Reports on COVID-19 new infection rates for the week of January 1-8, noting a record for new cases in a 7-day period with 393,000 new rural infections. Offers a county-level data map and rural-urban comparisons in infection and mortality rates over time.

Discusses the hardships facing youth who have lost parents to COVID-19, particularly the impacts on underserved and rural communities. Addresses the need for mental health and economic support for youth who have lost parents, and legislative efforts at the state level to support mental healthcare access.

Reports on rural and urban COVID-19 infection rates between December 26, 2021 and January 1, 2022, noting that rural areas are beginning to see the sharp increase that metro counties have experienced in the wake of the Omicron variant. Offers a county-level data map, state-by-state rural and metro comparisons, and infection and mortality rates over time.

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is seeking input from community health stakeholders, technology developers, and other interested parties about how digital health technologies are used, or could be used in the future, to transform community health, individual wellness, and health equity. This request for information is part of an initiative to explore how innovation in science and technology can reduce barriers to accessing quality healthcare and leading healthier lives. OSTP is particularly interested in information from community-based health settings and about populations traditionally underserved by healthcare. Comments are due by February 28, 2022.

Announces a new research poll from the American Farm Bureau Federation that examines stigma and willingness to seek help for mental health issues for rural adults, farmers, and farm workers. Notes a decrease in stigma but that it is still a factor in agricultural communities, that farmers are more comfortable discussing stress and mental health issues with family, friends, and their doctors than in 2019, and that stress and mental health challenges are more frequent for rural adults and farmers than a year ago.

Reports on the closure of an Alzheimer's care facility in western Missouri due to financial hardship and the concerns of local residents about accessing long-term care for relatives and seniors in the area. Discusses the uncertain future of nursing homes nationwide in the face of COVID-19, noting that 54% reported financial losses and that 134 nursing homes closed in 2021.

Describes the increased access to opioid addiction treatment through telehealth because of temporary regulatory changes, highlighting the perspectives and concerns of clinicians and patients. Notes the expansion of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic and the benefits and challenges of virtual-only care.

Describes the impacts of overwhelmed hospitals on emergency care and specialty care access in rural areas, noting that rural communities may be at greater risk to the omicron variant of COVID-19 and that large hospitals may limit transfers to preserve their capacity. Highlights policy efforts to support areas experiencing healthcare workforce shortages and other strategies to reduce strain on hospitals.

Notice of final rule with comment period from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalizing provisions of the fiscal year 2022 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) final rule related to Medicare graduate medical education (GME) for teaching hospitals and Medicare organ acquisition payment policies. This rule includes policies to distribute 1,000 new Medicare-funded physician residency slots to qualifying hospitals. This rule is effective February 25, 2022. Comments are due by February 25, 2022.

Reports on rates of COVID-19 infection and mortality in rural and urban areas for the week of December 12-18, noting that rural infections fell during the week while rates climbed in metro areas. Offers 2-week comparisons of cases in metro and rural areas, a county-level data map, and rural/urban comparisons over time.