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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Emergency preparedness and response

The IHS Telehealth System Was Deployed Without Some Required Cybersecurity Controls
Presents findings of an audit to determine whether the Indian Health Service (IHS) implemented select cybersecurity system controls prior to deploying its telehealth system nationally. Offers policy recommendations to the IHS for improving the implementation of cybersecurity controls for new information systems and remediating known vulnerabilities that may impact telehealth technologies.
Date: 09/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Office of Inspector General (HHS)
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Tips for Disaster Responders: Cultural Awareness When Working in Indian Country Post-Disaster
Provides information for disaster response workers to build cultural awareness for supporting Native Americans before, during, and after a traumatic event. Discusses cultural values; types of traumatic events; traditional teachings, values, and language; and community healing.
Date: 09/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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2020 Forces of Change: The COVID-19 Edition
Reports on capacity, preparedness, and response of local health departments (LHDs) during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizes survey data from 583 LHDs and includes information such as job losses, budget changes, COVID-19 response timeline, workforce changes, experiences related to harassment, available services, recovery efforts, and more. Data includes information from small, medium, and large LHDs.
Date: 08/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Association of County and City Health Officials
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Rural Road to Recovery in Indiana: Impacts
Provides an overview of how the Indiana economy was impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Discusses the impact of The Rural Road to Recovery Initiative that provided assistance to broadband, arts, housing, and agriculture sectors in rural counties of Indiana.
Date: 08/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Indiana Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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Public Health Preparedness: COVID-19 Medical Surge Experiences and Related HHS Efforts
Discusses the medical surge challenges of eight hospitals in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and how healthcare coalitions have supported the hospitals' efforts. Identifies challenges related to staffing, supplies, space, and information, as well as challenges unique to rural hospitals. Describes Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) programs and activities to support medical surge readiness.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 08/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Preparing for and Rebuilding from a Natural Disaster in Graves County, KY
Case study discussing how Jackson Purchase Medical Center (JPMC) and the West Kentucky Healthcare Coalition (WKYHCC) implemented an emergency response plan in the aftermath of a December 2021 tornado. Discusses the regional emergency preparedness plan and its effectiveness, as well as JPMC's expansion of employee assistance and behavioral health services to meet community needs.
Date: 08/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Indiana Governor's Public Health Commission Report 2022
Provides an overview of public health in Indiana with a focus on healthy environments and health education. Examines the declining life expectancy and challenges to public health such as behavioral health issues, adult and child obesity, infectious diseases, and geographic and socio-economic health disparities. Summarizes and provides recommendations from the commission's findings related to governance and infrastructure, funding, healthcare workforce, data integration, emergency preparedness, and child/adolescent health.
Additional links: Appendices, News Brief
Date: 08/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Indiana Department of Health
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ARPA Impact Report: An Analysis of How Counties are Addressing National Issues with Local Investments
Describes how counties are investing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to strengthen the workforce, address behavioral health needs, reinforce public health preparedness, improve housing access, ensure access to clean water, and build prosperous communities. Includes examples from rural counties throughout.
Date: 07/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Counties
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Planning for Success and Security – Providing Assistance Without a Back-Up Plan Puts Everyone at Risk
Discusses the importance of keeping operation and maintenance (O&M) manuals up-to-date and accessible to avoid public health emergencies such as faulty operations of a water treatment plant. Offers suggestions for development of O&M manuals.
Author(s): Kathy Rodgers
Date: 06/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Community Assistance Partnership
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Emergency Management Resource Guide
An overview of features and functions of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (FirstNet), which agencies might use before, during, and after an emergency. Covers topics applicable for coordinating response in rural and remote areas or when an emergency operations center has been activated. Includes reference links and suggestions for obtaining additional information.
Date: 06/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: FirstNet Authority
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