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Summarizes recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) research comparing geographic differences in cardiovascular health and the factors contributing to the disparity including income, education, food security, and home ownership. Notes the potential impact of study findings on public health and policy related to the health of rural residents.

Request for input regarding barriers to participation in population-based total cost of care (PB-TCOC) models from the Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC). Topics of interest include business decisions impacting participation for different organization types, streamlining models, and incentivizing participation for both primary and specialty care. Asks for feedback regarding types of organizations best positioned to serve rural and other communities. Comments can be emailed to PTAC@HHS.gov by April 18, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announces the renewal of the public health emergency (PHE) regarding opioid use. The renewal extends the PHE for 90 days. Outlines federal coordination allowed by the PHE and highlights recent successes in decreasing overdose deaths.

Offers an overview of a proposed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rule implementing changes to the Health Insurance Marketplaces. Changes include premium payment guidelines, enrollment, eligibility guidelines, services offered, and compliance regulation.

Summarizes recent research finding that rural areas have a shortage of ophthalmic surgeons despite a higher need for ophthalmic surgery for rural residents. Discusses trends in access to eye surgeons and specialists between 2012 and 2022 and regional access disparities.

Request for comments on a draft of the Mobile Crisis Team Services: An Implementation Toolkit. The document offers guidance and resources to plan, implement, and maintain mobile crisis teams supporting mental health and substance use-related behavioral health crises and includes rural-specific considerations. Comments are accepted through March 21, 2025.

Announces a new Rural Oral Health Seminar Toolkit and a renewed partnership between the National Rural Health Association and CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Includes a call for submissions for the 2025 Compendium of Oral Health Best Practices, a resources that will showcase programs and initiatives focused on rural oral health quality and access. Submissions are due March 31, 2025.

Interviews an administrator at the Blandin Foundation, a rural-based and rural-serving private foundation in Minnesota. Discusses the culture of rural, challenges with grant writing for rural communities, community engagement, and goals for the future.

Announces the final policy and funding initiatives from the Enhancing Maternal Health Initiative from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Funded work will sustain the work of the year long initiative and also develop recommendations for preventing cardiovascular conditions in women. Includes a report on the work of the committee and highlights work throughout 2024 including rural health initiatives.

Announces new federal funding to extend open hours for Federally Qualified Health Centers. Notes the benefit for rural and other underserved communities in expanding access to care.