Telemedicine Increases Access to Buprenorphine Initiation During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Discusses the expanded access to buprenorphine prescription through telemedicine during COVID-19, comparing the experiences of two harm reduction primary care programs in a rural and urban region of New York. Discusses reduced barriers to treatment, particularly delays due to in-person evaluation requirements before to the pandemic, and innovations to opioid use disorder treatment made possible through telehealth.
Author(s): Linda Wang, Jeffrey Weiss, Elizabeth Bogel Ryan, et al.
Citation: Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 124, 108272
Date: 05/2021
Type: Document
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Computer and Internet Use in the United States: 2018
Provides data on computer and Internet use by household characteristics, including location in a rural or urban area, for the nation and by region. Includes information on owning a desktop or laptop computer, owning a smartphone, owning a tablet, having an Internet subscription, and having broadband access.
Author(s): Michael Martin
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Census Bureau
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Changes in Provision of Selected Services by Rural and Urban Hospitals between 2009 and 2017
Examines the increase in number of rural hospitals that have closed or converted to a model eliminating inpatient care, as well as rural hospitals that have reduced or terminated historically essential services including obstetrics, surgery, long-term care, home health, and oncology. Features statistics on the number of hospitals offering various types of healthcare services in 2009 and in 2017, with breakdowns by urban and rural location.
Author(s): Kathleen Knocke, George H. Pink, Kristie W. Thompson, Randy K. Randolph, Mark Holmes
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: North Carolina Rural Health Research Program
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Strategies for Helping Older Adults and People with Disabilities Access COVID-19 Vaccines
Offers examples and promising practices for states, municipalities, community-based organizations, and others working to ensure that older adults and people with disabilities can receive COVID-19 vaccines. Discusses outreach and education, facilitating vaccine appointments, vaccine site accessibility and accommodations, and mobile vaccination programs.
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Administration for Community Living
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How ACL's Disability and Aging Network is Advancing Vaccination Efforts
Provides an overview of the Administration for Community Living (ACL) grant programs for people with disabilities and older adults. Describes examples of vaccine-related activities for each program that can support COVID-19 vaccine access.
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Administration for Community Living
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COVID-19: Efforts to Increase Vaccine Availability and Perspectives on Initial Implementation
Examines the federal government's efforts related to COVID-19 vaccines between October 2020 and April 2021, including vaccine development and vaccination program implementation. Describes challenges to vaccine implementation and steps taken by the government in response.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Tracking COVID-19 Relief for Human Services and Education Programs
An overview of steps the federal government has taken to implement new resources and administrative changes through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act; the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act; and the American Rescue Plan Act. Includes information on programs for food security, care of older people, education, economic impact payments, and tax credits.
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Counties
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Geographic Access to Health Care for Rural Medicare Beneficiaries in Five States: An Update
Describes the provider mix caring for rural and urban Medicare beneficiaries in Alaska, Idaho, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Washington, using 2014 data. Examines the quality of care, number of annual visits, and the distances traveled for treatment of several conditions. Compares 2014 data with estimates from 1998, to assess the changes in geographical access to care. Features statistics with breakdowns by urban, large rural, small rural, and isolated rural locations.
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
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Rural and Urban Hospital Characteristics by Obstetric Service Provision Status, 2010-2018
Illustrates the differences between urban and rural hospitals providing obstetric (OB) services. Compares them by size, capacity, location, and community characteristics, and compares these factors between rural hospitals with OB units and those that had discontinued services during the study period. Features statistics with breakdowns by urban and rural location.
Additional links: Characteristics of Rural and Urban U.S. Hospitals Based on Obstetric Services
Author(s): Julia D. Interrante, Lindsay K. Admon, Mariana S. Tuttle, Bridget Basile Ibrahim, Katy B. Kozhimannil
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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States Work to Support Rural Hospitals Despite Pandemic Challenges
Blog post highlighting state-level policies to address and prevent rural hospital closures. Discusses proposals in state legislatures regarding alternative payment methodologies and funding, service delivery models, and the recruitment and retention of a rural healthcare workforce.
Author(s): Beth Giambrone
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
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