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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Access

A Qualitative Study on Pharmacy Policies Toward Over-the-Counter Syringe Sales in a Rural Epicenter of US Drug-Related Epidemics
Examines pharmacy over-the-counter (OTC) policies and pharmacists' rationale for, and barriers and facilitators to, OTC syringe sales in a rural Appalachian Kentucky area hard hit by drug-related epidemics. Uses data collected from interviews with 14 pharmacists between February 2018 and January 2019.
Author(s): Monica Fadanelli, Hannah L. F. Cooper, Patricia R. Freeman, et al.
Citation: Harm Reduction Journal, 19(1)
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
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Access Granted: Rural Broadband Options, Obstacles, and Solutions
Report describing the importance of broadband access for rural education, healthcare, economic development, equality, and climate impact. Discusses connectivity options and barriers to expanding broadband infrastructure, and examines consumer, community, and policy actions to reduce barriers and expand access.
Author(s): Molly Malone
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Center for Rural Affairs
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Virginia Rural Health Plan 2022-2026
Identifies key objectives and priorities for rural health in Virginia including broadband access, healthy housing, transportation, nutrition and food security, maternal and child health, access to healthcare services, behavioral health, aging in place, and workforce development. Features statistics with breakdowns by rural and nonrural areas.
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Virginia State Office of Rural Health
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Social Cohesion and Social Engagement among Older Adults Aging in Place: Rural/Urban Differences
Results of a study examining rural/urban differences in social cohesion and social engagement for older adults aging in place, and within-rural differences by race and ethnicity. Uses survey data collected in 2019 from 3,343 Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older.
Author(s): Carrie Henning-Smith, Megan Lahr, Hannah MacDougall, John Mulcahy
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
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Aging in Place in Rural America: Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Initiatives
Webinar presenting results from studies investigating challenges, opportunities, and policy implications for older adults who are aging in place in rural areas. Examines nationally-representative survey data, offers a content analysis of state-level policies and initiatives, and describes a survey of representatives of state offices of rural health. Features statistics showing differences among rural and urban older adults in areas including educational attainment, income, housing type and ownership, unmet mobility needs, and social cohesion.
Additional links: Presentation Slides, Transcript
Author(s): Carrie Henning-Smith, Megan Lahr
Date: 01/2022
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organizations: Rural Health Research Gateway, University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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The Clinical and Business Cases for Opening a Maternity Care Unit in a CAH
A case study of a rural North Carolina partnership that worked together to add a new wing for a maternity unit at a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital. Explains how the service was planned to be financially viable. Describes maternal and infant health disparities in the region and discusses how this new service will meet the needs of the population with culturally and linguistically accessible care.
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Health Workforce: Biden-Harris Administration 2021 HRSA Highlights
Fact sheet describing the Health Resources & Services Administration's efforts to support the health workforce and promote health equity. Includes descriptions of funding opportunities and efforts to promote expansion of graduate medical education programs in rural and underserved areas.
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Health Resources and Services Administration
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Online Pilot Grocery Intervention Among Rural and Urban Residents Aimed to Improve Purchasing Habits
Results of a study comparing food purchase choices of 129 rural and urban adults in 7 counties in Kentucky, Maryland, and North Carolina who shopped at online or brick-and-mortar stores during an 8-week-long intervention in the fall of 2021. Features statistics including intervention effect of fruit and vegetable purchases during the study, and demographics with breakdowns by urban or rural location.
Author(s): Alison Gustafson, Rachel Gillespie, Emily DeWitt, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(2), 871
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
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CARES Act Telehealth Expansion: Trends in Post-Discharge Follow-Up and Association with 30-Day Readmissions for Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program Health Conditions
Provides an overview of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) and examines the impact of expanded Medicare payment for telehealth services on post-discharge follow-up and hospital readmissions for HRRP conditions. Describes trends in post-discharge follow-up before and after the telehealth expansion and compares trends by health condition, sociodemographic characteristics, rurality, and follow-up method.
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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Rural Community Health Initiative: Compendium of Best Practices
Presents a collection of community-based health initiatives, including a school health initiative, a COVID-19 vaccine outreach and education program, and telehealth consortia, among others. Describes successful outcomes and sources of funding for each program.
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
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