Federal Agency Resources

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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

NIMH Study
A new study, funded in part by NIMH, showed that a new medication derived from ketamine is safe and acceptable for use in humans. The medication may capitalize on the therapeutic effects of ketamine (such as rapid relief for severe depression) while avoiding its negative effects (such as a high risk of misuse).

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)

HRSA’s New Office of Tribal Affairs (OTA). Created by the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs (formerly known as the Office of Regional Operations), the OTA works to bring resources and information to Tribal governments and organizations. To learn more, sign up for the Tribal Affairs monthly newsletter and read about the most recent Tribal Advisory Council convened by the OTA.
AHRQ Examines Diagnostic Errors in Rural Healthcare Settings. A new issue brief from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) emphasizes disparities in access to high-quality diagnostic care and underscores the importance of community engagement, bolstering care coordination, and screening patients for social determinants of health.

Funding and Opportunities

National Community Care Corps Local Models Program – Dec. 11. The nonprofit provides funding for innovative local models in which volunteers assist family caregivers, older adults, and adults with disabilities to help individuals maintain their independence and age in place. The program intends to fund local models that represent a diverse cross section of the United States in terms of geography; urban, rural, frontier, and tribal communities; and underserved and limited English-speaking populations.
COSSUP Reaching Rural Initiative: Advancing Collaborative Solutions for Substance Use and Misuse – Dec. 16. The nonprofit Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) offers a 1-year fellowship for rural practitioners from different professional backgrounds to address substance use and misuse in rural communities. The project is co-sponsored by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the State Justice Institute.
USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): Grants and Loans for Energy Systems/Improvements – Dec. 31. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides financing and grant funding for agriculture producers and rural small businesses to purchase, install, and construct renewable energy systems or complete energy efficiency improvements. An example of a potential project may be the installation of solar panels for hospitals or clinics to improve energy costs.
U.S. Department of Energy Demonstration Funding for Energy Improvement in Rural or Remote Areas – Letters of Intent Feb. 27. The federal Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations will provide financial investment, technical assistance, and other resources to advance clean energy demonstrations and energy solutions in rural and remote areas that can be replicated and scaled.
Communities Unlimited, Inc: Water and Wastewater Loans for Rural Systems – Ongoing. Communities Unlimited, a U.S. Treasury–certified Community Financial Development Institution, offers loans with terms up to 15 years, for small, rural community water and wastewater projects. Loans are made nationwide with an emphasis on Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.
Addressing the Intersection of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Substance Use in Maternal Health Care – Thursday, November 7 at 2:00 pm Eastern. HRSA’s Office of Women’s Health hosts an hour-long session to discuss the National Strategy to Improve Maternal Mental Health as well as initiatives integrating prevention and care for IPV, substance use, and maternal health. FORHP-funded research published in August 2023 reports higher rates of perinatal IPV for rural residents compared with their urban counterparts. Earlier this year, a report in The American Journal of Public Health identified intimate partner violence (IPV) as a leading cause of maternal mortality.

Federal Resources for Rural Health and Telehealth

RHIhub Topic Guide: Finding Statistics and Data Related to Rural Health. In a recent update, the Rural Health Information Hub (RHIhub) shares how to navigate to rural-specific statistics on https://data.census.gov and other data sources, and considerations and challenges that come with analyzing rural health data, such as the many different definitions of rural.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2023 report on youth risk behavior and mental health.

Programs to Know

In this ever-evolving landscape, it’s crucial for counselors and their clients to stay informed about available resources and support. The following links provide ongoing support items from the federal government that may be of particular interest. These resources are designed to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities, offering valuable information and assistance for counselors to share with those they serve.