Rural Reporter

  • How EHR Use Informs Safe Opioid Prescribing
    The need to better track the use of prescription narcotics has become increasingly apparent in the wake of the national opioid crisis. Moving beyond the "prescription pad" model is one big step to stemming the easy availability of opioids. Electronic monitoring programs enable prescribers to look up complete patient histories through electronic health record histories. And prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) use vast databases in order to verify prescription histories. Eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals participating in meaningful use — now rebranded as "promoting interoperability" — are incentivized to use these features. (Source: EHR Intelligence; Image: angela_sleeping on Flickr) More »
  • What's Really Driving Obesity?
    In public health we hear a lot about the impact of obesity on health. Two root causes -- eating more and declining rates of exercise and exertion -- are often listed as the primary reasons. But author and columnist George Monbiot looked at the data, and found that the main change in habits has been a rocketing rate of sugar consumption. His conclusion? Food processors have taken a similar route that Big Tobacco did, and have followed a similar denial pattern after the fact. (Source: The Guardian; Image: Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash) More »
  • CMS Announces Final Payment Rate Changes and Rules
    The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has published several final payment rate changes and rules for Fiscal Year 2019, related to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), hospices, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and inpatient psychiatric facilities.  Skilled nursing facilities and non-Critical Access Hospitals swing beds will experience an overall payment rate increase of 2.4 percent ($820 million), or 2.5 percent for rural areas. In addition, the current case-mix system will be replaced by a new system called the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM), which is projected to increase payments to small and rural SNFs and non-CAH swing beds.  Hospices will see an overall payment increase of 1.8 percent ($340 million), or 1.9 percent in rural areas. In addition, physician's assistants will now be recognized by Medicare as attending physicians beginning in 2019. Inpatient rehabilitation facilities will see a payment rate increase of 1.3 percent ($105 million), and will also see changes to several quality reporting factors.  Inpatient psychiatric facilities will see a payment rate increase of 1.3 percent ($50 million), and the payment adjustment for IPFs located in rural areas will continue. 
  • Maternal Mortality Task Force Seeks Data
    Due to the small absolute number of maternal deaths in rural states, it's been difficult for researchers to make specific, data-driven policy decisions on birth outcomes and maternal mortality in rural areas. Recently, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists started a new initiative to collect data on rural maternity care and deaths. The initiative is needed now more than ever, as the availability of women's and neonatal medical personnel shrinks in rural communities.  The Maternal Mortality Task Force will collect and analyze data on rural maternity care and deaths in twelve states, as well as in Guam, American Samoa, Alberta, British Columbia, and Central America. (Source: Contemporary OB/GYN; Suhyeon Choi on Unsplash) More »
  • What Does Dollar General Mean for Rural Areas?
    Dollar General stores are often found in rural areas, and in places where residents often cannot access fresh produce. The chain is the fastest-growing retailer in the United States, and it's targeting rural towns by offering basic goods at cheap prices. Some towns object to the corporation's move into their communities, which often put local stores out of business. (Source: The Guardian; Image: NeONBRAND on Unsplash)  More »
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  • Change Incubator Funding: Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program (Deadline: 09/01/2018)
    The Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program (HWPP) Change Incubator Funding will support diverse community-based partnerships to build their capacity to carry out community health improvement initiatives. Focus areas include: new partnership development and action planning; strategic growth and sustainability planning for existing partnerships; and development of communication plans and materials to communicate impact. Applications must be submitted by a partnership of at least two Wisconsin-based, health-related entities representing diverse organizations and perspectives invested in improving the health of Wisconsin communities. One partner must be a nonprofit, IRS tax exempt 501(c)(3) or government organization, have an EIN number, and have the capacity to serve as the fiscal agent for the partnership. Up to $10,000 will be awarded for a 6-12 month project period. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Tracy Wilson (414.955.4364) to discuss the project prior to submitting an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Funding »
  • Change Incubator Funding: Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program (Deadline: 10/01/2018)
    The Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program (HWPP) Change Incubator Funding will support diverse community-based partnerships to build their capacity to carry out community health improvement initiatives. Focus areas include: new partnership development and action planning; strategic growth and sustainability planning for existing partnerships; and development of communication plans and materials to communicate impact. Applications must be submitted by a partnership of at least two Wisconsin-based, health-related entities representing diverse organizations and perspectives invested in improving the health of Wisconsin communities. One partner must be a nonprofit, IRS tax exempt 501(c)(3) or government organization, have an EIN number, and have the capacity to serve as the fiscal agent for the partnership. Up to $10,000 will be awarded for a 6-12 month project period. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Tracy Wilson (414.955.4364) to discuss the project prior to submitting an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Funding »
  • America's Farmers Grow Communities Project (Deadline: 11/01/2018)
    Through the America's Farmers Grow Communities program, farmers enroll for a chance to direct $2,500 awards to local nonprofit organizations that are important to them and their communities. This opportunity is only open to those in selected counties in 41 states, are 21 years or older, and actively engaged in farming at least 250 acres. More information at Rural Health Information Hub.  Funding »
  • Information Resource Grants to Reduce Health Disparities (NIH) (Deadline: 10/22/2018)
    The National Institutes of Health is soliciting grant applications for projects that will bring useful, usable health information to health disparity populations and their health care providers.   Access to useful, usable, understandable health information is an important factor when making health decisions. Proposed projects should exploit the capabilities of computer and information technology and health sciences libraries to bring health-related information to consumers and their health care providers. Eligibility: Institutions in rural and socially disadvantaged areas are encouraged to apply. Public housing authorities, units of government, tribal organizations, school districts, for profit organizations and small businesses, and public and state controlled institutions of higher education are all eligible.    Funding »
  • Preventing Opioid Misuse in Pregnant Women & New Moms Challenge (HRSA) (Deadline: 09/30/2018)
    The Preventing Opioid Misuse in Pregnant Women & New Moms Challenge will award $375,000 in prizes to support tech innovations to improve access to quality health care, including substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, recovery, and support services for pregnant women with opioid use disorders (OUD), their infants, and families, especially those in rural and geographically isolated areas. The competition consists of three phases, and will award grants at every phase. The phases will examine design, development and small-scale testing, and scaling.  Funding »
  • Remote Pregnancy Monitoring Challenge (HRSA) (Deadline: 09/30/2018)
    The Remote Pregnancy Monitoring Challenge will award $375,000 in prizes to support the creation of tech innovations to help prenatal care providers remotely monitor the health and wellbeing of pregnant women, as well as place health data into the hands of pregnant women themselves as a tool to monitor their own health and make informed decisions about care. Solutions would especially benefit women who live in rural and medically underserved areas who have limited access to on-site prenatal care. The challenge will proceed in three phases: design, development and small-scale testing, and scaling.  Funding »
  • Care Coordination for CSHCN Challenge (HRSA) (Deadline: 08/31/2018)
    The Care Coordination for CSHCN Challenge will award $375,000 in prizes to support the creation of low-cost, scalable tech innovations to help families and case managers with the care and coordination of children with special health care needs. These innovations should improve the quality of care and enhance patient and family engagement and health care quality while saving costs to families and the health care system. This funding opportunity will be evaluated in three stages: design, development and small-scale testing, and scaling.  Funding »
  • Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children Program (Deadline: 10/01/2018)
    The Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children Program (HTPCP) will support community-based child health projects that improve the health status of mothers, infants, children, and adolescents in rural and other underserved communities by increasing their access to health services.  Identify and develop innovative, culturally and linguistically competent community-based programs and interventions based on a review of state and community maternal and child health (MCH) priorities and needs assessment data;  Implement clinical and public health interventions in community-based setting;  Formulate and continually reassess the program’s logic model and evaluation plan;  Develop tools, trainings, and resources for pediatric professionals, community members, families, state Title V agencies, and other MCH-related programs;  Disseminate program results and findings to the target population, partners, and other stakeholders who might be interested in using the results of the program;  Assess whether the dissemination of program results has facilitated changes in practice, service delivery, program development, and/or policy-making in ways that affect the target population.  Funding »
  • Grants for Wisconsin Nonprofits Serving Veterans (Deadline: 09/28/2018)
    The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs will accept applications for grants up to $25,000 from registered nonprofit organizations that provide financial assistance or other services to Wisconsin veterans and their families. The following criteria will be evaluated as part of the grant application: • Background and organizational history • Organizational qualifications and past performances • Experience working with veterans and their families • Need for grant funding • Outreach and screening plan • Program implementation timeline • Monitoring and program evaluation • Program goals and objectives • Past working relationships with Veterans Service Organizations • Integration of outreach and employment services Questions about the grant application process should be directed to: Chad McCafferty Email: vetsbenefitsgrants@dva.wi.gov; Phone: 608-266-3028 or 1-800-WIS-VETS Funding »
  • HRSA Challenge Competition: Preventing Childhood Obesity (Deadline: 09/24/2018)
    The federal Department of Health and Human Services is sponsoring this prize competition to support innovative solutions to help low-income families adopt healthy eating practices and healthy lifestyles.  This is a three phase competition, with awards up to $150,000 given at each stage.   Funding »
  • Implementation Grants to Address Cancer Screening Disparities (Deadline: 09/14/2018)
    The Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, Wisconsin Well Woman Program, and Wisconsin Cancer Reporting System are collectively soliciting “2018-2019 CCC Implementation Grants to Address Cancer Screening Disparities” proposals that support the implementation of early detection strategies aimed at reducing inequities in cancer outcomes. Proposals should be evidence-based and apply innovative strategies to reduce the disproportionate burden of cancer in the communities to be served. Projects that aim to address communities and counties with the highest rates of cancer morbidity and mortality are especially encouraged to apply. A letter of intent is due on August 10, 2018. The final application is due on September 14, 2018.  Eligibility: Community-based organizations, health care systems, health departments, and other health-related agencies and nonprofit organizations that are based in Wisconsin, serve Wisconsinites, and work on cancer related issues are eligible to apply.  An organization can only submit one project proposal. Technical Assistance: There will be an applicant webinar for this opportunity on Tuesday, August 7th, at 12 pm.  Funding »
  • Wisconsin Grants for Veteran Entrepreneurs (Deadline: 09/14/2018)
    Grant applications are now being accepted from registered 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) non-profit organizations that provide entrepreneurship training, or technical, business or other assistance to veteran entrepreneurs to improve employment outcomes.  The Wisconsin Entrepreneurship Grant program includes a maximum total of up to $400,000 during the period of July 2, 2018 – June 30, 2019. To qualify, non-profit organizations must be located in this state and registered and in good standing with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.  The following criteria and more will be evaluated as part of the grant application: Background and Organizational History Experience Working with Veterans Need for Grant Funding Outreach and Referral Plan Program Goals and Objectives Past Working Relationships with other Start-up Businesses and Entrepreneurship Programs Funding »
  • Community Catalyst Grants (Deadline: 09/04/2018)
    The Wisconsin Partnership Program’s Community Catalyst Grants fund creative health equity approaches designed with the goal of actively reducing gaps in access, outcomes or opportunities.  Grants are intended to support projects in the early stages of development and will be awarded up to $50,000 for two years.   Funding »
  • Alliant Energy Hometown Safety Grants (Deadline: 09/01/2018)
    Alliant Energy will award Hometown Safety Grants in communities they serve.  Grants up to $2,000 will be awarded for the purchase of life-saving and other protective equipment such as Jaws of Life, defibrillators, community emergency alert systems, and personal protective equipment for service providers.  A 1 to 1 match is required.  These grants are offered throughout the year.  The next application period is August 1 through September 1. Funding »
  • Agricultural Health and Safety Special Project and Pilot Study (Deadline: 08/20/2018)
    The National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety is accepting applications for grants to support small-scale projects and pilot studies that address prevention of childhood agricultural disease and injury.  Funds are allocated to support projects that: a) test innovative strategies; b) develop new partnerships beyond safety professionals (e.g. insurers, bankers, equipment dealers, media); c) address persistent patterns of childhood injury in agriculture (e.g. extra riders on tractors, children and skid steers); and d) translate research findings into practical applications. Funding »
  • Service Area Competition Funding for Health Center Program (Deadline: 08/20/2018)
    The Health Center Program provides grants to health centers that offer comprehensive primary healthcare services to an underserved area or population. Funding is available for Community Health Centers (CHC), Migrant Health Centers (MHC), Health Care for the Homeless (HCH), and Public Housing Primary Care (PHPC). This program targets the nation's neediest populations and geographic regions, although applicants must serve an entire service area listed in HRSA's Service Area Announcement Table. There are a projected ninety-eight awards available for a project period of up to three years.  Funding »
  • Wisconsin Community Grant Programs (Deadline: 09/04/2018)
    The Wisconsin Partnership Program is seeking applicants for the 2018 Community Catalyst Grant Program, which provides funding to support creative health equity approaches designed to actively reduce gaps in access, outcomes, or opportunities. Catalyst Grants support early-stage projects with innovative, community-driven plans to reduce health inequities. The grant program provides up to $50,000 in funding over two years.  Funding »
  • Tribal Management Grant Program (Deadline: 08/17/2018)
    Approximately eighteen awards will be awarded to Native American Tribal organizations and federally-recognized Tribal governments through the Tribal Management Grant (TMG) Program, which was established to assist T/TOs to prepare for assuming all or part of existing IHS programs, functions, services, and activities (PFSAs) and further develop and improve Tribal health management capabilities.   The program provides competitive grants to T/TOs to establish goals and performance measures for current health programs; assess current management capacity to determine if new components are appropriate; analyze programs to determine if a Tribe or Tribal Organization's management is practicable; and develop infrastructure systems to manage or organize PFSAs. Funding »
  • National ROPS Rebate Program (Deadline: 09/01/2018)
    The National ROPS Rebate Program (NRRP) was formed over a year ago to address fatalities caused by tractor rollovers. The voluntary program provides rebates for approximately 70% of the cost of purchasing and installing a ROPS, a rollover protective structure that attaches to a tractor and provides a safety-zone for the operator. In the event of an overturn or rollover, ROPS help prevent the tractor operator from being crushed under the tractor. Commonly ROPS are referred to as "rollbars," which are just one type of ROPS; ROPS can also come in the form of a cab. This rebate covers up to 70% of the cost of a ROPS kit (rollbar and seatbelt), shipping, and professional installation (which is required by the program in Wisconsin). Currently, this program is offered in New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. Funding »
  • National ROPS Rebate Program (Deadline: 10/01/2018)
    The National ROPS Rebate Program (NRRP) was formed over a year ago to address fatalities caused by tractor rollovers. The voluntary program provides rebates for approximately 70% of the cost of purchasing and installing a ROPS, a rollover protective structure that attaches to a tractor and provides a safety-zone for the operator. In the event of an overturn or rollover, ROPS help prevent the tractor operator from being crushed under the tractor. Commonly ROPS are referred to as "rollbars," which are just one type of ROPS; ROPS can also come in the form of a cab. This rebate covers up to 70% of the cost of a ROPS kit (rollbar and seatbelt), shipping, and professional installation (which is required by the program in Wisconsin). Currently, this program is offered in New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. Funding »
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