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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Broadband

Telehealth in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Rural Health Disparities
Investigates the potential effects of telehealth implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic on rural health disparities. Includes discussion on telehealth initiatives and barriers to accessing broadband, and provides recommendations for researchers and policymakers.
Author(s): Kelly A. Hirko, Jean M. Kerver, Sabrina Ford, et al.
Citation: Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 27(11), 1816–1818
Date: 11/2020
Type: Document
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Connecting Rural Older Americans with Technology: Lessons from Senior Planet
Highlights an initiative aiming to increase technology literacy among rural older adults in New York through the launch of technology centers, local partnerships, and training. Discusses implementation and lessons learned, including adapting the program to offer a home-based component.
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Senior Planet
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Internet Access Disparities in Alabama & the Black Belt
Issue brief describing disparities in access to broadband service in Alabama's Black Belt region, comparing access to broadband coverage at rates above 100 Mbps and above 25 Mbps for all counties in the state to the statewide average. Discusses investments in broadband infrastructure in the region and in other rural areas of Alabama, telehealth access during the COVID-19 pandemic, and nationwide efforts to expand broadband coverage.
Author(s): Stephen G. Katsinas, Noel E. Keeney, Emily Jacobs, Emily Grace Corley, Hunter Whann
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: University of Alabama Education Policy Center
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Telecommunications: FCC Should Enhance Performance Goals and Measures for Its Program to Support Broadband Service in High-Cost Areas
Examines the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) high-cost program's performance goals and measures and how they align with leading practices to enable the effective use of performance information. The high-cost program is designed to promote broadband deployment in areas that are not currently served by broadband. Discusses three key challenges the program faces in meeting its goals. Provides recommendations to the Chairman of the FCC to improve performance goals and measures and increase transparency.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Coronavirus Pandemic Highlights Critical Gaps in Rural Internet Access for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers: A Call for Partnership with Medical Libraries
Highlights the challenges of reaching migrant and seasonal farmworkers with public health information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discuses migrants' lack of broadband internet as an inhibitor to migrants' ability to access both healthcare and public health information.
Author(s): Joseph G. L. Lee, Catherine E. LePrevost, Emery L. Harwell, et al.
Citation: Journal of the Medical Library Association, 108(4), 651-655
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
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The Financing of Rural Health
Features a recording of a panel discussion on innovative strategies for financing rural health. Discusses challenges in rural communities, such as health disparities, limited broadband access, hospital closures, and more. Mentions the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural health.
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
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Federal Health IT Strategic Plan, 2020-2025
Outlines federal goals, plans, and priorities as they relate to health information technology (HIT) and its application across the U.S. Discusses federal efforts to improve broadband access and HIT infrastructure in all areas, including rural and tribal areas.
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
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An Evaluation of FirstNet's Progress
Presents a recording of a September 24, 2020, hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Examines FirstNet and AT&T's progress on developing a nationwide public safety broadband network. Testimony from Jason Porter, Senior Vice President of AT&T, discusses FirstNet's focus on rural America.
Additional links: Jason Porter Testimony
Date: 09/2020
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
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The Impact of Coronavirus on Households Across America
Examines the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. households. Covers health, economic, and work-related impacts and related issues such as broadband access. Includes a section on problems specific to rural households. A separate report is available that focuses specifically on rural impacts of COVID-19.
Date: 09/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, National Public Radio, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
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COVID-19 Reveals Emerging Opportunities for Rural Public Health
Explores potential and existing public health innovations that rural communities can implement to address challenges brought on or exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, including lack of funding for local health departments, insufficient broadband, and more. Describes the expansion of telehealth services, discusses rural/urban disparities, and offers recommendations for improvement.
Author(s): Angela Dearinger
Citation: American Journal of Public Health, 110(9), 1277-1278
Date: 09/2020
Type: Document
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