Photo credit: Lizzie Barlow

Rural Health Connect

Improving the health of rural communities

Photo credit: stock photo



Using fluoride protects teeth

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services reminds clinicians to consider applying dental fluoride varnish for children younger than age 4 during well-child exams and dental visits. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel which helps prevent cavities.

Photos: Dr. Benjamin Williams and Dr. Colton Bracken

Rural health heroes honored with National Rural Health Day awards

Each year on National Rural Health day, the third Thursday of November, NOSORH gives one individual or organization from each state a Community Star Award. These are awarded to those that go above and beyond to support the health of their rural community. 

Photo credit Creek Valley Health Clinic

H5N1 (bird flu) informational videos

The links below provide context and information on what the H5N1 virus is, how it spreads, and how to protect yourself. Contact ruralhealth@cdc.gov with any questions. The current risk level of bird flu in the general public in Utah is low. Learn more.

Photos: Kurt Forsyth and Aaron Wood

Intermountain Health's Forsyth and Wood named critical access hospital CEOs to know

"Kurt Forsyth, president of Intermountain Delta and Fillmore Community hospitals, and Aaron Wood, president of Sanpete Valley Hospital, have been named as two of Becker’s Hospital Review’s 90 critical access hospital leaders to know."

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launches new health mapping platform

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently launched the Mapping Broadband Health in America platform. The tool has expanded its capacity to analyze how broadband connectivity intersects with various critical health outcomes. It also includes new variables that allow for better examination of maternal health.

Photo credit: Amelia Thelin

Utah State University Extension recognized for

rural health education

"Utah State University Extension recently received the Rural Education Partner of the Year Award from the Rural Health Association of Utah.

The award recognizes the educational opportunities USU Extension provides in rural areas of Utah and its work to combat the rising trend of youth e-cigarette use."

Utah Primary Care Grant Program application cycle open March 17 - April 14, 2025

The Utah Primary Care Grant Program (UPCGP) application cycle will be open March 17 - April 14, 2025. Private, nonprofit and for-profit entities that provide primary healthcare to underserved and underinsured individuals in urban and rural Utah are eligible to apply.  

Share this newsletter with anyone you know who might be interested.

New funding opportunity:

Nursing Workforce Diversity Program

"The Nursing Workforce Diversity (NWD) Program aims to increase nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented among registered nurses."

Contact us

PCRH provides support to all its stakeholders in the form of hands-on assistance, economic impact analysis, research, community health needs assessments, and healthcare workforce needs assessment. PCRH also provides technical assistance and pertinent information on student loan repayment programs and grant opportunities.

Photo credit: Melissa Huntington

Disclaimer: The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) may occasionally link to outside sources of information. Utah DHHS and state of Utah do not necessarily endorse the provider of the content and are not responsible for any content published on the external site.