Message from the IARHC Board President | |
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Dear IARHC Members,
As we enter the autumn months, I’m reminded of the incredible dedication and resilience that each of you brings to Iowa’s rural healthcare community. This October, I want to express my gratitude for your continued commitment to the Iowa Association of Rural Health Clinics (IARHC) and the work you do every day to ensure that quality healthcare reaches even the most rural corners of our state.
Reflecting on our recent Fall Conference, I am inspired by the energy and collaborative spirit that emerges as we explore ways to strengthen rural healthcare across Iowa.
In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find updates on new resources, upcoming webinars, and other opportunities designed to support you and your clinic. This season, we’re focused on addressing key issues in rural healthcare, from regulatory changes to innovative telehealth practices. I encourage you to take advantage of these resources and to stay connected with fellow members as we continue to learn and grow together.
Thank you for being part of IARHC. Your hard work, compassion, and commitment to serving Iowa’s rural communities make a tremendous difference. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the coming months.
Warm regards,
Ann Wise
Board President
Iowa Association of Rural Health Clinics
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IARHC Fall Recap and Upcoming Events | |
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Thank you to all who attended the Fall Conference last month! We sincerely hope you found the sessions informative and valuable, with practical insights to enhance your clinic operations. Nathan Baugh, Executive Director at the National Association of Rural Health Clinics, delivered informative presentations covering legislative updates, the latest proposed rules updates, and the evolving landscape of price transparency policies relevant to RHCs.
Presentations from Iowa Health and Human Services on Certified Community Based Health Clinics, and Easter Seals Services for Rural Iowans with Disabilities, rounded out the IARHC Conference agenda.
Once again, thank you for your participation and engagement!
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Iowa Rural Health Association | |
On Monday, October 28th IRHA hosted their annual conference, Rural Resilience: The Whole Picture, at the Olmsted Center on the campus of Drake University in Des Moines. IARHC Board Member Jillissa Chvala presented as part of the Iowa Rural Healthcare: Partner Update. | |
Resources for Rural Health Clinics | |
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Discover the RHC Safety Guide, available on our website! This guide can be used to assist with tracking specific safety and compliance requirements and as an orientation guide for new staff. To use this resource, clinics should review the guide and update the information to accommodate for their processes and policy guidance.
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The Chronic Care Management & Remote Patient Monitoring Guide is our newest resource available on our website. This resource provides an overview of the regulatory guidance requirements and highlights components of an emergency preparedness manual.
Click the button below to view our resource page. The resource page also includes information from HRSA, CMS, Iowa Medicaid, NARHC, and Iowa HHS.
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Rural Health Innovations are Improving Health Care | |
Rural health initiatives worldwide are innovating to address disparities exacerbated by limited resources, transportation barriers, and infrastructure gaps. These efforts include telemedicine networks, like those implemented by the University of Virginia in Appalachia and mobile services such as the Purple Truck dialysis bus in Australia's remote communities, both designed to bring care to underserved populations. Programs like maternal mental health coaching in Pakistan demonstrate how community-driven solutions can fill healthcare gaps, especially in areas without enough specialists. As these initiatives continue, they offer valuable models for expanding access to care not only in rural areas but also in urban setting facing similar challenges (Scientific American). Get the full story here. | |
Since its launch in May 2022, the 24/7, free, confidential hotline has offered support from professional counselors to more than 27,000 pregnant and postpartum individuals who struggled with mental health concerns, and their loved ones. Support is available by phone or text, and in English and Spanish at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). | |
Webinars, Trainings, & Events | |
NARHC 2025 Spring Institute | |
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Dates: March 17-19, 2025 (M-W)
Omni Oklahoma City
NARHC Institutes are put on by the only national association dedicated strictly to Rural Health Clinics (RHCs). A wide range of rural health professionals will be in attendance including CEOs, CFOs, Physicians, PAs, NPs, Clinic Managers, Billers & Coders.
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Rural Youth and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) | |
Join the National District Attorney's Association for a webinar on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among rural youth, featuring insights from public health researchers and youth service providers. Learn about the prevalence of ACEs, effective resiliency strategies, and how to address challenges in rural jurisdictions. Registration here. | |
Telehealth accreditation ensures that virtual care programs meet established standards and regulations, providing a trusted marker of quality that fosters patient and provider confidence. While the accreditation process can be complex and resource-intensive, it supports healthcare organizations in achieving their goals and promoting telehealth growth. Find best practices guide here. | |
Exploring Rural Health Podcast: Charting a Path to Comprehensive Healthcare for Rural Veterans | |
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An interview with Matt Coleman, Director of the Kentucky Office of Rural Health (KORH), and James VanCleave, Rural Project Manager, Veteran's Services for the KORH. We discuss the importance of providing veterans with the assistance they need to receive care from the VA and other providers. Listen here.
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Rural Health Opportunities | |
2025 Rural Health Community Capacity Academy - Applications Open | |
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The Rural Health Community Capacity Academy is a program designed to help rural organizations enhance their capacity to address local health and human services challenges through personalized coaching. Eligible organizations include nonprofits, RHC's, FQHC's, medical centers, and local and tribal governments.
The program cycle is January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
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NARHC News, Policy, & Resources | |
Upcoming November 2nd Deadline for RHC's: Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Rule | |
The Department of Health and Human Serivces' (HHS) Office of Civil Rights released a rule under section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act prohibiting discrimination in healthcare programs, affecting providers receiving federal financial aid. By November 2, 2024, Rural Health Clinics with 15 or more employees must appoint a Section 1557 Coordinator and establish a grievance procedure, along with posting a Notice of Nondiscrimination in a prominent location and on their website. This notice must detail nondiscrimination policies, and provide resources for accessing modifications and language assistance, and outline grievance and compliant filing procedures. For full article click here. | |
Advocate for rural health today! | |
NARHC Technical Assistance Webinars | |
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Did you miss NARHC's latest technical assistance webinar? Watch the recordings or view the slide presentations below.
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2025 Proposed CMS Rules - What's in the Rules for RHC's How You Can Get Involved In Regulatory Advocacy | Recording
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RHC's in DC - Impact of YOUR Advocacy During the 2024 NARHC Policy Summit | Recording
NARHC provides technical assistance webinars covering the most current and up-to-date information for RHCs. View more TA webinars here.
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Thank You IARHC Sponsors! | |
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Contact Us
Questions? Ideas you want to share? Concerns or barriers you’re facing? Feel free to reach out to staff at info@iarhc.org - we’ll try to help or get you connected. Or you can reach out to your colleagues by posting a question on the IARHC listserv. Simply send an email to iarhcmembers@simplelists.com. This listserv gives you access to the current IARHC membership – use it as a tool to learn from each other!
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Contact Us!
info@iarhc.org
515.237.0328
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