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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Access

Both Rural and Urban SNAP Recipients Affected by Proposed Work Requirements
Presents work status data for rural and urban Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. Identifies those exempt from work requirements under current law who may face a new work requirement under proposed legislation, breaking out the current work hours of this group. Briefly discusses the scarcity and expense of child care.
Author(s): Jessica A. Carson
Date: 07/2018
Sponsoring organization: Carsey School of Public Policy
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Identifying Bright Spots in Appalachian Health: Statistical Analysis
Describes analysis used in assessing how Appalachia's 420 counties scored in 19 health indicators, and identifies counties with health outcomes that were better than expected. Features statistics and county-level maps showing economic status. Second in a series of reports exploring health issues in Appalachia.
Author(s): G. Mark Holmes, Nancy M. Lane, William Holding, et al.
Date: 07/2018
Sponsoring organizations: Appalachian Regional Commission, PDA, Inc., The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research
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Exploring Bright Spots in Appalachian Health: Case Studies
In-depth studies of 10 Appalachian counties with health outcomes that are better than expected, given their characteristics and resources. Identifies actions these areas are taking to improve health and well-being. Features statistics including demographics and health-related data, and maps showing economic status of Appalachian counties. Third in a series of reports exploring health issues in Appalachia.
Author(s): Nancy M. Lane, G. Mark Holmes, Thomas A. Arcury, et al.
Date: 07/2018
Sponsoring organizations: Appalachian Regional Commission, Burness, PDA, Inc., The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research
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Telemedicine in N.H.
Radio interview discusses the advantages and barriers to telemedicine both broadly and within New Hampshire. Covers the role of state laws regarding reimbursement, broadband access, and how rural hospitals are using telemedicine.
Citation: New Hampshire Public Radio
Date: 07/2018
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Summer Meals: Improvements Needed to Address Participation Estimates and Program Challenges
Testimony before the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, U.S. House of Representatives, summarizing the May 2018 Government Accountability Office report on summer meals. Addresses what is known about Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) participation, other summer programs that feed low-income children, challenges in providing rural children with summer meals, and the extent to which the USDA provides assistance.
Additional links: Full Report
Author(s): Kathryn A. Larin
Date: 07/2018
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Realizing the Benefits of Rural Broadband: Challenges and Solutions
Presents the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on the benefits, challenges, and solutions to rural broadband issues. Features testimony from an Associate Administrator and Chief Nursing Officer at Wallowa Memorial Hospital, a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital (CAH) in Enterprise, Oregon, on the role broadband plays in healthcare access via telehealth to rural and frontier areas.
Additional links: Jenni Word Testimony
Date: 07/2018
Sponsoring organizations: House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
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USDA Maine Rural Opioid Misuse Roundtable
Features a roundtable on the rural opioid crisis in Maine hosted USDA Maine Rural Development. Presents discussion between community leaders, experts, and people working to provide treatment and prevention of opioid addiction in rural Maine.
Date: 07/2018
Sponsoring organization: USDA Rural Development Maine State Office
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Integrating Responses at the Intersection of Opioid Use Disorder and Infectious Disease Epidemics: Proceedings of a Workshop
Features the proceedings of a public workshop on the relationship between the opioid epidemic and the spread of infectious diseases. Presents research and policy options, such as integrating infectious disease treatment into opioid treatment and prevention efforts, as well as exploring the role of law enforcement. Discusses barriers to treatment and prevention in rural areas.
Additional links: Read Online
Date: 07/2018
Sponsoring organization: Health and Medicine Division (HMD), National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
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Characteristics of the Remaining Uninsured: An Update
Compares characteristics of people who lacked health insurance in March 2015 with those of people who remained uninsured as of March 2017. Uses data from the Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplements, including socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and insurance eligibility, with breakdowns by urban and rural locations.
Author(s): Linea J. Blumberg, John Holahan, Michael Karpman, Caroline Elmendorf
Date: 07/2018
Sponsoring organizations: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Urban Institute
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Strengthening the Workforce to Improve Pregnancy Outcomes in Rural Areas
Highlights rural workforce initiatives related to maternity and childbirth services and discusses strategies to improve rural pregnancy outcomes. Features a training program at a Critical Access Hospital in Alaska and a rural OB-GYN residency program in Wisconsin.
Author(s): Allee Mead
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 07/2018
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