Blog

April 15, 2025 — In the world of non-emergency medical care, the journey to healing often begins long before a patient enters a hospital. For Indiana residents facing long-distance travel for treatment, that journey can feel overwhelming—both emotionally and financially. That’s where LifeLine Pilots comes in, offering more than just a seat on a plane—they offer hope, at no cost.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force in many industries - healthcare is no exception.  One survey by the American Medical Association (AMA) found that nearly two thirds of physicians surveyed saw advantages to utilizing AI, with nearly 40 percent currently utilizing it in their own practices. While AI is still a developing technology, there is a large amount of enthusiasm for its potential – but is that hope grounded in reality or is the potential of AI little more than science fiction?

The Indiana Rural Health Association has long been a fierce advocate for rural health, and is excited to announce that they have been awarded the Safety PIN grant from the Indiana Department of Health, and have established the MommyWise program to help improve maternal and infant health outcomes in Grant County. MommyWise works to utilize local Community Educators to present a number of educational sessions, focusing on important topics such as pelvic floor therapy, nutrition and wellness, pregnancy complications and birth process, postpartum and infant care, immunization schedule, and smoking cessation and risky substance avoidance.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is taking significant steps to enhance access to behavioral health services and opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment. These changes, finalized under the CMS Behavioral Health Strategy, aim to provide more comprehensive, flexible, and accessible care for individuals in need. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates and what they mean for patients and providers.

Election Day is just around the corner on November 5, and it’s an important opportunity for rural Hoosiers to have their voices heard at the polls. Whether you're voting on local issues, school boards, or larger government roles, every vote shapes the future of our communities.

October 10 is World Mental Health Day! The Indiana Rural Health Association (IRHA) stands with the global community in recognizing the vital importance of mental health and well-being. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by millions, particularly in rural areas where mental health services can often be limited.

Since 2010, the Indiana Rural Health Association has been a statewide partner with the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH),Tobacco Prevention and Cessation (TPC) program, to assist healthcare facilities effectively manage tobacco use and nicotine dependence. Quit Now Indiana has the resources you need to start your smoke-free journey.