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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Community and faith-based initiatives

Rural Renewal: Three Success Stories, Capturing Prosperity/Health
Showcases success stories from 3 rural communities that sought to address local health concerns, such as inadequate prenatal care and access to healthy food, and increase access to healthcare and related services. Describes community-based initiatives implemented in Nebraska, New Mexico, and South Carolina.
Author(s): Phillip L. Polakoff, Dennis Berens, David Angelson
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: A Healthier WE
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Program Implementation and Church Members' Health Behaviors in a Countywide Study of the Faith, Activity, and Nutrition Program
Analyzes relationships between Faith, Activity, and Nutrition (FAN) program implementation and physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, and self-efficacy for improving these behaviors among church members in a southeastern, medically underserved county in a rural area. Features data and statistics on participants' health behaviors and self-efficacy at baseline and at a 12-month follow-up.
Author(s): John A. Bernhart, Sara Wilcox, Ruth P. Saunders, Brent Hutto, Jessica Stucker
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 18
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
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Models for Population Health Improvement by Health Care Systems and Partners: Tensions and Promise on the Path Upstream: Proceedings of a Workshop
Proceedings from a public workshop held on September 19, 2019, exploring higher levels of action to improve health, such as changing laws, policies, and regulations, to improve the community conditions for health. Describes efforts of health systems and their partners to move beyond what takes place in clinical settings and to identify and respond to the needs of patients and communities. Notes that some approaches may work differently in rural and urban areas.
Additional links: Read Online
Author(s): Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice
Date: 2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Health and Medicine Division (HMD), National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
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Northern Michigan Community Health Innovation Region
Provides an overview of Northern Michigan Community Health Innovation Region (NMCHIR), a partnership of health and community providers in Northern Michigan. Describes how NMCHIR focuses on social determinants of health to improve population health, reduce health inequities, and reduce unnecessary medical expenses.
Date: 2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Value
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Healthy Places for Children: The Critical Role of Engagement, Common Vision, and Collaboration
Explores the role of child-friendly zoning in creating positive outcomes for rural and suburban children. Discusses the role of child-friendly zoning codes and services in addressing social determinants of health and public health outcomes. Breaks down the various aspects to be considered in creating child-friendly zoning codes and outlines child-focused services.
Author(s): Mildred E. Warner, Xue Zhang
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(24), 9277
Date: 12/2020
Type: Document
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An Evidence-Based Walking Program in Oregon Communities: Step It Up! Survivors
Describes the implementation and effectiveness of Step It Up! Survivors (SIUS), an evidence-based program designed to help promote social connections and increase physical activity among cancer survivors and their family and friends. Discusses the acceptability, feasibility, cost, sustainability, and other factors associated with implementing SIUS in Oregon, including responses from 6 rural organizations.
Author(s): Cynthia K. Perry, Laura P. Campbell, Jessica Currier, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 17
Date: 12/2020
Type: Document
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Federal Funding for Rural Health: Supporting Planning and Development Around a Regional Transportation Need
Features Rides to Health and Wealth, a regional transportation program in eastern Missouri helping improve rural healthcare access and other health-related transportation needs. Includes discussion of how the program planning and development continued during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Author(s): Kay Miller Temple
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 12/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Establishing a Community Air Monitoring Network in a Wildfire Smoke-Prone Rural Community: The Motivations, Experiences, Challenges, and Ideas of Clean Air Methow's Clean Air Ambassadors
Results of an analysis of interviews with volunteers who placed low-cost sensors in their homes or workplaces as part of a wildfire smoke-related community air monitoring project in Methow Valley, a rural community in northeastern Washington. Explores motivations for participation, project challenges, and future project ideas.
Author(s): Amanda Durkin, Rico Gonzalez, Tania Busch Isaksen, Elizabeth Walker, Nicole A. Errett
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(22), 8393
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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Blind Spot: Mobility and Aging in Rural America
Examines mobility challenges older adults face in rural America. Highlights programs that support the transit needs of older adults in rural Arizona. Outlines opportunities for philanthropies to engage with communities on mobility initiatives.
Date: 08/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Age Friendly Arizona
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