Rural Health
News by Topic: Health disparities
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
Sep 14, 2026 - Describes the work of libraries to connect rural and tribal communities with tools and education promoting heart health through the American Heart Association's Libraries with Heart initiative. Discusses rural heart health risk and highlights how the program has been implemented in Florida, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
Source: National Rural Health Association
Sep 14, 2026 - Describes a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs program in Tennessee increasing access to cancer care for rural veterans. Discusses increased cancer risk for veterans and the impact that travel can have on patients and their caregivers.
Source: VA News
Sep 9, 2026 - New funding has been awarded to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as part of the state's Rural Health Transformation Program funding. Projects include the use of artificial intelligence that allow healthcare providers to identify areas of unmet need across the state and in their communities, as well as funding academic programs that give nursing students clinical experience and create new workforce initiatives.
Source: University of Louisiana Lafayette University News