Rural Health Information Hub Latest News

September Is National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that that can happen at any time and help to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. For the first time in its history, the Ready Campaign, along with the Ad Council, has identified the Hispanic community as a key audience and will launch a series of Public Service Advertisement (PSAs) specifically designed to encourage preparedness within this underserved demographic. As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved. The 2021 NPM theme is: “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.” The month is broken down into four weeks to help your patients and their families prepare for disasters.

  • Week 1 – September 1-4: Make-A-Plan
  • Week 2 – September 5-11: Build A Kit
  • Week 3 – September 12-18: Prepare for Disasters
  • Week 4 – September 19-25: Teach Youth about Preparedness

Visit the ReadyPA website for more information. This month is also a great time to review your health center’s preparedness plan and to get involved with your local and regional emergency preparedness coalitions if you aren’t already. Should you need to know whom to contact in your region, visit the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) Emergency Management website .

Report: Provider and Public Perceptions of Silver Diamine Fluoride

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is highly effective in arresting the progression of active caries as well as preventing new lesions. It has been commonly used as a treatment for children, and many parents appreciate its ease of use. But SDF has downsides: it leaves a black stain on these lesions and may burn or stain the soft tissue surrounding them. How, then, do dental providers and patients view the treatment? A new visual report from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health offers details on their attitudes.

Click here for more information and to view the report.

Rural Healthy People 2030 Webinar Recording Available

A recording is now available of the recent Southwest Rural Health Research Center webinar on the Rural Healthy People initiative, including early results of the Rural Healthy People 2030 survey. The Southwest Rural Health Research Center at Texas A&M University with funding support from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy is conducting a survey as part of Rural Healthy People 2030, a project designed to understand the most important health priorities for rural Americans. This once-in-a-decade survey allows individuals who care about rural health to voice opinions on important topics for the health of rural individuals.

Complete the survey to share your perspective.

New Online Tool in Pennsylvania Aims to ID, Address Health Inequities

A new tool launched by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services can help providers and community organizations identify and address health inequities, state health experts say. The tool, an interactive data dashboard known as PA HEAT or the Pennsylvania Health Equity Analysis Tool, aims to give providers, community organizations and the public the opportunity to address health equity concerns in their communities.

NIH Loan Repayment Programs (LRP) Application Cycle Open on September 1

The NIH LRPs are unique programs, with tremendous benefit to early-stage researchers, so we strongly encourage those that were not successful in getting their applications funded to apply again.  Awardees can receive up to $100,000 of qualified educational debt repayment with a two-year contract.

The Extramural LRP application cycle will close on November 18, 2021.  Be sure to visit our website to take advantage of our resources, and to learn more about eligibility requirements, application dates, and benefits of receiving an NIH LRP award!

Visit the LRP website.