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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: COVID-19

Notes from the Field: COVID-19 Case Investigation and Contact Tracing Program — Spirit Lake Tribe, North Dakota, September–November 2020
Reports on how the CDC helped the Spirit Lake Tribe build a tribally managed program to address increasing COVID-19 cases through comprehensive case investigations, case notification, contact tracing, contact testing, and contact management. Describes the work of Spirit Lake community members who served as investigators and contact tracers, providing advice about the need to isolate or quarantine. Discusses housing challenges that impacted isolation and quarantine efforts.
Author(s): James Matthias, Tracy Charboneau, Cheri Schaffer, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(14), 533-534
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Care Systems COVID-19 Impact Assessment: Lessons Learned and Compelling Needs
Explores the clinical and public health responses and experiences of hospitals and health systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Presents policy actions and policy considerations to leverage the lessons of the pandemic to improve health system financing, infrastructure, and coordination. Includes information on challenges and priority areas for consideration for rural hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals.
Author(s): Jeffrey Balser, Jaewon Ryu, Michelle Hood, et al.
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Academy of Medicine
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Community Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Associated with a Local Bar Opening Event — Illinois, February 2021
Reports on a rural indoor bar opening event that resulted in COVID-19 cases among bar patrons and employees, as well as secondary cases in the community that impacted a long-term care facility and a school. Discusses the need for prevention measures as community businesses reopen.
Author(s): Samira Sami, Caitlin R. Turbyfill, Shelby Daniel-Wayman, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(14), 528-532
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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COVID-19 in Rural America: Impact on Farms & Agricultural Workers
Fact sheet highlights the impact of COVID-19 on American farms, farmworkers, and rural areas broadly. Details information about protective equipment, housing, and unemployment benefits, among other factors.
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Center for Farmworker Health
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Virtual Care Expansion in the Veterans Health Administration during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Clinical Services and Patient Characteristics Associated with Utilization
Presents results of a study of virtual care use in the Veterans Health Administration during the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports statistics for previous and current virtual care use, method of care delivery, and type of care. Compares demographic groups, including urban, rural, and highly rural veterans, and identifies factors associated with virtual care use.
Author(s): Jacqueline M. Ferguson, Josephine Jacobs, Maria Yefimova, et al
Citation: Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 28(3), 453-462
Date: 03/2021
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Hospitals Reported That the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Significantly Strained Health Care Delivery
Examines how the COVID-19 pandemic response impacted hospitals' capacity to care for patients, staff, and communities, based on a February 22-26, 2021 brief survey of hospital administrators. Includes discussion of challenges faced by rural hospitals related to hospital operations and rural access to vaccinations.
Date: 03/2021
Sponsoring organization: Office of Inspector General (HHS)
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Rural Death Rates from COVID-19 Surpassed Urban Death Rates in Early September 2020
Chart showing weekly COVID-19 death rates per 100,000 adults, comparing urban and rural communities. Discusses higher death rates in rural areas in early September 2020, addressing factors impacting the increase.
Date: 03/2021
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Examining Our COVID-19 Response: An Update from Federal Officials
Recording of a March 18, 2021, Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing on the federal response to COVID-19, including the development of public health guidance, equitable vaccine distribution, approaches to address vaccine hesitancy, and other steps necessary to end the pandemic.
Date: 03/2021
Sponsoring organization: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions
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COVID-19 and Rural Communities: Protecting Rural Lives and Health
Report examining the impact of COVID-19 in rural America, presenting data on case rates and mortality, prevalence in rural communities, and health conditions contributing to severe cases of COVID-19. Discusses issues of socioeconomic vulnerability, healthcare access, and public health compliance. Offers actions to address disparities, including increasing access, supporting livelihoods, and considering social determinants of health in healthcare planning.
Author(s): Jesse Bradford, Erica Coe, Kana Enomoto, Matt White
Date: 03/2021
Sponsoring organization: McKinsey & Company
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CAH Partnerships During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Presents findings from a survey of Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in eight states on how they partnered with communities and public health agencies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Discusses the type of support CAHs received from their State Flex Program (SFP).
Author(s): Madeleine Pick, Megan Lahr, Keelia Silvis, Ira Moscovice
Date: 03/2021
Sponsoring organization: Flex Monitoring Team
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