Rural Health Information Hub Latest News

Comments Requested: Guidance for Federal Grants and Agreements – March 23

On January 22, the Office of Management and Budget proposed changes to the guidance for grants, cooperative agreements, and other types of Federal financial assistance. The proposed changes are an update to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) located in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR 200). Changes include updates to meet statutory requirements, clarifications to terminology, increases to micro-purchase and simplified acquisition thresholds, and new requirements such as public posting of indirect cost rate agreements to increase transparency.  This guidance impacts all recipients of Federal awards so rural organizations that currently manage Federal grants or wish to apply for Federal grants should review the proposed changes. Find more information here.

Infant Mortality Rates for Metro and Non-metro Counties, by Race and Hispanic Origin

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data showing that infant mortality rates for nonmetropolitan counties was lowest for infants of Hispanic mothers, followed by infants of non-Hispanic white mothers.  The rate of mortality for infants of non-Hispanic black mothers was more than double the lowest rate in both metropolitan and non-metropolitan counties. Read more here.

CDC Report on Suicide Rates by Industry and Occupation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published data finding that suicide among the U.S. working-age population (ages 16-64 years) was increasing during the time period studied.  The five major industry groups with suicide rates higher than the study population included 1) Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction; 2) Construction; 3) Other Services (e.g. automotive repair); 4) Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting; and 5) Transportation and Warehousing. Find more information here.