Rural Health
News by Topic: Health disparities
Oct 28, 2026 - Describes the higher risk of stroke among farmers and the challenges they experience in accessing emergency medical care. Highlights an American Heart Association program that helps hospitals identify opportunities to improve care for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Source: Farm Press
Oct 23, 2026 - Describes a newly funded project aiming to increase the participation of rural communities in clinical research and strengthen research partnerships with rural areas across the Southwest. Planned clinical research studies will investigate using telehealth to manage chronic disease and the impact of community doulas on maternal health outcomes.
Source: UNM Health Sciences News
Oct 19, 2026 - Discusses insufficient access to both labor and delivery services and emergency medical services across Iowa, noting the potential impacts on maternal health outcomes.
Source: KMTV
Oct 13, 2026 - Describes discussions at the inaugural Rural Cardiovascular Care in the U.S. Symposium, a West Virginia gathering on heart healthcare delivery in rural and underserved communities. The event provided connections for clinicians, administrators, and innovators with the goal of creating partnerships that lead to new models of care and improved heart health outcomes.
Source: WVU Medicine
Oct 12, 2026 - Two recent studies by American Cancer Society (ACS) scientists found that survival and mortality disparities between rural and urban women with breast cancer have widened over time. Results showed that women in small metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas experienced worse breast cancer survival rates than women in large metropolitan areas.
Source: American Cancer Society
Oct 5, 2026 - Highlights a nonprofit organization working to increase access to and resources for mental healthcare for farmers and ranchers. Notes high rates of suicide in the population and discusses signs of poor mental health.
Source: High Plains Public Radio
Sep 24, 2026 - Discusses the farming-specific drivers of high suicide rates and highlights tools and resources to address the risks.
Source: Trust Magazine
Sep 22, 2026 - Announces awarded funding to 14 tribal and urban Indian communities for phase 2 of a produce prescription program. The program aims to address chronic disease through nutrition. Notes that tribal communities have higher rates of food insecurity and chronic diseases.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Sep 21, 2026 - Describes disparities in buprenorphine treatment availability in rural areas despite new data showing a national increase in the medication in pharmacies and emergency departments. Discusses challenges that continue to exist in rural Pennsylvania and highlights telehealth as a tool that could support improved access to the medication.
Source: WHYY
Sep 16, 2026 - Summarizes new research finding that rural older adults are less likely to receive hospice care and intensive hospice services. Notes that future research should explore drivers of this disparity.
Source: Dartmouth Health News & Stories