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We work together to connect resources, champion equity, and strengthen health systems across rural Washington. |
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 Stroudwater Associates is hosting their Sixth Annual Critical Access Hospital Conference
June 9 - June 11, 2026, 9:00am PT - 12:00 pm PT
June 16 - June 18, 2026, 9:00am PT - 12:00 pm PT
This no-cost, virtual event is designed to equip CAH leaders with practical tools, strategic insights, and real-world case studies to help them navigate today’s rural health care landscape.
The Bureau of Health Workforce, under the Health Resources and Services Administration, has two funding opportunities to support the pediatric specialty workforce. Applications for both are due June 30, 2026.
Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program - Provides loan repayment for eligible clinicians who provide pediatric medical subspecialty, pediatric surgical specialty, or child and adolescent behavioral health care.
Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program Site Activation - Provides assistance for approved facilities in recruiting and retaining qualified pediatric specialty professionals.
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 Applications are now open for the AHA Rural Hospital Excellence in Innovation Award, which recognizes and shares the accomplishments of rural hospitals that demonstrate responsiveness, innovation, and excellence in developing, implementing and sustaining programs and services. One winner and up to three finalists will be selected; honorees will be hospitals investing in programs, care redesign, collaboration, or technology-driven solutions to address emerging challenges in rural, remote and frontier areas of the United States and its territories. The award will be presented at the 2027 AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference, held Jan. 31-Feb. 3, 2027, in Orlando, Florida.
Applications are due 10:00 am PT, June 23, 2026
Practitioners, researchers, and leaders are welcomed to submit proposals for the Northwest Rural Health Conference. Submit your proposal by July 31, 2026.
Follow the link below to learn more about proposal requirements and desired session topics.
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Join WA DOH and panelists from outpatient settings for an overview of a new resource about equipment cleaning, including instructions for use (IFU), high level disinfection, and infection control breach investigations. This webinar is for clinic managers, infection preventionists and staff working in outpatient settings.
When: July 29, 2026 11:00 am PT
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
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Strong grant writing starts with a strong foundation, and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) is excited to introduce a new learning opportunity designed specifically for rural health professionals.
Level I: Fundamentals of Rural Grant Writing - Available now on-demand.
Level II: Developing Competitive Grant Proposals - First live cohort runs July 7-30, 2026.
Click here to learn more.
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The Center for Rural Health Leadership, in partnership with the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), is excited to offer the RHC Leader Certification Program. This program will provide a comprehensive understanding of RHC operations, including regulatory requirements, financial management and day-to-day clinic performance to help leaders run more efficient and sustainable clinics.
The program is delivered in a flexible format, with bi-weekly virtual sessions and self-paced modules. Participants will also benefit from peer learning and a national network of rural health care leaders.
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The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) created new American Sign Language (ASL) videos and resources. Please share these materials with patients and clients who use ASL.
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Measles (Rubeola):
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Pertussis:
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture opened its Distance Learning & Telemedicine (DLT) grant program. $27 million is available to support telemedicine and distance learning in remote communities.
Eligible applicants include:
- Nonprofits
- Schools and school districts
- Hospitals
- Tribes
- For-profit entities
Deadline: June 30, 2026
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This program helps Critical Access Hospitals and Inpatient Prospective Payment System hospitals strengthen their financial and operational stability while continuing to provide essential services to their communities. Participating hospitals receive both virtual and on-site technical assistance tailored to their needs. Applications can be submitted at any time. Applications received by September 30, 2026 will be considered for the next cohort.
This program is funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) and led by experts at the Georgia Southern University Center for Rural and Public Health Practice and Research.
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CMS, health plans, and certified electronic health record (EHR) vendors are working together to streamline the electronic prior authorization process for medical items and services. Starting January 1, 2027, certain health plans regulated by CMS must implement and maintain these Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), so it’s important to be ready. Visit CMS's prior authorization website to learn what steps you can take now.
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On May 13, the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy released a report concluding that Tdap vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective in protecting infants against pertussis and its associated complications. This report also found that Tdap vaccination produces strong and consistent immune responses in both pregnant people and their infants. |
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The Washington State Fathers Network (WSFN) is dedicated to empowering fathers, strengthening families, and shaping a more inclusive future for children with disabilities or special health care needs. Learn more about WSFN at fathersnetwork@sherwoodcs.org.
Join WSFN at their 41st Annual free Father's Day Camp out!
Friday, June 19 - Sunday, June 21
Washington State Park, 6300 Sunset Ave, Anacortes
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that beginning July 1, 2026, eligible Medicare beneficiaries will have access to GLP-1 medications for $50 per month. Eligible Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part D prescription drug plan will be able to access these medications through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration, which will run through December 31, 2027. |
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Nurses whose primary state of residence is Washington can upgrade their active single-state Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license to a multistate license (MSL).
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This webinar is an opportunity to learn how Community Care Hubs can integrate into the work you’re already doing. You'll learn how to refer clients to Community Care Hubs in Washington and what individuals can expect once connected.
June 16, 2026 10:00 am PT
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Developed by the National Organization for State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), in partnership with Wintergreen, this professional certification program will help rural health care organizations strengthen recruitment, retention, and workforce stability.
Participants will gain practical, rural-focused strategies they can apply immediately in their organizations through expert-led, live virtual learning.
Enrollment opens July 2026, with the inaugural cohort launching in October 2026.
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The Washington Board of Nursing (WABON) is accepting applications for their student nurse preceptorship grant for the spring quarter. Apply by June 12, 2026.
Need more information? Join WABON for a 30-minute informational webinar. Join via Zoom.
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Forecasted Federal Funding Opportunities
The Rural Maternal Health Data Support and Analysis Program has developed an issue brief describing how prenatal care can be delivered in a group setting in rural communities. Access the brief to learn more.
We encourage you to review the update and share the new version with relevant contacts in your community, as appropriate. For questions about the guide, please contact the Non-Healthcare Congregate Settings Program.
New Resources for Communicating about Antimicrobial Resistance
CDC released a new toolkit to educate health care professionals, the public, and other partners on the threat of antimicrobial resistance. It includes actions to prevent infections and the spread of drug-resistant germs. Resources include key messages, patient story videos, graphics and sample social media posts available for use at any time. Questions? Email arxpolicy@cdc.gov.
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The Washington State Office of Rural Health is seeking your comments on how we can continue to build on our services. Has this newsletter offered you resources, connected you to a grant or needed service? Is there something more you would like to see in this newsletter? Contact us at RuralHealth@doh.wa.gov |
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