What’s New

HHS invests more than $26 million in FORHP programs.  On August 11, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced new awards for five rural health programs administered by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP).  Of those funds, more than $10 million will go to the Delta States Rural Development Network Program, targeting chronic disease in the eight states of the Delta region (Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee).  Four additional programs received funds that will expand use of telehealth technology for rural veterans and other patients, assist providers with quality improvement activities, and support policy-oriented research to better understand the challenges faced by rural communities.

Surgeon General: Turn the Tide on Opioid Epidemic.  A significant factor in the opioid epidemic is legally written prescriptions from doctors, dentists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. On August 8, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy launched a new campaign, called Turn the Tide Rx, to educate and mobilize prescribers in stemming the supply of misused opioids.  The effort aims to educate prescribers about the opioid epidemic, mobilize health care professionals to improve prescribing practices, provide the public with information about opioid misuse, and change the cultural perceptions around addiction so that it is not seen as a moral failing but a chronic illness that must be treated with skill, urgency and compassion.

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On August 25 from 3:30-5 p.m. ET, ASTHO, through support from HRSA, will host a webinar entitled “Lessons Learned from States Using Telehealth to Expand Access to Care for Rural and Underserved Communities.” This webinar will provide a brief overview of how states are using telehealth to improve access, address health disparities, and provide opportunities to reach traditionally underserved populations. The webinar will also highlight two examples of current and emerging telehealth initiatives in Hawaii and Alaska.

View the Research Alert.

Dental Students Eligible! S2S Loan Repayment Program

Opens August 16!
The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Students to Service Loan Repayment Program opens August 16, 2016.

Benefits
Students to Service loan repayment award recipients receive up to $120,000 (tax free) for at least three years of full-time service at an approved NHSC site in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) of greatest need. Upon completion of residency for medical students (dental residency is encouraged but not required), recipients serve as primary care providers in an NHSC-approved site in a HPSA of greatest need.

Plan Ahead
The program is expected to be competitive. Please note that applicants who have federally-serviced loans will need to create a FSA ID before beginning the application process.