Rural Health and Primary Care

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What’s New in Rural Health

Stay Updated on the Latest Developments

Welcome to the latest updates from the Rural Health & Primary Care Program! Here, you'll find the most current announcements, resources, and opportunities impacting rural healthcare in Maine. Recent highlights include the launch of innovative tools, funding opportunities, and event recaps. Check back regularly for the latest information as we transition older updates into the categorized sections below.

Featured Updates

NERHA Rural Data Analysis Dashboard Launched

The New England Rural Health Association (NERHA) has unveiled the Rural Data Analysis Dashboard, a powerful mapping tool designed to explore health disparities across New England. With nearly 200 data points covering demographics, social determinants, maternity services, and more, this tool is invaluable for rural health professionals, students, and researchers. Users can create customized maps, download data, and generate PDF reports for advocacy, research, and more.
Learn More and Access the Dashboard

FY2025 J-1 Conrad Waiver Season Open

The FY2025 J-1 Conrad Waiver season has officially begun! The preselection form opened on October 1st. Interested applicants and stakeholders can access resources below to learn more about the program and application process:

Programs

Northern Border Regional Commission J-1 Program

Applications for Specialist Physicians open on April 1, 2024. Updated guides now include new specialty care requirements.
Access the NBRC Guide (PDF) | Read Press Release (PDF)

Loan Repayment Program for Behavioral Health Providers

Applications for the Loan Repayment Program will open on October 16th, 2024 at 9:00 AM and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible providers are encouraged to read the announcement (PDF) closely and ensure all documents, including the Verification of Educational Debt Form (PDF) and Data Form (PDF), are prepared before the application opens. Applicants should complete as many Verifications of Education Debt Forms as needed to describe all relevant educational debt. The data form's purpose is to make applicants aware of the types of questions that they will be asked during the application. Therefore, this form does not need to be uploaded during the application.

Apply Here

Upcoming Webinars and Events

We are pleased to share with you information about an upcoming webinar series designed for healthcare professionals working in rural settings. This two-part event will focus on practical de-escalation strategies to help address and prevent workplace violence.

Webinar Series: Navigating Workplace Violence: A Webinar Series on De-escalation Strategies for Healthcare Professionals

Dates & Times:

  • Part 1: February 20, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM (ET)
  • Part 2: March 20, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM (ET)

For more details and to register, please visit: Home - Navigating Workplace Violence: A Webinar Series on De-escalation Strategies for Healthcare Professionals (ME#447/950)

2024 3RNET Academy

The 2024 3RNET Academy begins on October 8th and runs biweekly through December 17th. Our office has sponsored your attendance, so you can register and attend at no cost. This year's sessions cover Recruitment Processes, Retention Strategies, and Mission & DEIB Initiatives to strengthen your workforce.

Healthcare executives and HR professionals serving Maine's rural and underserved populations are encouraged to participate.

Register Here with Code: RecruitMaine2024

Funding Opportunities

HRSA Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program

HRSA has released a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to enhance behavioral health services for children, adolescents, and young adults.

  • Total Funding: $59.6 million across 101 grantees over four years
  • Eligible Applicants: Public and Private Institutions, Hospitals, Rural Clinics, and Nonprofits
  • Deadline: January 21, 2025, 11:59 P.M. ET
    Learn More and Apply

Resources 

Immigration Pathways for Recruitment Webinar

Missed our recent webinar on recruitment strategies for foreign-trained physicians? You can still access the slides and recording to catch up on this valuable session.
View Slide (PDF) | Contact Erica Dyer  Erica.dyer@maine.gov for recording

New Northern Border Regional Commission J-1 Waiver Program Webinar

The Rural Health and Primary Care Program recently hosted a webinar on the new Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) J-1 Waiver Program. 

View Slides (PDF) | View Recording - Passcode: b!u^2evs | NBRC J-1 Waiver Program Guide (PDF)

Kids Count Data Book 2023

This year’s Kids Count Data Book highlights critical indicators like child poverty, child welfare, and teen mental health.
Read the Data Book (PDF)

Patient Centered Medical Home Presentation

Kristen Ogden, RN, from the Compliance Team, recently delivered a presentation on the Patient Centered Medical Home to Maine’s Rural Health Clinics.

View Recording - Passcode: M=8AW@kw. | View Slides (PDF)

Regulatory Updates Presentation

Kate Hill, RN, from the Compliance Team, recently gave a presentation on Regulatory Updates to Maine’s Rural Health Clinics.

View Recording - Passcode: Crp0ZH.$

Listening Session on Statewide Rational Service Areas

Thank you to everyone who attended the Listening Session on the Statewide Rational Service Areas. For those who were unable to attend or would like to rewatch, the session was recorded:

View Recording -  Passcode: cv0zZv$4 | View Slides( PDF) | View Discussion Handouts (PDF)

3RNET

3RNET has recently launched their 3RNET PLUS TOOLS. Please follow this link (PDF) for a one pager with information on the 3RNET PLUS TOOLS including a video.