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Highlights high rates of food insecurity in rural western North Carolina and how these challenges were exacerbated by Hurricane Helene. Features an Asheville-based food bank that offers food distribution throughout the region, but which incurred significant damages in the storm. Describes ongoing efforts to distribute food to storm-affected rural areas, including pop-up distribution sites, mobile kitchens, and state and federal assistance programs.

Details initiatives of the Wichita State University Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory (MDL) offering microbiology services and technical consulting to rural hospitals and small laboratories. Notes that small hospitals often face long turnaround times for sample testing. Discusses efforts expedite diagnostic services while increasing the capacity of local laboratories.

Discusses higher breast cancer mortality rates among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women. Explores treatment barriers including transportation and long distances to care. Notes lower screening rates among AI/AN women and efforts to develop more culturally responsive outreach tools.

Highlights two mobile clinic programs offering a variety of women's health services, including birth control, to rural communities in Texas and Arkansas. Notes that mobile clinics can help improve access to women's health services in rural areas, but are often expensive to operate. Describes funding strategies, community partnerships, legal considerations, and the utilization of community health workers for mobile clinic programs.

Describes the use of ride-hailing apps by rural Georgians for transportation to medical appointments. Highlights data showing that a significant number of rural residents are using the apps for transportation to appointments over 100 miles away. Notes that some insurance plans cover transportation costs, but services may be less available in rural communities.

Presents overview of data from the Census Bureau's Community Resilience Estimates (CRE) program on North Carolina counties affected by Hurricane Helene. Notes that 10 of the 27 counties under a major disaster declaration are predominantly rural; 20.2% of individuals living in the affected counties are classified by the CRE as having a high degree of social vulnerability to disasters. Explores CRE data on factors contributing to high social vulnerability in the affected counties, including age, disability, and housing quality.

Order from the Federal Communications Commission waiving certain program rules for the Rural Health Care Program providers impacted by Hurricane Helene. Highlights changes to deadlines for appeals and waivers, information requests, the Health Care Connect Fund Program annual report, and invoices as well as document retention rules.

Request for public comments on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Disaster Recovery Framework. Notes that the framework shapes the federal government's approach to disaster recovery assistance, with implications for state, local, and territorial governments, Tribal Nations, and nongovernmental partners. Comments are due by October 23, 2024.

Explores factors contributing to low patient volumes at field hospitals erected in rural North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. Discusses how damaged power and communications systems may have hindered efforts to spread the word about the temporary services, and identifies collaboration with local AM radio stations as a potential workaround. Notes ongoing efforts by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and a range of local and national partners to locate missing persons and prepare for a potential surge in patient volumes.

Describes efforts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist communities and individuals impacted by Hurricane Helene. Highlights resources for farmers, foresters, and communities including expedited crop insurance payments, disaster assistance programs, and nutrition assistance programs.