic Solutions for Financial Stability and Enhanced Care Delivery, November 6

October 31, 2024

Upcoming NRHA Webinar – Building Resilient Rural Healthcare: Strategic Solutions for Financial Stability and Enhanced Care Delivery, November 6

Rural healthcare leaders face unique financial and operational challenges that demand innovative solutions. This presentation will equip attendees with the strategies needed to ensure your hospital’s resilience and maintain high standards of care.

Dr. Corey Scurlock, a pioneer in telemedicine, and Donna McHale, a seasoned expert in rural health consulting, will share proven methods to stabilize your finances, optimize workforce management, and enhance care delivery.

Learning Objectives:

  • Implement strategies for financial sustainability tailored to rural healthcare settings
  • Optimize workforce management through virtual nursing and telehealth solutions
  • Apply successful case study insights to enhance care delivery and patient outcomes

Cost: Free

When: Wednesday, November 6. 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 pm. CST

Click Here to Register

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

October 31, 2024

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

In this hour-long webinar, experts will describe disparities in mental 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, 2024

Click Here to Register

Telehealth Resources for Patients and Providers, Funding Opportunities, and Research

October 31, 2024

Telehealth Resources for Patients and Providers, Funding Opportunities, and Research

The U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) telehealth website offers a number of resources for patients and providers looking to utilize services via telehealth.

Their website also offers funding opportunities related to telehealth and broadband programs, as well as a research section.

Click Here to Access Telehealth Resources

Click Here to View Funding Opportunities

Click Here to Read Research Articles

Best Practices Guide: Using Telehealth in Hybrid Care

October 29, 2024

Best Practices Guide: Using Telehealth in Hybrid Care

A hybrid care approach uses a combination of virtual and in-person appointments to deliver appropriate care.

Hybrid telehealth, also called integrated care, combines in-person health care appointments with telehealth. This approach prioritizes the joint decision between the patient and their provider regarding whether and when a virtual visit is appropriate. A hybrid care approach offers flexible access to health care. This is especially useful for people who have difficulty getting to the provider’s office or need frequent care.

This best practice guide provides detailed information and resources for providers and health care organizations on how to use a hybrid care approach that integrates telehealth and in-person care.

What’s in the guide:

  • How to get started
  • Developing a strategy for hybrid care
  • Billing for hybrid care services
  • Preparing patients for hybrid care

Click Here to Access the Guide