NYSDA Publications

HRSA Issues Regulatory Update

Oct 29, 2026

United States Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

HHS and HRSA Launch Health Center Healthy Lifestyle Commitment

HHS and HRSA launched the Health Center Healthy Lifestyle Commitment, a voluntary initiative encouraging health centers to prioritize healthy eating, physical activity, and other habits that help prevent and manage chronic disease.

New Funding Strengthens Support for Mothers, Babies, and Families

HRSA is strengthening maternal and child health through new investments that expand access to home visiting services, nutritious foods, and essential newborn supplies.  This month, Administrator Engels traveled to Ohio, Louisiana, and West Virginia to highlight these efforts, including:

  • Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program: Joined Senator Jon Husted and Representative Mike Carey in Columbus, Ohio, to announce more than $525 million to support families and children through age 5, the largest federal investment in home visiting in the program's history.
  • Maternal Produce Prescription Program: Announced $12.7 million during a visit to START Corporation in Houma, Louisiana, one of 27 funded programs that will help expecting and new moms and their families access fresh produce and nutrition education.
  • HHS Newborn Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) Program: Joined West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey to announce the expansion of the NEST Program, which provides families with essential supplies and information on postpartum health, infant care, and nutrition.

Highlighting Administrator Visits Across Alaska and Texas

From Texas to Alaska, Administrator Engels was on the road this month to see HRSA programs providing care across our nation.  In mid-October, he traveled to Texas with HHS leadership to announce the Kidney Care National Plan.  HRSA continues to strengthen safety, transparency, and accountability across the transplant system while expanding access to living and deceased-donor transplantation.  While in Texas, Administrator Engels also visited North Texas Area Community Health Centers to celebrate HRSA funding to open a new clinic in Fort Worth and recognize the organization's achievements in heart health and diabetes care.  Across Alaska, he met with health centers, Tribal organizations, and community partners to discuss expanding access to care, integrating telehealth and emerging technologies, and strengthening the health workforce, particularly in rural and remote communities.  Administrator Engels also visited health care providers delivering essential care to Alaska Native and American Indian communities outside of Anchorage.  The visits highlighted the power of local partnerships and HRSA's continued commitment to helping individuals and families access the quality care they need to live healthier lives, no matter where they call home.

HRSA In Focus

Care just got a little closer for individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease.  HRSA announced seven awards through the Sickle Cell Disease Regional Care Excellence (SoRCE) Program to expand access to high-quality care and community-based services.  Through the expansion, HRSA is strengthening regional networks that connect clinical specialists with trusted community organizations, helping more individuals and families access the care and support they need closer to home.

Register Now: HRSA Virtual Job Fair

Register to attend the HRSA Virtual Job Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 6–9 p.m. ET.  This free online event will connect health care professionals with representatives from rural health care facilities that are recruiting for open positions.  To prepare, update your profile on the Health Workforce Connector to include your experience, education, training, certifications, and employment preferences.

Now Accepting Applications: NHSC Students to Service Loan Repayment Program

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Students to Service Loan Repayment Program application is open!  Final-year students training to become a physician, dentist, physician assistant/associate, nurse practitioner, or certified nurse midwife can receive up to $120,000 in student loan repayment.  An additional $40,000 supplement is available to physician and nurse midwife students committing to providing OB/GYN services in high-need areas.  Watch the application webinar to learn about the application requirements and process.  Applications are due Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Key Updates

HRSA Releases 2025 National Survey of Children’s Health Data

In recognition of Child Health Day on Oct. 5, HRSA released new National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) data, providing national and state insights on the health and well-being of America’s children, families, and communities.

Telehealth Tools for Infants and Young Children

Telehealth can help families connect infants and toddlers to developmental, behavioral, and early intervention services from home.

  • Providers: Explore best practices for delivering care to infants and toddlers through telehealth.
  • Parents and caregivers: Discover how telehealth can help with accessing care and supporting your child’s health and development.

New CDC Training Available for Pharmacists

CDC’s new online clinical training–A Pharmacist’s Role in Pain Management and Substance Use Disorders–provides pharmacists with strategies to help support their patients navigate pain management with or without opioids, the tapering process, and opioid use disorder treatment.