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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Broadband

The Future of Telehealth Roundtable: The Potential Impact of Emerging Technologies on Health Equity
Presents insights and key ideas from a roundtable on the future of telehealth following the COVID-19 pandemic, covering barriers to telehealth delivery, opportunities for equitable care, and policy and regulatory issues impacting telehealth access. Includes rural mentions throughout.
Date: 05/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Committee for Quality Assurance
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Stronger Together: Federal Funding and Planning Strategies Designed to Promote Sustainable Economic Development in Rural America
Resource guide offering information for rural communities on planning and technical assistance, infrastructure and broadband expansion, entrepreneurship and business assistance, and workforce development and livability. Covers the purpose, eligibility, application process, and contact information for programs from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and USDA Rural Development in each of these areas.
Date: 04/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Economic Development Administration, USDA Rural Development
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Broadband Availability Challenges
Fact sheet describing challenges to broadband availability and local efforts to provide short-term solutions. Discusses funding and strategies to expand broadband at the local and national levels.
Additional links: Exploring Digital Equity Fact Sheets
Date: 04/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: AARP, Institute for Local Self-Reliance
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Broadband Access Challenges
Fact sheet highlighting barriers to broadband access for rural and underserved communities, addressing infrastructure and affordability issues. Describes policy efforts to increase access through investments to expand broadband adoption.
Additional links: Exploring Digital Equity Fact Sheets
Date: 04/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: AARP, Institute for Local Self-Reliance
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Health Panel Comment Letter – Promoting Telehealth in Rural America
Offers comments in response to the Federal Communications Commission's proposed rule for Promoting Telehealth in America. Discusses rural classifications for healthcare providers, defining rural areas for program participation, and an alternative method to determine degrees of rurality.
Date: 04/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Policy Research Institute Rural Health Panel
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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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Farm Bill Primer: Rural Broadband Provisions
Highlights selected rural broadband programs and provisions included in the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Rural Broadband Program, Community Connect Grant Program, and Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program. Outlines considerations for Congress related to the ReConnect Program, rural health challenges, and expanding broadband to support increased telework opportunities.
Date: 02/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Congressional Research Service
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