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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by State: Illinois

COVID-19 and the Rural Opioid Epidemic: Recommendations to Improve Health in Illinois
Examines the rural opioid epidemic in Illinois and offers policy recommendations to increase access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) centers, engaging populations involved with the criminal justice system, and expanding harm reduction services. Offers data on state opioid fatality rates with rural and urban comparisons and monthly mortality rates based on state Department of Public Health data. Discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the opioid epidemic.
Date: 11/2021
Sponsoring organizations: SIU Medicine Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development, SIU Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, Southern Illinois University Medicine Department of Population Science and Policy, University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health
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COVID-19 and the Rural Health Workforce: Recommendations to Improve Health in Illinois
Provides an overview of the healthcare workforce in rural Illinois and describes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Offers policy recommendations to strengthen the rural health workforce in the state, improve service delivery, and enhance access to specialty care via telehealth services.
Date: 10/2021
Sponsoring organization: Southern Illinois University (SIU) Medicine Department of Population Science and Policy
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PrEP Care Continuum Engagement Among Persons Who Inject Drugs: Rural and Urban Differences in Stigma and Social Infrastructure
Study examining stigma related to drug use and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as awareness of Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment in New York City and rural southern Illinois. Highlights barriers and facilitators to willingness to take PrEP based on interviews with 57 people who inject drugs (PWID) who participate in syringe service programs, comparing rural and urban responses.
Author(s): Suzan M. Walters, David Frank, Brent Van Ham, et al.
Citation: AIDS and Behavior
Date: 10/2021
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State Cross-Agency Collaboration During the COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Examines cross-agency approaches to COVID-19 response efforts in Illinois, Indiana, and Rhode Island. Identifies key themes, lessons, and best practices for other states to consider when preparing for future public health emergencies. Highlights efforts to serve rural populations.
Author(s): Elinor Higgins, Rebecca Cooper
Date: 10/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Academy for State Health Policy
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Illinois Registered Nurse Workforce Survey Report 2020
Reports on Illinois nursing workforce with information on demographics, human capital, earnings, and more, based on data from the 2020 Illinois Workforce Center Registered Nurse (RN) Workforce Survey. Appendix D includes estimates of nursing staff by county and nurse to population ratios.
Date: 07/2021
Sponsoring organizations: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Illinois Nursing Workforce Center
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Federal Agencies' Investment in Rural Cancer Control Fosters Partnerships between Researchers and Rural Communities
Highlights how researchers and rural communities are working together to address rural cancer prevention and control, with support from federal funding. Discusses projects that address health behaviors, cancer screening, vaccination, and rural participation in clinical trials.
Author(s): Mary Charlton, Whitney Zahnd, Jennifer Patterson, Kimberly Merchant
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 07/2021
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Community Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Associated with a Local Bar Opening Event — Illinois, February 2021
Reports on a rural indoor bar opening event that resulted in COVID-19 cases among bar patrons and employees, as well as secondary cases in the community that impacted a long-term care facility and a school. Discusses the need for prevention measures as community businesses reopen.
Author(s): Samira Sami, Caitlin R. Turbyfill, Shelby Daniel-Wayman, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(14), 528-532
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Geographic Expansion of Medicaid Managed Care Organizations: Assessing Access to Primary Care in Nonmetropolitan Counties
Presents a study on primary care access for Medicaid beneficiaries in nonmetropolitan counties who were enrolled through managed care organizations (MCOs) from 2012 to 2018. Details the level of access to primary care in the nonmetropolitan counties of 15 states and compares the rates of access for beneficiaries enrolled through MCOs established before 2012 and after 2012. Discusses findings and makes recommendations for policy makers.
Author(s): Linda Li, Matthew Najarian, Abigail R. Barker, et al.
Date: 03/2021
Sponsoring organization: RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis
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Community of Practice: Preventing and Reducing the Stigma of Substance Use Disorders in Rural Communities - Implementation and Lessons Learned
Report discusses strategies for reducing stigma around substance use disorders (SUDs) and SUD treatment in rural communities. Details the implementation of Communities of Practice sessions with participants and breaks down participant data and session timeline.
Date: 2021
Sponsoring organizations: Great Lakes PTTC, Prevention Technology Transfer Center Network
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Illinois Counties by Rural/Urban Classification
A state map showing the rural and urban counties in Illinois.
Date: 12/2020
Sponsoring organization: Illinois Primary Health Care Association
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