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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: COVID-19

Impact of the COVID-19 Shutdown on Mental Health in Appalachia by Working Status
Results of a study on issues faced by Appalachian residents during the COVID-19-related shutdown in the spring of 2020, including concerns about healthcare and finances, and the effect on mental health. Examines whether there were higher levels of anxiety, fear, and depression among those who continued working outside the home compared with those who began working remotely during the shutdown. Features demographics and statistics on chronic health conditions and types of concerns, with breakdowns by work categories.
Author(s): Erin N. Haynes, Timothy J. Hilbert, Susan C. Westneat, et al.
Citation: Journal of Appalachian Health, 3(1), 18-28
Date: 2021
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Using State Licensure Data to Assess North Carolina's Health Workforce COVID-19 Response Capacity
Assesses the supply of healthcare providers in North Carolina who are able to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, using licensure data merged with population data and numbers of intensive care unit (ICU) beds. Mentions rural throughout. Features county-level maps showing ratios of respiratory therapists, critical care nurses and physicians per 10,000 county population, and ratios of critical care nurses and respiratory therapists to numbers of ICU beds.
Author(s): Heather Wilson, Evan M. Galloway, Julie C. Spero, et al.
Citation: North Carolina Medical Journal, 82(1), 29-35
Date: 2021
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Equitable Recovery and Resilience in Rural America
Reports on geographic, economic, and cultural diversity in rural America, addressing issues of equity, health disparities, and economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. Offers recommendations for local and federal action related to broadband internet access, small business development, and collaboration to support rural economic vitality and equity.
Author(s): Brian Dabson
Date: 12/2020
Sponsoring organization: Aspen Institute
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Benefits and Barriers to Pediatric Tele-Urology During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Study of remote video visits by a pediatric urology provider serving rural Virginia that examines the rapid integration of video visits into a practice that previously treated patients exclusively in-person. Discusses patient demographics, diagnosis and clinical outcomes, and success rates of video visits for 116 patients.
Author(s): Andrew J. Winkelman, Haerin L. Beller, Kathryn E. Morgan, et al.
Citation: Journal of Pediatric Urology, 16(6), P840.E1-840.E6
Date: 12/2020
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Ensuring an Equitable Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines in Rural Communities
Policy brief addressing rural access to COVID-19 vaccines. Discusses the vaccine infrastructure, distribution, transportation, and storage needed to reach rural residents. Provides guidance for national, state, and local leaders.
Author(s): John Gale, Alana Knudson, Michael Meit, Shena Popat
Date: 12/2020
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
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Lakewood Engage Tackles Food Insecurity in Rural Minnesota
Features a community-based program in rural Minnesota that addresses food insecurity through multiple initiatives, including distribution of fresh produce through a food "prescription" program, home delivery of meals to post-acute care patients and those in COVID-19 quarantine, and a farmers market.
Author(s): Kathryn Rutz
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 12/2020
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Rural Hospitalizations for COVID-19: Snapshot on December 10, 2020
Analyzes U.S. Department of Health and Human Services data to compare rural and urban hospitals on the percent of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and the percent of hospital beds occupied by patients who have COVID-19. Features breakdowns by geographical region.
Date: 12/2020
Sponsoring organization: North Carolina Rural Health Research Program
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Rural Hospitals Have Higher Percentages of Patients with COVID-19 than Urban Hospitals (October-December 2020)
Analyzes data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to compare the percent of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in rural versus urban hospitals. Features breakdowns by the Midwest, Northeast, West, and South.
Date: 12/2020
Sponsoring organization: North Carolina Rural Health Research Program
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Factors That Might Affect SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Among Foreign-Born and U.S.-Born Poultry Facility Workers — Maryland, May 2020
Looks at workplace-related, community, and household factors that might affect person-to-person SARS-CoV-2 transmission, with data for U.S.- and foreign-born workers at two Maryland poultry processing facilities.
Author(s): Beth L. Rubenstein, Stefanie Campbell, Alysha R. Meyers, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 69(50), 1906-1910
Date: 12/2020
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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How Might Internet Connectivity Affect Health Care Access?
Describes how a lack of internet access may negatively impact access to healthcare. Features data and statistics on internet access, with information broken down by race/ethnicity, age, poverty level, insurance status and type, and metropolitan/nonmetropolitan location. Discusses COVID-19 and how social distancing measures have led to increased implementation of telehealth, resulting in additional challenges accessing healthcare among people with little to no internet connectivity.
Author(s): Krutika Amin, Matthew Rae, Giorlando Ramirez, Cynthia Cox
Date: 12/2020
Sponsoring organization: KFF
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