March 12, 2025


Welcome to the first issue of Rural Health Radar, a twice-monthly publication of the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health. We aspire to streamline the delivery of timely news, notices, and deadlines to our funded rural health partners in a succinct and actionable communications tool. Rest assured that we will continue to deliver pressing messages to your email inbox. In the meantime, do share your first impressions of this update so we can better serve you. Please keep us on your radar!


Due Soon



2025 Stroudwater Physician Services Provider Compensation Survey


HCAHPS (Q4 2024) Measures are due April 2.


Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP) Invoices

We encourage our 2024-25 SHIP grantees to submit invoices for reimbursement to Megan Polster as soon as you are able. Because of many changes at the federal level, this will help ensure that funds are distributed as planned.

On Deck with Samantha Peck

WORH Rural Hospitals and Clinics Program Manager


There is a recent significant change to MBQIP measures, and CMS have updated the Global Measures category. Previously, Global Measures included a “Hospital Commitment to Health Equity," and this is no longer a required report.


We will share more information as we receive it, and you can stay up to date with MBQIP requirements by checking the RQITA website.

Learn



Grant Writing Strategies and Tactics

Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 10–11:15 a.m. CDT

Virtual grant writing workshop, via Zoom (you will receive a Zoom link with your registration confirmation)


Join The Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP) for a virtual grant writing workshop. WPP administers a wide range of competitive grant programs that help improve the health of all Wisconsinites. Click here to register for the workshop, and learn when WPP presenters will be hosting Community Connections events in La Crosse, Green Bay, and Kenosha in early April.

Fund



Grain Bin Rescue Contest

Due April 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT

Geography: nationwide

Complete the online contest form


Open to local fire departments and emergency rescue teams, the contest sponsored by Nationwide will award one grain rescue tube valued between $3000-5,000 and one six-hour grain entrapment rescue training session at the winner's location, valued up to $5,000.


Mary Kay Ash Foundation Domestic Violence Shelter Grants

Due April 30, 2025

Complete the online grant application

Geography: nationwide, one per state


The Mary Kay Foundation Domestic Violence Shelter Grant Program awards grants to emergency women's domestic violence shelters. The Foundation will award a grant of $20,000 to at least one domestic violence shelter in every state that applies, and many grants have gone to rural areas.


Healthcare Connect Fund, a component of the FCC's Rural Health Care Program

Due April 1, 2025

Complete the online grant application

Geography: nationwide


The Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) provides funding to eligible healthcare providers for eligible expenses related to advanced telecommunications and information services necessary for the provision of healthcare. These may include broadband services, network equipment, network security, and health care provider constructed and owned network facilities.


Contact Kevin Jacobson, WORH Loan Assistance Manager, for help identifying grant opportunities to support your important work.


Reference



American Heart Association (AHA) Resources to Improve Rural Health in the Midwest, March 2025 

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