ALSO NOTED: Clinics picking up rural care slack; Hospital supply costs rise; and much more...

> When medical centers close in rural areas, clinics often step in to pick up the slack. Article [1]

> Hospital and health system supply costs are expected to rise 5.1 percent during fiscal year 2006, according to Moody's Investors Service. Article [2]

> U.S.-based healthcare quality and accreditation group Joint Commission International is opening a new Asia-Pacific office in Singapore. Article [3]

> U.S. residency programs for family physicians are increasingly drawing foreign doctors. Article [4]

And Finally... The Red Cross is one of the most recognized brands in the world. But according to one Chairman of a Red Cross chapter, it's also one of the least understood. Blog [5]