FALL 2021 NEWSLETTER
Visit www.RuralHealthPartnership.org for more information about our organization
National Rural Health Day, November 18
In recognition of National Rural Health Day, Rural Health Partnership recognizes the many healthcare workers who have worked hard, and with dedication, to help others. The pandemic has added layers of demands upon our rural healthcare communities. We are infinitely grateful, and we encourage you all to take good care of yourselves during these trying times.
GRANT FUNDED DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT EDUCATION

WellFlorida Council, in collaboration with Big Bend Health Council and The Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida, Inc., is pleased to announce that the following agencies have been granted funding for the development or expansion of Diabetes Self-Management Education programs for 2021/22:
  • Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf
  • Rural Health Care, Inc., Aza Health
  • Bay Street Pharmacy
  • Big Bend Area Health Education Center
  • CINET, Inc.
  • Core Health Partners
  • Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida, Inc.
  • Flagler County Free Clinic
  • Heart of Florida Health Center
  • PanCare of Florida, Inc.
  • Premier Community Healthcare Group, Inc.
  • The Way Free Medical Clinic, Inc.

We received a record number of applications this year. We were pleased to see so much interest in the program and enjoyed reviewing all of the applications. It was difficult to select the applications to fund with so many great programs across the state. We will be issuing another application for funding in Summer of 2022, and we hope that many of the agencies who were not funded this round will reapply. 
Events and Learning Opportunities
Webinar on How to Protect Rural Hospitals from Cyberattacks
October 29, 2021
3:00-4:00 PM
Rural hospitals are being targeted for cyberattacks. In the last 12 months, over 400 rural hospitals fell victim to a cyberattack. Join National Rural Health Association for this educational session where they will share information around modern ransomware attacks, what to look out for, strategies to lessen your chances of being a victim of ransomware, and how to respond if you do fall victim to an attack. You’ll also see a demo of a ransomware attack in progress. We will review tactic examples, the financial impact of a ransomware attack, defensive strategies, and threats for rural hospitals.
Rural Health Policy Institute
February 8-10, 2022
Washington DC
National Rural Health Association’s (NRHA) 33rd Annual Rural Health Policy Institute is your chance to guide the future of rural health policy with NRHA leadership and advocate for issues you care about with new and returning members of Congress and the administration. Registration is now open, so join NRHA and hundreds of rural health advocates from across the nation for the largest rural advocacy event in the country.
Florida Rural Health Association
Project ECHO
November 4
November 18
December 2
Join free online virtual learning sessions with Rural EMS/Paramedicine experts. Using proven adult learning techniques and interactive video technology, the ECHO Model™ connects groups of community providers with specialists in regular real-time collaborative sessions. Upcoming trainings include information on COVID-19 and more.

See the current Project ECHO schedule, register for learning sessions and learn how you can present a case for the expert panelists at Florida Rural Health Association’s Project Echo page.
Rural Health Partnership Board Meeting
October 29 from 9 to 11 a.m. For Zoom meeting details, please email.
Resources
Rural Vaccine Confidence Initiative

You know better than anyone that vaccine hesitancy among rural Americans means COVID-19 will linger in rural communities for the foreseeable future – unless something more is done to increase vaccination rates.

National Rural Health Association has developed a grassroots initiative to help rural health stakeholders build vaccine confidence at the local level.

The Vaccine Confidence Communication Toolkit is free and easy to use. Communication tools are developed around three specific audiences:
  1. Hospitals
  2. Business/community partners
  3. Community as a whole

These materials:
  • Feature rural-specific messaging, based on current research 
  • Focus on “caring for our community” and getting the real facts to promote confidence in the vaccine
  • Are customizable to allow for localized messaging and branding by hospitals and community partners
Enterprise Florida's 2021 ‘Rural Expansion Toolkit’ Grant Cycle

Enterprise Florida, Inc. announced the launch of its Rural Expansion Toolkit for Fiscal Year 2021-22 offering grant opportunities directed to eligible rural communities across Florida to assist their economic engagement and capacity building efforts. Enterprise Florida is expected to reward over $400,000 in grants.

The Rural Expansion Toolkit consists of grant programs including Consulting Services and Site Preparedness in the Rural Communities, as well as existing Marketing and Training grant opportunities. Applications will be accepted from local or regional economic development or community partners located within a rural community as identified in 288.0656(e) Florida Statutes and, in the case of the site preparedness program, those who can also demonstrate a pathway to site readiness.
Not a member?
If you are not currently a member of Rural Health Partnership then please join us!

Email jfeller@wellflorida.org for information.
WELLFLORIDA COUNCIL | www.WellFlorida.org