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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Access

Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Services Utilization
Summarizes the results of a poll conducted between April 29-May 2, 2021, regarding patients' experiences receiving mental health and substance use treatment services, including telehealth services, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Examines the utilization of these services and barriers to treatment by sex, age, education, income, ethnicity, and urban-rural status. Explores the preferences of individuals seeking mental health or substance abuse treatment.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organizations: Bipartisan Policy Center, Morning Consult
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Rural Disparities in End-of-life Care for Patients with Heart Failure: Are They Due to Geography or Socioeconomic Disparity?
Examines the relationship of rurality, socioeconomic background, and end-of-life care for patients with heart failure in Maine. Includes data on healthcare utilization at end-of-life by age, sex, rurality, insurance type, and area deprivation index.
Author(s): Rebecca N. Hutchinson, Paul K. J. Han, F. Lee Lucas, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health
Date: 05/2021
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Vaccine Distribution in Rural Counties
Presents data on COVID-19 vaccination rates and intention to be vaccinated by urban-rural status. Discusses vaccine distribution, challenges facing rural communities, and considerations for communication about the vaccines. Describes best practices in rural counties in Virginia, Washington, and West Virgina.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Counties
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Trends in Network Focus Areas among Network Development Planning Grantees, 2003-2020
Policy brief examining focus areas of networks funded by the Network Planning Grant program, to determine whether there are trends in scope and substance of rural health networks. Includes a chart showing focus areas with breakdowns by year from 2003-2020.
Author(s): Katie Rydberg, Mariana Tuttle, Jill Tanem, Mary Gilbertson, Carrie Henning-Smith
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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PeaceHealth Is Vaccinating Rural America Through Peer-to-Peer Outreach
Describes how PeaceHealth is promoting COVID-19 vaccines among farmworkers in rural Washington. Discusses the role of community health workers and digital media in educating people about the importance of vaccination.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Success among Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant Awardees: Barriers and Facilitators
Policy brief examining challenges and successes in meeting goals for the Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant, using survey data from 42 rural grantees from the years 2003-2018. Intended to inform policies and programs supporting healthcare and health in rural areas at the local level.
Author(s): Mariana Tuttle, Katie Rydberg, Carrie Henning-Smith
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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Community Factors Associated With Telemedicine Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Examines the association of telemedicine use with community factors among people with commercial or Medicare Advantage insurance. Features a county-level map showing variation in the percentage of telemedicine visits during COVID-19, and statistics with breakdowns by low, middle, and high population density.
Author(s): Sadiq Y. Patel, Sherri Rose, Michael L. Barnett, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 4(5)
Date: 05/2021
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Evaluation of the 2020 Pediatric Emergency Physician Workforce in the US
Results of a study of 2,403 self-identified pediatric emergency physicians (EPs), examining their characteristics and their practice locations. Features a county-level map showing pediatric EP density per 100,000 population, and statistics with breakdowns by age, sex, U.S. census division, training specialty area, board certification, and urban, large rural, or small rural location.
Author(s): Christopher L. Bennett, Janice A. Espinola, Ashley F. Sullivan, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 4(5)
Date: 05/2021
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RHC COVID Initiatives Webinar
Recording of a May 19, 2021, webinar providing an overview of federal actions regarding COVID-19 vaccine confidence, testing and mitigation, and vaccine access specific to Rural Health Clinics. Covers program funding, eligibility, and application processes. Part of the Rural Health Clinic Technical Assistance Series.
Additional links: Presentation Slides, Transcript
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Rural Health Clinics
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From the Front Lines: COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts in Rural Communities Hit by the Opioid Epidemic
Examines the COVID-19 response, including testing, contact tracing, and vaccination efforts, of HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) grantees. Discusses challenges related to vaccination efforts to reach rural individuals with substance use disorder/opioid use disorder and other rural residents.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: JBS International, Inc.
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