Reports on COVID-19 infection and mortality rates over the week of November 14-20, finding a 6% rise in overall cases in rural counties and a 9% decline in COVID-19-related deaths. Offers a county-level data map, charts with rural-urban comparisons over time, and state-level data.

Describes the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on stress, depression, anxiety, and sleeping problems for Native Americans, noting the risk of losing vulnerable and elderly community members and Native American disparities in COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and mortality. Discusses community-level efforts and partnerships to support Native communities as they navigate COVID-19 fears and increase vaccination rate.

Reports on health workforce loan repayment and scholarship program awards to clinicians, nurses, National Health Service Corps (NHSC) members, dentists, and behavioral health providers working in underserved, rural, and tribal areas. Describes the new Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program, investments in the primary care workforce, and other opportunities for loan repayment.

Announces $222 million in funding for rural community infrastructure, including $132 million for healthcare, food security, and emergency response services. Funds will support 44 states, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico. Offers examples of funded projects and provides information on Emergency Rural Health Care Grant Program, Recovery Grant applications and opportunities through USDA Rural Development.

Describes efforts to prevent rural Mississippi hospital closures and re-open rural hospitals through partnerships with other hospitals. Addresses financial challenges related to reimbursement issues and staffing costs and highlights the importance of emergency care access for rural communities.

Announces $86 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding to invest in employment, business, healthcare, education, and housing in rural and tribal areas. Offers an overview of the 6 programs supported through the funding, examples of funded initiatives, and a list of impacted states.

Reports on rural and urban COVID-19 vaccination rates as of November 11, finding a 4% decline in new vaccinations compared to a 20% decline in metropolitan counties. Offers state and county-level data maps, vaccination trends over time, and state rural/metro comparisons.

Describes the Study to Promote Innovation in Rural Integrated Telepsychiatry (SPIRIT), a trial to offer mental telehealth services through a collaborative care model, with local care managers and clinics delivering treatment. Addresses the history of collaborative care and policy challenges related to integrating urban-based providers into rural clinics.

Describes COVID-19 vaccine outreach efforts in Vermont and Maine, noting that the states have the highest percentage of population living in rural areas and that they rank among the top 6 states in terms of vaccination. Addresses strategies among local health offices and health systems to monitor regions of the states and reach vulnerable populations.

Describes partnerships between the USDA Office of Tribal Relations and several organizations to support Indigenous food practices, farming, and agriculture, including funding for a seed processing program through the Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance based in Minnesota. Discusses other projects in the program, including a video series on sustainable gathering and wild food foraging and efforts to make recommendations for future USDA regulatory activities.