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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Emergency preparedness and response

Although IHS Allocated COVID-19 Testing Funds to Meet Community Needs, It Did Not Ensure That the Funds Were Always Used in Accordance with Federal Requirements
Presents results of an audit of Indian Health Service (IHS) funds for COVID-19 testing. Examines if 10 IHS Direct, Tribal, and Urban Indian Organizations (UIO) in the Great Plains Area Office allocated COVID-19 testing funds to meet community needs, the effectiveness of the funding allocation, and if the funding was used in accordance with federal requirements. Outlines recommendations to IHS, as well as IHS comments and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service Office of the Inspector General's response.
Additional links: Report in Brief
Date: 07/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Office of Inspector General (HHS)
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Evaluation of the Vermont All-Payer Accountable Care Organization Model: Third Evaluation Report
Evaluates the first four and a half performance years of the Vermont All-Payer Accountable Care Organization Model (VTAPM), which aims to assess whether scaling an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) across all payers in the state can reduce program expenditures while preserving or improving care quality. Discusses the implementation of the model, provider engagement, efforts to address population health goals; characteristics of participating hospitals, practitioners, and beneficiaries; and the model's impacts on Medicare spending, utilization, and quality of care. Describes trends in substance use disorder diagnosis and treatment for Medicaid members. Outlines challenges and lessons learned, as well as areas for future research.
Additional links: Findings at a Glance, Technical Appendices
Date: 07/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, NORC at the University of Chicago
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Targeted Provider Relief Funds Allocated to Hospitals Had Some Differences with Respect to the Ethnicity and Race of Populations Served
Examines how early Provider Relief Fund Targeted Distributions (Targeted PRF) in 2020 correlated with the racial, ethnic, and economic characteristics of the communities providers serve. Analyzes the Targeted PRF allocations to hospitals and explores if there are statistically significant correlations between PRF per person and the racial, ethnic, and economic composition of the census tracts. Covers four Targeted PRF allocations to COVID-19 High Impact Area Hospitals, Safety Net Hospitals, Rural Hospitals, and Indian Health Service and Tribal Hospitals. Identifies and describes trends in the allotment to rural hospitals.
Date: 07/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Office of Inspector General (HHS)
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Emergency Preparedness and Response Efforts in Critical Access Hospitals
Webinar recording, part 2 of a 3-part series, discusses emergency preparedness planning, response, and recovery for Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs). Features presentations from representatives of NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis, Estes Park Health, and the McKenzie Health System.
Additional links: Audio Recording, Webinar Slides
Date: 06/2023
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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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
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Health and Medicine Division (HMD), National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
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Strengthening Risk Communications in Rural Health Care Emergency Management
Podcast episode regarding strategies for successful risk communication during crises. Discusses the experiences of Missouri's Phelps Health in risk communications and disseminating critical information during emergencies and disasters.
Date: 06/2023
Type: Audio
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Building Local Level Partnerships for Rural Emergency Preparedness
Webinar recording, part 1 of a 3-part series, discusses the role of collaboration and partnerships in rural emergency preparedness. Features presentations from representatives of NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis, the Region 5 Big Horn Basin Healthcare Coalition, the Southern Stone County Fire Protection District, and the Pottsboro Area Library.
Additional links: Audio Recording, Webinar Slides
Date: 05/2023
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Community Wildfire Defense Grants: Insights from Round 1 of Funding
An independent analysis conducted for the U.S. Forest Service regarding the Community Wildfire Defense grant application and selection process. Includes analysis of funded and unfunded proposals with consideration for their rurality.
Date: 05/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Headwater Economics
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The Impacts of Extreme Weather Events on People with Disabilities
A report detailing the impact of extreme weather on people with disabilities in the areas of healthcare, housing, employment, education, and emergency management. Discusses concerns and recommendations for both rural and tribal residents throughout.
Date: 05/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Council on Disability
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Building Capacity with American Indians and Alaska Natives to Handle Hazardous Materials and Respond to Emergencies
Report details the NIEHS Worker Training Program initiative to train American Indian and Alaska Native workers and communities to handle hazardous materials and public emergencies. Highlights the courses offered, such as chemical emergency response, asbestos awareness, and infectious disease awareness, among others. Discusses the need for training in AI/AN communities and identifies the tribal nations that have received the training.
Date: 05/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
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