Rural Health
News by Topic: Social connectedness
Sep 27, 2024 - Presents an overview of a panel discussion on social connection and the public health dangers associated with loneliness at the University of Southern Maine. Notes that rural populations may face increased barriers to social connection due to physical proximity. Features a variety of initiatives working to enhance social connection across the state including marketing campaigns, online mental health resources, and school-based programs.
Source: Maine Morning Star
Sep 20, 2024 - Highlights the experience of a rural Wisconsin woman receiving cancer care far from home. Discuss challenges such as navigating cancer treatment prep and long travel times, scheduling multiple appointments, and being disconnected from social networks. Also discusses the benefits of a strong social network offering assistance with housework, meals, and transportation while receiving treatment.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Sep 19, 2024 - Highlights increased stressors faced by farmers during the fall harvest, and free resources available through the University of Minnesota Extension, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and Mental Health Minnesota. Features the perspective of one Minnesota farmer who journals regularly to cope with stress. Notes the importance of reaching out to others for support, and potential barriers related to the changing social fabric of farming communities.
Source: FarmProgress
Sep 17, 2024 - Examines the economic pressures that have led to farm
consolidation and widespread changes to agricultural
practices, and how these issues intersect with farmer
mental health and the vitality of rural communities.
Discusses the related issue of population loss in rural
Kansas, leading to increased risks for social isolation and
loneliness.
Source: High Plains Public Radio
Sep 17, 2024 - Examines recent growth in the number of older adults who
live alone and highlights their diverse experiences and
perspectives. Notes that this demographic is at higher risk
for a range of health issues - and older adults living
alone in rural areas may face additional transportation
barriers to healthcare access.
Source: KFF Health News
Sep 10, 2024 - Highlights efforts by the Center for Alaska Native Health Research (CANHR) to address high suicide rates in the remote Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region. Details the development of culturally-relevant programming which builds upon community strengths and traditions. Discusses funding barriers and efforts to implement the program model in other communities, including military settings.
Source: NPR
Sep 4, 2024 - Provides overview of an informal network supporting aging adults in rural Glen Ullin, ND. Describes services offered by a resource coordinator, nurse practitioner, volunteer EMT crew, and local priest. Notes that the physical distance separating neighbors in some rural communities can both complicate healthcare access and lead to loneliness.
Source: NPR
Sep 2, 2024 - Highlights mental health challenges for farmers and efforts across the Midwest to connect agricultural workers and their families with mental health resources. Discusses stigma, loneliness, and rural mental health workforce shortages.
Source: Reasons to Be Cheerful
Aug 27, 2024 - Describes a rural outreach program in Colorado aiming to reduce barriers to healthcare and provide support for patients with multiple sclerosis.
Source: 9News