NYSDA Publications

United States Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Issues Regulatory Update

May 28, 2026

HRSA Reimagines Health Care Access, Affordability, and Trust

This month, Administrator Tom Engels spoke at the Axios Future of Health Summit in Washington, DC, to discuss the future of health care delivery, affordability, and access.  During the conversation, Administrator Engels emphasized HRSA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the nation’s health care system through improved coordination, innovation, and targeted investments in communities, including:

  • 340B drug pricing: Making the 340B Drug Pricing Program more efficient
  • Organ donation & transplantation: Modernizing the nation’s organ procurement and transplantation system and rebuilding trust
  • Primary and behavioral health care: Expanding access to primary and behavioral health care through the Health Center Program
  • Health data: Improving health data sharing and interoperability
  • Rural Health: Making targeted investments to strengthen rural health systems

HRSA Encourages Health Centers to Advance Nutrition-Focused Care

On May 13, HRSA issued a Dear Colleague Letter encouraging more than 1,400 HRSA-funded health centers nationwide to incorporate the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans into patient education efforts, including:

  • Integrating nutrition guidance into clinical care and counseling
  • Displaying educational materials in treatment rooms and waiting areas
  • Promoting resources through health center websites and social media
Read the press release.

HRSA Honors Mental Health Awareness Month, Celebrates Launch of Moms.gov

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — and a reminder that support is available for pregnant and postpartum women experiencing mental health challenges.  Earlier this month, Administrator Tom Engels joined the HHS roundtable launching Moms.gov, a new website designed to connect new and expecting mothers with trusted information and resources.  During the event, Administrator Engels shared what inspires his leadership and underscored HRSA’s commitment to supporting mothers, children, and families for generations to come.

Watch a brief clip of his remarks

Watch the full roundtable to learn more about the launch of Moms.gov and the resources available to support new and expecting mothers

Visit moms.gov

HHS Launches MAHA Action Plan to Curb Psychiatric Overprescribing

On May 4, HHS announced efforts to curb psychiatric overprescribing.  HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., laid out a new action plan to promote appropriate psychiatric prescribing and drive deprescribing when clinically indicated.  Later this year, HRSA will host a joint webinar for health center providers focused on holistic care, including nonmedication treatments, and deprescribing and tapering of psychiatric medications when clinically indicated.
Read the press release and action plan.

HHS Cracks Down on Years of Unchecked Audit Findings

HHS announced a new Audit Enforcement & Risk Oversight (AERO) initiative that will use artificial intelligence and strengthened audit reviews to identify fraud, waste, and weak financial oversight in federally funded health and human services programs, with the potential for corrective actions or funding restrictions for noncompliant recipients.
Read the press release.

HRSA In Focus

HRSA Celebrates Anniversary of the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

This month, HRSA celebrated the fourth anniversary of the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA).  The Hotline provides free, confidential, 24/7, mental health support for moms and their families before, during, and after pregnancy.  Since launching, the Hotline has received more than 100,000 calls and texts, connecting moms and families to critical support when they need it most.  The addition of a new webchat feature has also expanded access, giving moms another convenient way to connect with trained Hotline counselors and receive real-time support.  Help spread the word by sharing 1-833-TLC-MAMA with your loved ones and communities so every mom knows support is available before, during, and after pregnancy.
Download materials from the Hotline Partner Toolkit.

Expanding Mental Health Support for Children and Families through Teleconsultation

When children, pregnant women, or new moms experience mental health challenges, families often turn first to trusted primary care providers for help.  That’s why support, training, and access to expert guidance are so important.  As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, check out our new blog post with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that highlights HRSA programs helping frontline providers identify mental health concerns early and connect families to expert care sooner.

Key Updates

Apply Now!  HRSA Loan Repayment Programs for Eligible Clinicians

The Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program is open and accepting applications through June 23.  Eligible substance use disorder clinicians and community health workers may receive up to $250,000 in exchange for a six-year, full-time service commitment at a STAR-approved facility.            Interested in applying?  Join the webinar on Wednesday, June 3 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. ET.  The Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program is open and accepting applications through June 30.  Eligible clinicians providing pediatric medical subspecialty, pediatric surgical specialty, or child and adolescent mental and behavioral health care, including substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and treatment services may receive up to $100,000 in exchange for a three-year, full time service commitment at a pediatric specialty approved facility.  Join the webinar on Wednesday, June 10 from 2– 3:30 p.m. ET to learn more.

OPTN 411 Expands Support for Patients and Families

OPTN 411, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) patient services line, assists patients, families, living donors, transplant professionals, and members of the public with questions about organ donation and transplantation.  Whether you are exploring donation, navigating the transplant process, or seeking general information, OPTN 411 is a resource for questions and support.  Call 1-888-OPTN-411 (1-866-678-6411), Monday – Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

Register Now: 2026 Healthy Grants Workshop

Register for the 2026 Healthy Grants Workshop — a free workshop series designed to help HRSA grant recipients successfully manage their awards.  The workshop is organized into two tracks:

  • New Recipients/Refresher — for recipients new to HRSA grant management
  • Advanced — for experienced recipients seeking more in-depth guidance, practices, and insights.

Each session covers two topics such as grants administration, budgeting, allowable costs, and more.  The next sessions are scheduled from 1 – 4 p.m. ET:

  • June 10
  • July 15
  • August 12
View the Healthy Grants Workshop Schedule to learn more.
For questions about the workshop, email HRSAGrantsWorkshop@hrsa.gov.  You can also find recordings of previous Healthy Grants Workshops here.

Become a HRSA Grant Reviewer

 Are you or someone you know an expert in at least one of these areas?

  • Behavioral health
  • Health workforce training
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Maternal and child health
  • Primary care delivery
  • Rural health

If so, you may be able to help HRSA review grant applications.  If you are interested in becoming a grant reviewer, please visit HRSA’s How to Become a Grant Reviewer webpage.  Please share this information with anyone you think may be interested in becoming a grant reviewer.