FCC Increases Broadband Speed Benchmark
Following an annual assessment of telecommunications capability, the Federal Communications Commission has raised the benchmark for broadband download and upload speeds. Notes that broadband deployment in rural and tribal areas is not happening in a reasonable timeframe. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)
Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center - March 14, 2024 Category: Rural Health Source Type: news

Rural Health Centers Across Tennessee Are Getting Solar Microgrids
Funding for rural Federally Qualified Health Centers in Tennessee and across the South has been awarded for installing solar panels and battery systems. The mini grid systems will allow the facilities to continue offering critical services during power outages. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)
Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center - March 14, 2024 Category: Rural Health Source Type: news

The Va Pioneered the Use of Telehealth for Veterans Who Can't Easily Access Health Care Facilities
Highlights the history of telehealth use by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Describes how access to specialists, behavioral healthcare, and prescription medication in particular has been improved by telehealth. Discusses how rural healthcare access is managed for veterans without reliable internet access. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)
Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center - March 13, 2024 Category: Rural Health Source Type: news

Readout of Biden-Harris Administration Convening with Health Care Community Concerning Cyberattack on Change Healthcare
Offers overview of a meeting between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, other Administration officials, and healthcare stakeholders related to the Change Healthcare cyberattack. Highlights key actions taken by the Administration to address impacts. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)
Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center - March 12, 2024 Category: Rural Health Source Type: news

Popular in Cities, Transit Trip Planning and Payment Apps Are Slowly Coming to Rural Communities
Highlights pilot projects in Vermont and Minnesota offering public transit planning and payment apps in rural communities. Discusses challenges with offering these services including customer buy-in, sustainable funding, technology limitations, and unreliable internet and cell phone service. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)
Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center - March 12, 2024 Category: Rural Health Source Type: news

Medical Students Help Rural Schoolchildren Avoid Suspension with Mobile Physicals
Highlights a project in North Carolina offering school-mandated physicals to rural children using mobile clinics. Children that do not receive physicals may be suspended. Discusses the impact of suspension on educational outcomes and entering the justice system. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)
Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center - March 11, 2024 Category: Rural Health Source Type: news

Biden-Harris Administration Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Tackles Youth Mental Health Crisis, Maternity Care Deserts, Gaps in Access to Primary Care
Offers overview of priorities in the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 Budget for the Health Resources& Services Administration including youth mental health, maternity care deserts, access to primary care, opioid treatment and recovery, the healthcare workforce, and organ donation. Discusses rural specific needs throughout. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)
Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center - March 11, 2024 Category: Rural Health Source Type: news

How Illinois Is Bringing Grocery Stores Back to Main Street
Discusses rural Illinois food deserts and the rise of community-owned cooperative stores. Notes the challenges for rural cooperative development including community buy-in, competition with large chains, funding, and more. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)
Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center - March 11, 2024 Category: Rural Health Source Type: news

New Ambulance Telemedicine Devices save Time — and Lives
Highlights the use of telemedicine in ambulances in an effort to improve health outcomes for patients being transported long distances to receive emergency care. Discusses loss of ambulance and hospital services in addition to limited specialty care in rural communities. Describes implementation in South Dakota and Minnesota. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)
Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center - March 7, 2024 Category: Rural Health Source Type: news

Operating in the Red: Half of Rural Hospitals Lose Money, as Many Cut Services
Reports on financial struggles for rural hospitals across the country leading to department and facility closures and many more at risk of closure. Highlights common rural health disparities and notes impact of closures on rural communities. Discusses the impact of various policies on rural hospitals including Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement as well as the Rural Emergency Hospital designation. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)
Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center - March 7, 2024 Category: Rural Health Source Type: news

CMS Statement on Change Healthcare Cyberattack
The Centers for Medicare& Medicaid Services statement that they are coordinating efforts in response to the recent Change Healthcare cyberattack. Notes they are aware of the disparate impact on small practices and community-based providers and considering their needs in the response. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)
Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center - March 7, 2024 Category: Rural Health Source Type: news

The Need to Prepare More Surgeons for Rural Practice Is Urgent
Discusses the shortage of rural surgeon, noting challenges in building the rural surgeon workforce. Discusses rural training tracks, homegrown workforce, funding needs, and telemedicine as possible solutions for building the workforce. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)
Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center - March 6, 2024 Category: Rural Health Source Type: news

Colorectal Cancer Is Rising among Younger Adults. Some States Want to Boost Awareness.
Discusses the rise in colorectal cancer rates and mortality disparities for Black and rural Americans. Highlights efforts by multiple states to increase screening rates including in rural West Virginia. Notes challenges for rural residents such as distance to care and shortages of specialists. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)
Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center - March 6, 2024 Category: Rural Health Source Type: news

Tribal Communities: Keep More Money in Your Pocket. The National Health Service Corps Programs Can Help Eliminate Your School Debt!
Announces a tribal community focused Health Resources& Services Administration webinar on the National Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment program. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)
Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center - March 6, 2024 Category: Rural Health Source Type: news

HHS Statement Regarding the Cyberattack on Change Healthcare
Announces steps being taken by the Centers for Medicare& Medicaid Services related to the cyberattack on Change Healthcare, a unit of UnitedHealth Group. Notes flexibilities in place for claims processing, prior authorization, and electronic billing. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)
Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center - March 5, 2024 Category: Rural Health Source Type: news