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

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

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

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

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