Tobacco Use Down; Still High for Certain Areas
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 47.1 million U.S. adults (19%) reported that they were currently using any commercial tobacco product in the 2020 National Health Interview Survey. 

The prevalence of cigarette smoking was higher in rural areas than urban areas among adults who were non-Hispanic Black (38% higher), Hispanic (38% higher) and non-Hispanic White (62% higher).
Addressing Meth Use in the Midwest Webinar Series
Use of methamphetamine impacts people across the Midwest in many ways. The HHS Region 7 Harm Reduction Workgroup hosted a series of brief, 30-minute webinars to explore strategies to address meth use, ranging from prevention to treatment and recovery. The Workgroup includes HRSA, OASH, SAMHSA, CMS, ACF, HHS IEA, ACL, and ASPR. The series included four webinars that were hosted January through March 2022.
 
To view all sessions in the Addressing Meth Use in the Midwest Webinar Series check out the below links.

 Session #1:  A Brief Overview
 Session #2: Primary Prevention
 Session #3:  Harm Reduction
The Advancing Health Equity among Hispanic/Latino Populations Learning Series
The Advancing Health Equity among Hispanic/Latino Populations Learning Series aimed to identify new strategies and current approaches to improve access to care and reduce health disparities in Hispanic/Latino communities.

To view all sessions in the series check out the below links. To learn more and receive copies of series resources, presentations, and bios in English and Spanish, contact Nancy Rios at NRios@hrsa.gov.

The Implications of Long COVID in Rural Communities
While the definition of long-COVID effects has evolved, experts have identified a range of health conditions that may include shortness of breath, chronic fatigue, tachycardia, exercise intolerance, and cognitive dysfunction.

In an open access article from The Journal of Rural Health, researchers report an estimated 7 to 22 million individuals in the U.S. may experience long-COVID, with greater implications for rural economies and health delivery systems.
All vaccinated adults aged 18+ are eligible for a booster. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded booster eligibility to include adolescents ages 12 to 17, recommending that they receive a booster shot five months after their initial vaccination.

Last month, the CDC updated its recommendations to allow certain immunocompromised individuals and people over the age of 50 who received an initial booster dose at least four months ago to be eligible for another mRNA booster to increase their protection against severe disease from COVID-19.

Separately and in addition, based on newly published data, adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least four months ago may now receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

These updated recommendations acknowledge the increased risk of severe disease in certain populations including those who are elderly or over the age of 50 with multiple underlying conditions, along with the currently available data on vaccine and booster effectiveness.

Search by zip code to find nearby locations providing adult and pediatric vaccines and boosters for COVID-19 and the flu at vaccines.gov.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month
April marks National Alcohol Awareness Month and is sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) to educate the masses about America’s #1 health problem: alcohol dependence. Claiming the lives of more than 90,000 people every year, this month focuses on raising awareness about alcohol abuse and dependency before it is fatal.

Alcohol Awareness Month encourages organizations and communities to reach out to the public with information about alcohol use and alcoholism as a preventable disease and encourages people who are already addicted to seek treatment.

It’s okay to not be okay. Missouri has expanded Medicaid (called MO HealthNet) to include support services for people struggling with addiction, recovery, and mental health. Adults 19-64 years old may now be eligible for low-cost or free insurance – even if you weren’t previously eligible. Find out if you qualify and enroll today.

For individuals who do not qualify for Medicaid, there is still help available. HCC Network clinics in Buckner, Carrollton, Concordia, Lexington, and Waverly offer stigma-free treatment and support, regardless of ability to pay or insurance status.
Get the Care You Deserve
April is Medicaid Awareness Month
We know rural residents work hard to provide for their households whether they are alone, a single parent, or supporting a family. Missouri Medicaid has expanded and adults who may not have been previously eligible for health insurance may now receive low-cost or free coverage. Insurance provided through MO HealthNet covers annual checkups, prescription medicines, telehealth visits, mental health services, dental care, and more.
11th Annual All for the Children Event
Save the date for the 11th annual All for the Children event at the Metropolitan Community College Blue River in Independence.

This event features free family fun activities including an egg hunt and is open to the public.

Join us on April 9 starting at 10 a.m.
Save the Date: MRHA 2022 Conference
Please join the Missouri Rural Health Association (MRHA) for our annual conference held August 9-10, 2022. Our expected audiences consist of hospitals, clinicians, physicians, FQHCs, health departments, in-home and community front-line workers, community and social agencies, policy makers, CEOs, CFOs, transportation and ambulance professionals, insurance and investment brokers, health law attorneys, among other professionals in attendance. 

The conference will be held at the Lodge at Old Kinderhook in Camdenton, Missouri. More details to follow. For more information, email info@morha.org or call 571.616.2740.
Program Offers Emotional and Financial Support for Dementia Caregivers
A diagnosis of dementia is life-changing and involves many questions and adjustments for the person’s family, especially those who become caregivers. As the disease progresses, caregivers’ responsibilities take more of an emotional and financial toll that can be overwhelming and isolating. 

The Customized Caregiver Training & Relief Program (CCTRP) offers caregivers free care consultations, customized in-home care assessments and training, tools to reduce stress, improve communication, make home-safety improvements, and reimburses up to $700 for qualified respite-related expenses. CCTRP incorporates two tracks: Caregiver Training Program and Caregiver Relief Program. 

Learn more about program benefits and get help enrolling in the program that’s right for you at https://mrhassociation.org/caregivers, or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline for a free Care Consultation at 800.272.3900.
Twelve Years of the Affordable Care Act
Last month marked the anniversary of the landmark law that has helped millions of Americans gain access to health coverage.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a series of briefs over the last year analyzing how that coverage affected different segments of the population, including rural residents, older adults, immigrants, and ethnic/racial minorities.
Upcoming Webinars
The State of Black Maternal Health




April 12, 2022
National Diabetes Prevention Program Community of Practice



April 13, 2022
How CMS Initiatives Improve How We Measure and Address Gaps in Care


April 20, 2022
Center for Substance Use Treatment National Advisory Council Meeting



April 27, 2022
2022 Annual AAMC Health Workforce Research Conference




May 4-6, 2022
National Rural Substance Use Disorder Health Equity and Stigma Summit



May 18-20, 2022
FCC Requests Comments on Promoting Telehealth in Rural America
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeks comment on revisions to its initiatives to fund access to broadband and telecommunication services for rural health care providers.

FCC proposes to modify the way the internal funding cap applies to upfront costs and multi-year commitments in the Healthcare Connect Fund Program, and to streamline the invoice process in the Telecommunications Program.

The rule also seeks comment on ways to further increase the speed of funding commitments.

Responses are due by April 14.

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