To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Office of Rural Health, and for other purposes.

This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to establish an Office of Rural Health within the CDC. This office will be headed by a director and will serve as the primary point of contact for all matters pertaining to rural health within the agency. The Office of Rural Health will be responsible for assisting in conducting, coordinating, and promoting research on public health issues affecting rural populations, and for disseminating the results of such research. It will also work to develop and promulgate policies, best practices, and innovative programs, including those utilizing telehealth , to improve care and services for rural communities. Furthermore, the office will coordinate and support rural health research, conduct educational outreach, and disseminate evidence-based interventions to prevent disease and promote healthy behaviors. It is tasked with improving understanding of rural health challenges, identifying healthcare disparities, and awarding grants and contracts to support activities aimed at improving health in rural areas. The office will also coordinate with the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy to ensure cooperation and avoid duplication of efforts.