Rural Health
News by Topic: Racial and ethnic groups
May 2, 2024 - Highlights disproportionate rates of American Indian/Alaska Native women and girls who are victims of homicide and sex trafficking. Offers recommendations for healthcare providers, including increased training, safety screenings, and culturally-responsive care.
Source: Indian Health Service
IHS: Removal of Outdated Regulations
Federal Register
Apr 30, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Indian Health Service (IHS) removing regulations that do not align with the current statutory text of the Hyde Amendment. Removing these regulations is intended to eliminate any potential confusion and align IHS guidelines with the applicable Congressional guidelines governing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This rule is effective May 30, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 30, 2024 - Highlights a USDA-funded initiative offering free, locally-sourced foods to residents of Unalaska Island, Alaska. Discusses barriers to food access on the island and efforts to support local producers.
Source: Unalaska Community Broadcasting
Apr 26, 2024 - Profiles two Indigenous doulas in New Mexico. Discusses challenges with growing the profession related to training costs, lack of culturally relevant training, and limited or no insurance reimbursement. Notes that Medicaid reimbursements will be available beginning in July.
Source: New Mexico In Depth
Apr 24, 2024 - Announces federal partnerships with rural and local organizations as well as funding for broadband deployment in 11 states for rural and tribal communities. The program will cover feasibility studies, network designs, hiring, technical assistance, and more. Funding is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Apr 24, 2024 - Profiles the only psychiatrist in Navajo Nation who blends Western behavioral healthcare and cultural practices in his delivery of care. Discusses mental healthcare access, diabetes, recruiting healthcare workforce, and the impact of COVID-19.
Source: Cronkite News
Apr 23, 2024 - Announces $700 million in funding for tribal communities for water and sewage infrastructure as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Also announces a partnership between the Bureau of Reclamation and the Indian Health Service (IHS) as well as a partnership between the United States Public Health Services (USPHS) Commissioned Corps and IHS. The partnerships will address barriers in access to resources as well as public health workforce needs.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Apr 19, 2024 - Summarizes a recent Arizona meeting addressing higher suicide rates in Native American communities. Notes the impact that long travel distances for reservation residents can negatively impact mental health. Discusses the role of historical trauma in disparate rates.
Source: Cronkite News
National Council on Disability: Meetings; Sunshine Act
Federal Register
Apr 19, 2024 - The National Council on Disability will hold a virtual quarterly business meeting on May 9, 2024, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items include reports from the Executive Committee and Chair, policy updates, policy proposals for fiscal year 2025, a presentation by the Intertribal Disability Advisory Council (IDAC) on living with a disability on tribal lands, a public comment session focused on public facilities and public transportation, and Council Member training on National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requirements. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 18, 2024 - Highlights outreach efforts by the Phoenix, Arizona VA to rural communities. The program offered enrollment, telehealth information, health screenings, and more for rural and tribal veterans.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs