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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Community and economic development

Predicting Firm Creation in Rural Texas: A Multi-Model Machine Learning Approach to a Complex Policy Problem
Evaluates Texas counties between 2008 and 2018 to identify factors contributing to entrepreneurship for rural areas. Discusses how healthcare, elder care, and child care predict growth in entrepreneurship. Compares predictive factors for rural areas with urban predictive factors. Makes recommendations for research, policy, and scholarship for rural entrepreneurship.
Author(s): Mark C. Hand, Vivek Shastry, Varun Rai
Citation: PLOS ONE, 18(6), e0287217
Date: 06/2023
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Advancing Economic Development in Persistent-Poverty Communities
Examines census tracts to identify areas of "persistent poverty," defined as an area with at least a 20% poverty rate for at least 30 years. Discusses the distribution of the persistently poor population between rural and urban areas and highlights specific regions such as the Southeast, Tribal areas, and Appalachia. Outlines contributors to persistent poverty including workforce development, lack of infrastructure, race and ethnicity, economic conditions, and more. Presents 4 case studies, including 2 rural studies, to highlight overall themes and make recommendations for improving conditions in persistently poor locations. Interactive map provides information and data on persistent poverty counties.
Additional links: Executive Summary, Interactive Map
Author(s): August Benzow, Kenan Fikri, Joanne Kim, Daniel Newman
Date: 06/2023
Sponsoring organization: Economic Innovation Group
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Advancing Health and Resilience in the Gulf of Mexico Region: Roadmap for Progress
Describes the current state of health and community resilience in the Gulf of Mexico region and identifies roadblocks to progress. Offers policy recommendations focused on addressing critical gaps in data and funding community resilience. Presents a road map for improving health and community resilience in the Gulf region. Includes rural references throughout.
Additional links: Read Online
Author(s): Committee on Progress Toward Human Health and Community Resilience in the Gulf of Mexico Region
Date: 06/2023
Sponsoring organization: Health and Medicine Division (HMD), National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
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Success Story: Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative
Discusses the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative's (RWHC) approach to supporting community health and economic vitality in rural Wisconsin. Highlights successful partnerships between hospitals, community groups, philanthropies, and commercial organizations.
Date: 05/2023
Sponsoring organization: Wisconsin Office of Rural Prosperity
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Maximizing New Federal Investments in Broadband for Rural America
Policy brief covering the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program with recommendations for stakeholders on how to close the digital divide for rural America. Discusses transparency and accountability, capacity building and community engagement, and implementation.
Author(s): Anthony F. Pipa, Laura Landes, Zoe Swarzenski
Date: 05/2023
Sponsoring organization: The Brookings Institution
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Community Impact and Benefit Activities of Critical Access, Other Rural, and Urban Hospitals, 2021
Examines the economic and healthcare benefit of Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) on rural communities. Looks at the services provided, the economic health of CAHs, and the effect this has on their communities broadly. Includes comparisons of community benefit and patient care services indicators provided by CAHs and other rural and urban hospitals.
Date: 05/2023
Sponsoring organization: Flex Monitoring Team
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Elevating Equity in Economic Development: Inclusive Recovery Toolkit and Inclusive Recovery Guide
Presents a framework for communities to elevate equity and inclusivity in economic development and recovery projects. Explores post-COVID-19 economic recovery strategies that support inclusive growth and equitable outcomes. Highlights example projects throughout the country. Features considerations for rural communities, including rural transportation and childcare projects.
Additional links: Interactive Toolkit
Date: 05/2023
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Development Organizations
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How Regional Partnerships Bolster Rural Hospitals
Explores how Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and other rural providers partner to overcome challenges. Profiles six regional partnerships that address staffing, quality improvement, contracts with payers, value-based payment, and community development. Offers lessons learned that could inform policy changes to strengthen rural providers.
Author(s): Martha Hostetter, Sarah Klein
Date: 05/2023
Sponsoring organization: Commonwealth Fund
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Increased Wellness and Economic Return of Universal Broadband Infrastructure: A Telehealth Case Study of Ten Southern Rural Counties
Estimates the economic and health impacts of increased rural telehealth availability were broadband infrastructure and services universally available in 10 rural counties across Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. Calculates savings resulting from emergency department visits, lost productivity, preventable admissions, readmissions, and transportation costs for a variety of health conditions, and examines costs and strategies for increasing broadband infrastructure availability.
Author(s): Ry Marcattilio, Christopher Mitchell
Date: 04/2023
Sponsoring organizations: Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) Community Broadband Networks Initiative, Southern Rural Black Women's Initiative (SRBWI)
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Mapping a New Terrain: 5 Principles for Equitable Rural Outdoor Recreational Economies
Offers suggestions for rural communities and Native nations looking at ways to improve economic prosperity, and population health and well-being through the development of natural assets and rural outdoor recreation. Topics cover ownership and control of recreation assets, building a resilient infrastructure, coordinating assets and stakeholder engagement, respect for the landscape, people and culture during the development process, and designing for equitable access and participation for all residents. Includes recommendations for community organizations, local government, and philanthropic organizations.
Additional links: Executive Summary
Date: 04/2023
Sponsoring organizations: Aspen Institute, Community Strategies Group
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