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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Community and economic development

Rural Community Transit Strategies: Building on, Expanding, and Enhancing Existing Assets and Programs
Provides an overview of a potential rural transit model based on the current infrastructure in Minnesota and by examining other state models. Focuses on solutions such as hybrid mobility, small town assets, expanding service, responding to driver shortages, engaging citizens and networking within communities, and more. Discusses public health concerns such as food access and disability accommodations.
Author(s): Thomas Fisher, Mary Vogel, Alireza Khani, Fernando Burga
Date: 02/2023
Sponsoring organization: Minnesota Department of Transportation
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Health Care's Role in Rural Economic Development: Addressing Health Workforce Needs
Policy brief exploring how rural healthcare can impact local economic and community development. Offers recommended policies and actions to support rural workforce development and community development.
Author(s): Nicole Carritt
Date: 02/2023
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
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Health Care's Role in Rural Economic Development: How Work Support Programs Improve Health and Stimulate Rural Economies
Policy brief exploring how work support programs – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and Child Care and Development Funds (CCDF) – and other state and federal programs can address social determinants of health, improve health, and stimulate economic activity in rural America. Offers policy recommendations to increase access to these programs in rural areas.
Author(s): David Jordan
Date: 02/2023
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
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Federal Credit Assistance and Grant Programs for Rural Businesses: In Brief
Provides an overview of selected federal credit assistance and grant programs that support rural businesses. Covers programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA), as well as the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).
Date: 02/2023
Sponsoring organization: Congressional Research Service
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Wisconsin State Health Improvement Plan: 2023-2027 Summary
Provides an overview on the collaboration and partnerships to create the state health improvement plan, with a focus on social and community conditions, safety, social belonging and wellness, and mental health. Includes strategies specific to rural areas as well as tribal and local health departments.
Additional links: Implementation Guide
Date: 02/2023
Sponsoring organization: Wisconsin Department of Health Services
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Human Services in Rural Contexts: Comprehensive Report
Provides an overview of human services in rural areas, with information focused on human services programs and benefits, economic and social well-being, persistent poverty communities, and adaptations to overcome access barriers in rural areas. Includes tables, graphs, and county-level U.S. maps depicting human services needs.
Author(s): Emily Brimsek, James Murdoch, Emma Ward, Neel Chakraborti, Ashton Cain
Date: 01/2023
Sponsoring organizations: 2M Research, Administration for Children and Families, Urban Institute
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Building a Better Wisconsin: Investing in the Health and Well-Being of Wisconsinites - 2023 Governor's Health Equity Council Report
Provides an overview of the Wisconsin Governor's Health Equity Council 2023 recommendations which are focused on upstream health interventions related to the economic, social, and physical environment, with specific attention to health and community services, education and housing, justice, governance, and family-sustaining fiscal policy. Includes strategies specific to rural communities as well as county-level maps on health outcomes and percentage of children in poverty.
Date: 01/2023
Sponsoring organization: Wisconsin Department of Health Services
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Community Sociodemographics and Rural Hospital Survival Analysis
Policy brief highlights the specific sociodemographic characteristics of rural communities that correlate with hospitals that are in financial distress. Examines the community factors for 985 rural hospitals in financial distress according to the Financial Distress Index from 2010 to 2019.
Author(s): Claudia A. Rhoades, Brian E. Whitacre, Alison F. Davis
Date: 01/2023
Sponsoring organization: Center for Economic Analysis of Rural Health
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The State of Healthcare in North Carolina: 2022 Impact Report
Examines contributions to the people and economy of North Carolina by the North Carolina Healthcare Association's 130 member hospitals and hospitals systems. Describes key issues facing North Carolina health systems, including access and innovation, workforce development and retention, health equity, and behavioral health. Mentions rural throughout.
Date: 01/2023
Sponsoring organization: North Carolina Healthcare Association
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The Health Equity & Access for Rural Dually Eligible Individuals (HEARD) Toolkit: Raising Rural Voices from New Mexico, North Dakota, and Tennessee to Create Action
Provides an overview on the access barriers and health disparities of Medicaid and Medicare dually eligible individuals residing in rural areas. Presents research and stakeholder feedback from New Mexico, North Dakota, and Tennessee to provide information to policymakers. Discusses topics such as community planning related to equity and infrastructure, workforce capacity and community health workers (CHWs), and social determinants of health.
Author(s): Ellen Breslin, Samantha Di Paola, Susan McGeehan, Rebecca Kellenberg, Andrea Maresca
Date: 01/2023
Sponsoring organization: Health Management Associates
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