Rural Health
News by Topic: Access
Jul 8, 2024 - A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed that 46.3% of U.S. counties, many of which are rural, lack a cardiologist. Features a county-level map with shadings showing counties with at least one cardiologist.
Source: NBC News
Jul 8, 2024 - A new report indicates that Alabama's crisis response needs improvements to expand its coverage and effectiveness. Kim Boswell, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health, said the Opioid Commission has appropriated $3 million to help with call center capacity.
Source: Public News Service
Jul 6, 2024 - Discusses a study addressing rural mental health workforce shortages, by analyzing factors that influence where healthcare professionals practice. Uses survey data collected by the Minnesota Department of Health from February 2022-2023, and includes responses from mental health clinicians who prescribe medications, licensed mental health professionals, licensed psychologists, and licensed alcohol and drug counselors.
Source: Echo Press
Jul 5, 2024 - Texas's non-congregate summer food program allows students to take free meals to go, instead of eating on site. The initiative is similar to feeding solutions developed by school districts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: San Antonio Report
Jul 5, 2024 - Describes process by which Randolph County, Illinois used grant funding to transform part of an underused county-owned nursing home into a behavioral health center. The county held stakeholder meetings to address initial opposition among community members and created a consensus around development of a center.
Source: National Association of Counties
Jul 3, 2024 - Discusses the lack of electricity, and subsequently air conditioning, in homes during periods of extreme heat on the Navajo Nation. Details some of the obstacles accessing electricity and some of the entities that are working to overcome them.
Source: CNN
Jul 3, 2024 - Discusses health-related challenges in Bastrop County, Texas, a Health Professional Shortage Area for primary care, dental care, and mental health care. The county has a high percentage of uninsured people, few transportation options in rural areas, and a lack of maternal health services.
Source: Community Impact
Jul 3, 2024 - Discusses how a remote patient monitoring program in northern Minnesota is increasing access to care and resources for rural pregnant women. Details the program's structure and highlights the use of in-home telehealth appointments, physical monitoring equipment, and arranging transportation for in-person care.
Source: HealthLeaders Media
AHRQ: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Federal Register
Jul 1, 2024 - The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is allowing an additional 30 days for comments on proposed updates to the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) – Household and Medical Provider Components (MEPS-HC). Proposed changes include wording changes that will help identify telehealth utilization and access, as well as maintain consistency between Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems 5.1 and MEPS-HC questionnaire items. Comments are due by July 31, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 1, 2024 - Nonprofit organization Teen Turf and the Ogle County Health Department in Illinois have partnered to create 4 rural mini food centers, where food is available 24/7. Funding for the project came from a 3-year grant providing $500,000 each year, and also supports education, a community garden, and gardening classes in collaboration with University of Illinois Extension.
Source: The Amboy News