HealthTeamWorks

08/31/2026

On this International Overdose Awareness Day, it’s a good time to remind ourselves that we can all play a role in preventing overdose and saving lives.

Knowing the signs of an overdose, carrying naloxone and knowing how to use it, calling 911 when an overdose is suspected, and helping connect people to treatment and support can make a difference.

Learn more about overdose prevention and International Overdose Awareness Day on the DEA website:
https://www.dea.gov/ioad

08/27/2026

It’s National Community Health Worker Awareness Week, and we’re celebrating the impact CHWs make every day by sharing a success story from one of our CHW Professional Skills Training participants.

When an older adult living alone began experiencing increasing health and safety concerns, a Community Health Worker stepped in to help.

After years without medical care and hesitation about seeking help, the CHW took the time to listen, build trust, and use motivational interviewing skills to help her feel comfortable taking the first step toward care.

From there, the CHW helped coordinate a team to address her medical and social needs and connected her with aging resources and other supports. Today, she has taken important steps to remain safer and more independent at home, including installing grab bars, obtaining a life alert system, getting help with her home, increasing her physical activity, and returning for follow-up care.

The CHW continues to check in, provide encouragement, and help her navigate resources while respecting her choices and independence.

This story is a wonderful example of what Community Health Workers do: build trust, meet people where they are, connect health and social care, and help individuals take meaningful steps toward better health and well-being.

During , we celebrate CHWs and the difference they make in their communities every day.

08/26/2026

Rural communities are finding new ways to help older adults stay connected, supported, and safely age in place.

The Connected Communities for Healthy Aging initiative works with local partners in rural Minnesota to build community-driven systems that address social isolation while improving access to healthcare, transportation, technology, caregiver support, and other essential services.

By the end of 2025, the initiative’s two original pilot communities had supported more than 8,900 older adults, while the five pilot communities had built 668 community partnerships.

Learn how this collaborative approach is strengthening the connections that help older adults thrive in their communities:
https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/project-examples/1169

A multi-year initiative works with local partners to help rural communities strengthen the "connective tissue" that supports older adults aging in place.

08/24/2026

It’s National Community Health Worker Awareness Week!

This week, we celebrate the essential role Community Health Workers (CHWs) play in strengthening communities, advancing health equity, and connecting people with the health and social services they need.

Here’s to CHWs and the incredible work they do every day!

08/21/2026

On July 14, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its Calendar Year (CY) 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Rule. The rule advances multiple policies that would help improve the nation’s health by strengthening primary care in Medicare. It also provides the primary care community an opportunity to weigh in on future policies through a request for information.

In a new Issue Brief, the Primary Care Collaborative (PCC) identifies five key areas for comment, followed by a more detailed breakdown of CMS proposals, issues raised by the RFI and what’s needed next from Medicare policymakers. It is intended to inform PCC members and the broader primary care community as they craft their responses to the draft rule.
Read more:

In a new Issue Brief, the PCC identifies five areas in the 2027 proposed MPFS rule for comment by the primary care community

08/12/2026

In this article, learn how the Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) Mobile Clinic is helping expand access to substance use disorder treatment in rural Iowa.

The mobile clinic brings addiction treatment and wraparound services directly to underserved communities while partnering with local providers to build their skills and confidence in treating substance use disorders. The approach also focuses on reducing stigma and helping communities develop sustainable local treatment capacity.

Read more about the MAT Mobile Clinic and its work in rural Iowa:

University of Iowa Health Care’s MAT (Medication for Addiction Treatment) Mobile Clinic is helping Iowans access life-saving treatment while also training local providers to continue the work long after the van drives away.

08/11/2026

More than 1 million Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) are estimated to live with a caregiver over age 60, raising important questions about what happens when aging caregivers are no longer able to provide support.

A new Milbank Quarterly Opinion explores the need for better planning and stronger partnerships among families, clinicians, and policymakers to support individuals with IDDs through caregiver transitions, including opportunities through Medicaid 1915(c) waivers.

Read the full article:

For almost 40 years, Janice cared for Vincent, her son with a developmental disability, at their home in upstate New York.

08/10/2026

Rural communities continue to face challenges related to workforce shortages, access to care, public health capacity, and sustainable investment. A recent ASTHO article explores strategies for strengthening connections between rural public health, health care, and community development—including cross-sector partnerships and Rural Development Hubs.
Read the article from ASTHO:

Explore how Rural Health Academy and Rural Development Hubs that can help bridge the gap in rural public health and health care.

08/06/2026

RHIhub has released a Rural Mobile Healthcare Toolkit featuring practical resources, evidence-based and promising models, and real-world examples to support organizations in developing, implementing, and sustaining mobile healthcare programs in rural communities. Access the toolkit:

A step-by-step guide to implementing mobile healthcare programs in rural communities, with evidence-based examples you can adapt to fit your program's needs.

08/04/2026

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing has developed "CCBHC & Managed Care Collaboration: A Guidebook for State and Managed Care Leaders", a practical resource built on insights from states, health plans, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), and people with lived experience.

The guidebook highlights lessons for strengthening collaboration between state agencies and Medicaid managed care organizations, with topics including leadership, stakeholder engagement, role clarity, data sharing, and strategies to support sustainable behavioral health care delivery.

Access the guidebook:

This resource offers practical, field-tested recommendations drawn from states, health plans, clinics and people with lived experience.