Announcements
Faces of Rural: Defining Who We Are
J-1 Physician Immigration Law Talk with Jan Pederson
Addressing health inequities: An acute care framework | October 25, 2023
Most healthcare leaders are aware of the importance of health equity; however, the question about how to approach it lingers in their minds. Over the past few years, the long-standing and well-documented health disparities between minority ethnic and racial groups and white patients have shot to the top of leaders' priority lists. But with a problem so complex and deeply ingrained, many organizations struggle to implement meaningful solutions — or even know the best place to begin.
Awareness alone isn't enough to help hospitals make health equity a reality in their communities. In this live webinar, the CEO of a large physician group will discuss how to confront care gaps and advance health equity in hospital medicine.
You'll learn:
Awareness alone isn't enough to help hospitals make health equity a reality in their communities. In this live webinar, the CEO of a large physician group will discuss how to confront care gaps and advance health equity in hospital medicine.
You'll learn:
- Data that demonstrates known disparities in the acute care space
- A framework for addressing equity gaps
- Results from real-world efforts
Maternal Health in Iowa - Solutions Symposium I October 30, 2023
Join us for a day of education and awareness as you hear from experts across the US and state on maternal health best practices. We will address the rural inequities in maternal and infant health care and share solutions. Sharing evidence-based maternal health solutions in Iowa and sharing what can be replicated from other parts of the US.
Following the symposium, Healthy Birth Day, Inc. and a group of Stakeholders will continue building on the conversation and share an action plan developed from the Symposium. In early 2024 we will host a virtual webinar to continue the conversation on maternal and infant health inequities and solutions.
This Symposium will focus on current data and trends happening in Iowa and the US in the maternal health areas and shared solutions.
Following the symposium, Healthy Birth Day, Inc. and a group of Stakeholders will continue building on the conversation and share an action plan developed from the Symposium. In early 2024 we will host a virtual webinar to continue the conversation on maternal and infant health inequities and solutions.
This Symposium will focus on current data and trends happening in Iowa and the US in the maternal health areas and shared solutions.
2023 IRHA Annual Conference | October 18, 2023
The Iowa Rural Health Association will hold an in-person, one-day conference to learn from one another and fuel thoughts for a stronger, healthier Rural Iowa. Please check back for more information about the event as it becomes available.
**CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN**
Please click here to register for the 2023 IRHA Annual Conference!
**CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN**
Please click here to register for the 2023 IRHA Annual Conference!
Iowa Community Health Conference | January 22-23, 2024
Save the date for the Iowa Community Health Conference! This year's event will bring together leaders in community health for an event full of inspiration and relevant topics such as health equity, data in healthcare, advocacy, the future of healthcare, rural healthcare in Iowa, and much more.
Conference Dates: Monday, January 22, 2024 through Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at the Des Moines Downtown Marriott
Day on the Hill: Wednesday, January 24, 2024
More information can be found at www.iowacommunityhealthconference.org or by emailing our staff.
Conference Dates: Monday, January 22, 2024 through Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at the Des Moines Downtown Marriott
Day on the Hill: Wednesday, January 24, 2024
More information can be found at www.iowacommunityhealthconference.org or by emailing our staff.
Iowa Rural Health Association a Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation Grant Awardees
The Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation awarded over $295,000 to nine Iowa organizations, including the Iowa Rural Health Association, to strengthen and transform the oral and overall health of all Iowans. The grants are part of the Foundation’s Community of Health Grant programs that are intended to infuse a spark, encourage new learnings, strengthen nonprofit organization and coalition operations, or initiate a larger oral or overall health initiative. Learn more about the oral health and overall health related projects here.
Looking for more information about Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation grants? Learn more on the Delta Dental Foundation website.
Looking for more information about Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation grants? Learn more on the Delta Dental Foundation website.
One-Third of Iowa Counties are Maternity Care Deserts
This report presents data on several important factors: levels of maternity care access and maternity care deserts by county; distance to birthing hospitals availability of family planning services; community level factors associated with prenatal care usage as well as the burden and consequences of chronic health conditions across the state. While not an exhaustive list, each of these topics contribute to the complexity of maternity care access in each state. Working to improve access to maternity care by bringing awareness to maternity care deserts and other factors that limit access is one way in which March of Dimes strives to reduce preventable mortality and morbidity for all pregnant people.
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Practice Site Recertification
Apply for NHSC-approved Site Recertification through October 12, 2023, 11:59 p.m. ET.
As an approved site, your clinicians can apply for our Loan Repayment Programs, and you can also take advantage of recruitment benefits, such as the Health Workforce Connector and HRSA Virtual Job Fairs.
As an approved site, your clinicians can apply for our Loan Repayment Programs, and you can also take advantage of recruitment benefits, such as the Health Workforce Connector and HRSA Virtual Job Fairs.
How to prepare for site recertification
Begin with a review of the NHSC Site Agreement (PDF - 291 KB) and the Site Reference Guide (PDF - 783 KB) to familiarize yourself with the NHSC site eligibility requirements, required documentation, and site recertification process.
Health Professions Students: Pay off School Debt through the National Health Service Corps Students to Service Loan Repayment Program
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Approaching your final year of school and need help paying off your debt? Consider applying for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Students to Service Loan Repayment Program opening soon. Medical, physician assistant, nursing and dental students can get money for school loans in exchange for serving in a community of need.
Receive up to $120,000, in addition to a competitive salary and benefits, for three years of full-time service or part-time for six years. Don't let this opportunity slip by. Subscribe to receive a notification when the application window opens. The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Students to Service Loan Repayment Program is a federal government program administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration. |
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Vital Role of Direct Care Workers
The need for Iowa direct care workers is expected to increase 19% by the year 2040, which further escalates concern of workforce’s growing shortage. Di Findley, Iowa CareGivers executive director, recently discussed who direct care workers are and the services they provide, their critical role in providing care and support for older Iowans and people with disabilities, and how to learn more about direct care professions on “Mission: Employable”, an Iowa Workforce Development podcast.
Publications and Articles
Residents underpaid, underappreciated within a 'brutal' system: survey
Many final-year residents have said they are both underpaid and underappreciated for the sheer volume of work they are expected to do within what some termed a "brutal" healthcare system. That's according to a 2023 AMN report: "Survey of Final-Year Medical Residents: Many Job Choices, Many Reservations."
The Role of State and Territorial Health Agencies in Supporting and Hiring Community Health Workers
As communities across the United States continue to face barriers to accessing care—whether due to geographic constraints, an overburdened clinical workforce, or social and economic barriers—community health workers (CHWs) can establish trusting relationships and create bridges that help clients navigate and access services. CHWs can also facilitate the identification of community needs and improve community capacity to self-advocate within the service delivery system.
Mahaska Health welcomes new providers, expands care
Mahaska Health Partnership celebrated its recent hire of several new healthcare providers at a health fair event Thursday night at Gateway Church in Oskaloosa. The newest hires, which include a cardiologist, an emergency room director, two obstetrics and gynecology providers, a pediatrician and a new family practice physician, will help to maintain the services the hospital already provides and to expand into new areas so that a wide variety of specialties are available to people right here in the southeast Iowa community.
University of Iowa wants $50M from state to improve rural health care
Taking a cue from last year’s Legislature, which tied its full Board of Regents funding increase to specific campus initiatives, Iowa’s public universities for the upcoming session have made significant “special purpose” funding requests.
Iowa PCA Dental Assistant Apprenticeship Program
Throughout Iowa, accessing dental care can be a challenge, particularly in under-resourced and rural areas, due to acute workforce shortages. In response to help statewide efforts to address workforce needs, the Iowa Primary Care Association (Iowa PCA) has created a Dental Assistant (DA) Apprenticeship Program.
SORH Resource Center
NOSORH is pleased to introduce the SORH Resource Center – a new virtual destination to empower State Offices of Rural Health with a collection of curated resources and tools handpicked to address the critical healthcare topics that matter most to rural communities.
Des Moines University and University of Northern Iowa Sign Partnership Agreement to Help Students Interested in Health Care
Des Moines University, located in West Des Moines, and the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, have announced a new partnership to create enhanced pathways for UNI students seeking medical- and health-sciences careers. The partnership is intended to foster opportunities for students while helping build Iowa's health care workforce.
Rural Health Clinics 101 | RHIhub
Take a look at the recently updated topic guide from the Rural Health Information Hub (RHIhub) with information outlining the Rural Health Clinic program and how it works to ensure access to primary care in rural areas.
How Expanding the Role of Midwives in U.S. Health Care Could Help Address the Maternal Health Crisis
Midwives, incorporated fully into U.S. maternity care systems, could reduce perinatal health disparities and help address provider workforce shortages.
Univ. of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics launches certified nurse-midwifery education program
UIHC’s now has a First-in-Iowa Nurse-Midwifery Education Program. RNs can now reach that certification through this program. It’s hoped it will improve health care access and maternal health outcomes across the state.
Community Health Workers in Rural Settings
This article provides information on how CHWs are used to support quality healthcare in rural communities.
Rural Behavioral Health Workforce
The Health Resources and Services Administration has designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas (MHPSA) identifying areas that lack professionals who can provide mental and behavioral health services. As of March 31, 2023, there were 4,040 MHPSAs in rural areas, with 2,141 practitioners needed to remove the designations. This recap examines the behavioral health workforce, including the distribution of social workers, psychologists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, counselors, and psychiatrists.
Online Resource for Licensure of Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Psychologists, and Social Workers. The site provides up-to-date information on emergency regulation and licensing in each state.
Iowa Healthcare Workforce Stakeholder Survey
The Iowa Medical Society, along with partner organizations are working together to assess and evaluate the evolving landscape and future of rural healthcare workforce in Iowa as part of the Iowa Rural Healthcare Workforce Strategic Planning and Stakeholder Engagement initiative. We want to hear from YOU! We are asking local Iowans from across the state to fill out the survey– from members of the healthcare workforce to those who are recipients of care, or those who represent community stakeholders impacted by local healthcare workforce issues. All responses are anonymous and will be utilized to support shared efforts to improve healthcare workforce in Iowa.
Who Should Take the Survey: Physicians, pharmacists, nurses, direct care workers, public health personnel, all healthcare professionals & administrators, community organizations, local businesses, patients & families, and community members.
Who Should Take the Survey: Physicians, pharmacists, nurses, direct care workers, public health personnel, all healthcare professionals & administrators, community organizations, local businesses, patients & families, and community members.
Click on image to view survey results
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Iowa CareGivers (IC) conducted a survey of direct care workers (DCW) to better understand impacts of COVID-19 on the DCW profession, as well as explore strategies to enhance current recruitment and retention efforts.
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Brookings Institution's Reimagine Rural, a podcast featuring rural towns experiencing positive changeWhile the dominant narrative regarding rural America is one of decline and division, “Reimagine Rural” is a new podcast that visits rural towns across the United States that are experiencing positive change and explores how public investment in rural people and places can lead to increased and equitable prosperity.
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Presentations
Webinar Recording Available: Ambulance Deserts - Geographic Disparities in the Provision of Ambulance Services
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Access to timely ambulance service is an essential part of the emergency medical system. Yet ambulance access varies widely with significant gaps across the country. During this webinar, Dr. Yvonne Jonk, from the Maine Rural Health Research Center, presented key findings from a new chartbook that analyzes 41 states in 2021-2022 and identifies places and people that are more than 25 minutes from an ambulance station, also called an ambulance desert (AD). The chartbook presents data on ADs by state and county. Included are maps of AD locations and healthcare facility locations for every state with available data.
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