Rural Health
News by Topic: Access
Oct 15, 2024 - Highlights high rates of food insecurity in rural western North Carolina and how these challenges were exacerbated by Hurricane Helene. Features an Asheville-based food bank that offers food distribution throughout the region, but which incurred significant damages in the storm. Describes ongoing efforts to distribute food to storm-affected rural areas, including pop-up distribution sites, mobile kitchens, and state and federal assistance programs.
Source: NC Health News
Oct 14, 2024 - Discusses higher breast cancer mortality rates among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women. Explores treatment barriers including transportation and long distances to care. Notes lower screening rates among AI/AN women and efforts to develop more culturally responsive outreach tools.
Source: ABC News
Oct 14, 2024 - Describes the use of ride-hailing apps by rural Georgians for transportation to medical appointments. Highlights data showing that a significant number of rural residents are using the apps for transportation to appointments over 100 miles away. Notes that some insurance plans cover transportation costs, but services may be less available in rural communities.
Source: KFF Health News
Oct 14, 2024 - Highlights two mobile clinic programs offering a variety of women's health services, including birth control, to rural communities in Texas and Arkansas. Notes that mobile clinics can help improve access to women's health services in rural areas, but are often expensive to operate. Describes funding strategies, community partnerships, legal considerations, and the utilization of community health workers for mobile clinic programs.
Source: KFF Health News
Oct 11, 2024 - Reports on the increased vulnerability to heat for older residents with more limited healthcare access in Tennessee. Notes that Tennessee has had the second highest number of rural hospital closures since 2010. Discusses other variables not studied which may also impact vulnerability.
Source: Tennessee Lookout
Oct 10, 2024 - Highlights the experiences of a rural doctor working North Dakota, noting her long commute and connection with patients as a lifelong rural resident and rancher.
Source: Sanford Health News
Oct 9, 2024 - Announces a new program in Alabama to expand genetic testing and getting patients into clinical trials in Alabama with particular focus on including rural and other underserved residents in the state. Discusses challenges related to primary care access, diverse clinical trial pools, and the economic benefits of research for the state.
Source: Alabama Reflector
Oct 9, 2024 - Announces new funding across 15 states for identifying and implementing strategies to address the maternal health. The funding will allow State Maternal Health Innovation programs to identify the drivers of maternal mortality and implement tailored programs to address those drivers. Offers examples of these programs including access to training for rural and frontier hospitals without an obstetrics department. Also notes other maternal health initiatives from the Health Resource & Services Administration.
Source: Health Resources & Services Administration
Oct 9, 2024 - Highlights a Texas initiative expanding broadband access in rural areas. Notes the role of broadband in for healthcare, workforce, and education needs. Discusses funding and infrastructure challenges.
Source: KERA News
Oct 9, 2024 - Announces new grant funding for a Maryland program testing drone delivery for rural island residents. The program will deliver medical packages from the mainland and will explore drone use during emergency situations such as natural disasters.
Source: StateScoop