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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Broadband

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Rural Playbook: A Roadmap for Delivering Opportunity and Investments in Rural America
Information to help rural communities understand the infrastructure funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other sources. Identifies programs and sources of funding set aside for rural communities. Also explains key flexibilities and other benefits available to rural communities under the law.
Date: 04/2022
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: The White House
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Rural Rising: Economic Development Strategies for America's Heartland
Discusses various economic development strategies, and categorizes rural communities in 5 archetypes based on proximity to urban areas, tourism, and economic drivers. Offers examples of economic development in different types of rural communities and highlights elements of thriving rural communities, including workforce, access to broadband and healthcare, and community partnerships.
Author(s): Mike Kerlin, Neil O'Farrell, Rachel Riley, Rachel Schaff
Date: 03/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: McKinsey and Company
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Rural Imperatives in Broadband Adoption and Digital Inclusion
Report examining broadband adoption by age, race, educational attainment, and household income, and discussing strategies for rural providers to expand outreach and adoption efforts toward digital inclusion. Discusses the impact of rural demographics on broadband adoption, including a section on healthcare access and outcomes.
Author(s): Joshua Seidemann, Roxanna Barboza
Date: 03/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: NTCA: The Rural Broadband Association
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Public-Safety Broadband Network: Congressional Action Required to Ensure Network Continuity
Provides an overview of the implementation progress of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) public-safety broadband network, including network coverage in rural and non-rural areas as of March 2021. Reviews FirstNet's statutory requirements and contract responsibilities Congress should consider before FirstNet's authority sunsets in 2027. Explores options to oversee and manage the network when this authority sunsets, as well as the associated operational implications and potential costs.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 02/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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A New Era of Health Literacy? Expanded Definitions, Digital Influences, and Rural Inequities
Explores rural challenges to accessing health information that is clear and usable, with insights from experts. Describes recently expanded definitions of health literacy. Discusses digital health literacy and the importance of broadband access and digital health tools for rural residents.
Author(s): Kay Miller Temple
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 02/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Federal Plan for Equitable Long-Term Recovery and Resilience for Social, Behavioral, and Community Health
Details an approach for federal agencies to cooperatively strengthen the conditions necessary to improve individual and community resilience and well-being nationwide. Designed to guide long-term investment using the Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being Framework. Includes rural references throughout.
Additional links: Executive Summary
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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Assessment of the Capacity of Virginia's Licensed Behavioral Health Workforce
Provides statewide and locality-specific data on the capacity of each of Virginia's licensed behavioral health (BH) professional types, data regarding Virginia's pipeline to produce more BH professionals, current demand for them, and the consequences of an inadequate supply. Features county-level maps showing distribution of psychiatrists, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners, licensed clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors, and a map showing Virginia Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas with limited broadband service.
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Virginia Health Care Foundation
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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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Less Internet Access Available for Rural Residents in Counties with Persistent Poverty in the U.S. Deep South and Southwest
County-level map depicting internet availability and persistent poverty counties, distinguishing rural and urban counties. Chart based on USDA Economic Research Service calculations and Federal Communications Commission Form 477 Broadband Deployment data.
Date: 01/2022
Type: Map/Mapping System
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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