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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Behavioral health

Tanner Health System: Promoting Healthy Behaviors
Describes "Get Healthy, Eat Well," an initiative by Tanner Health System to promote healthy behaviors in its rural Georgia and Alabama communities. Provides an overview of the framework that guided the network of community partners, school and community interventions, and results of the program. Includes lessons learned and next steps.
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Socioeconomic Risk Factors for Fatal Opioid Overdoses in the United States: Findings from the Mortality Disparities in American Communities Study (MDAC)
Highlights a study that correlates demographic and socioeconomic status with opioid overdose fatalities. Draws data from the Mortality Disparities in American Community Study (MDAC) and compares results by rural/nonrural residence, race, employment, and educational attainment, among other measures.
Author(s): Sean F. Altekruse, Candace M. Cosgrove, William C. Altekruse, Richard A. Jenkins, Carlos Blanco
Citation: PLoS One, 15(1)
Date: 01/2020
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Geographic Disparities Affect Access to Buprenorphine Services for Opioid Use Disorder
Results of a national study to determine the patient capacity of healthcare providers who received waivers to prescribe buprenorphine and the extent to which they were located in rural or urban areas with high rates of opioid abuse. Features 2018 county-level maps showing rates of patient capacity and counties with high need for treatment services.
Author(s): Christi A. Grimm
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organization: Office of Inspector General (HHS)
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New Mexico Substance Use Disorder Treatment Gap Analysis
An overview of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services available in the state by county. Includes alcohol-related death rates and drug overdose death rates. Presents estimates of the people living with SUD who are in treatment or are in need of treatment. Offers recommendations for additional services needed to maximize and address the current gaps in services.
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organization: New Mexico Department of Health
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A Public Health Emergency: State Efforts to Curb the Opioid Crisis
Presents the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on the outcomes of public health efforts to combat the opioid crisis. Features testimony from representatives of the Rhode Island Department of Health, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, and the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organization: House Committee on Energy and Commerce
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Rural Community Action Guide: Building Stronger, Healthy, Drug-Free Rural Communities
Provides an overview of challenges rural communities face related to substance use disorder (SUD), including prescription opioid misuse. Identifies action steps rural communities can take related to prevention, treatment, recovery, and SUD-related issues such as stigma, transportation barriers, and lack of employment opportunities. Features programs that are working to address these issues in rural communities.
Additional links: Promising Practices Supplement
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organization: Office of National Drug Control Policy
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Assessing Health and Safety Concerns and Psychological Stressors among Agricultural Workers in the U.S. Midwest
Results of a 2018 study of 540 farmers in Iowa, Ohio, Missouri, Minnesota, and Nebraska, identifying agricultural work stressors including chemical and equipment safety, finances, and health concerns such as hearing loss, respiratory problems, depression, and acute illnesses. Examines differences between mail and in-person survey modes, and compares their effectiveness in promoting farm workers' willingness to participate in the surveys. Features demographics and statistics on the types of stress experienced.
Author(s): Kanika Arora, Marsha Cheyney, Fredric Gerr, et al.
Citation: Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health, 26(1), 45-58
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organization: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
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Healthcare Professionals' Mental Health Needs: Where Can They Go?
Provides an overview of the mental health needs of healthcare providers and the barriers to accessing care. Features the work of physician health programs, professional societies, state licensure boards, and other groups to help ensure providers' mental health needs are addressed. Discusses the impact of provider wellness on patient safety and healthcare quality.
Author(s): Kay Miller Temple
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Supporting the Mental Health Well-being of High School Students
Report evaluates the perceived need for school-based mental health services and the levels of access to those services by rural students and students of color. Bases results on surveys of high school students and makes corresponding recommendations. Compares the access to mental health services in rural, urban, and suburban schools.
Additional links: Infographic
Author(s): Michelle Croft, Shannon Hayes, Raeal Moore
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organization: ACT Center for Equity in Learning
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Opioid Use Disorder: Barriers to Medicaid Beneficiaries' Access to Treatment Medications
Examines Medicaid beneficiaries' access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. Identifies state and federal policies that can impose barriers to MAT medications. Highlights how 3 states and the District of Columbia are addressing these barriers. Discusses challenges to medication deliveries to rural and small practices and access to addiction medicine providers in rural areas.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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