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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Health disparities

Caring for American Indian and Alaska Native Children and Adolescents
Examines the influence of historical trauma and health inequities on the socioeconomic and health status of AI/AN youth. Discusses the disproportionate mental and cardiovascular health needs, and disease processes of AI/AN youth. Identifies strategies for culturally sensitive care to lessen morbidity, and makes policy recommendations supporting institutional and system changes for improving health outcomes.
Author(s): Bell. S., Deen, J.F., Fuentes, M., Moore, K.
Citation: Pediatrics, 147(4)
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
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Disparities in Meeting USPSTF Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines Among Women in the United States
Results of a study to determine which sociodemographic characteristics were associated with women meeting US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening. Features statistics with breakdowns by metropolitan, micropolitan, and rural locations.
Author(s): Gabriel A. Benavidez, Anja Zgodic, Whitney E. Zahnd, Jan M. Eberth
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 18
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
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Evaluation of the Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies Program: First Annual Report
Reports on the Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMS) program awardees' planning year 2019-2020. Introduces the program, the need for increased access to maternal and obstetric care in rural areas, and the program's strategic goals. Offers an overview of the 3 RMOMS awardees in Texas, Missouri, and New Mexico and rural maternal health challenges in each area.
Additional links: Executive Summary
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Health Resources and Services Administration
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Reducing Rural Veteran Suicides: Navigating Geospatial and Community Contexts for Scaling up a National Veterans Affairs Program
Details the development of planning maps to facilitate the recruitment of rural veterans into a community-based suicide prevention program. Aims to identify the percentages of rural veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration, of veterans in the total population, and of suicide mortality for each county mapped.
Author(s): Carlee J. Kreisel, Lauren K. Wilson, Alexandra L. Schneider, et al.
Citation: Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 51(2), 344-351
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
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The Road to Equity: Examining Structural Racism in Health Care
Recordings of a 2-day forum on health equity, structural racism in healthcare, and the role of federal agencies in responding to issues of inequity. Day 2 includes a presentation on rural-specific issues including health disparities, access to healthcare, facility closures and workforce issues.
Additional links: Day 1 Transcript, Day 2 Recording, Day 2 Transcript
Date: 04/2021
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: CDC's Office of Minority Health & Health Equity
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Tribal Transit Study: Demographic Needs Indicators, Funding Needs and Livability
Explores the demographic characteristics that correlate with transportation needs among American Indian and discusses the transit options available in several reservations in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington. Breaks down data by demographics such as senior citizen status, disability status, and income, among other factors.
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute
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Maternal Mortality and Morbidity: Additional Efforts Needed to Assess Program Data for Rural and Underserved Areas
Provides an overview of maternal health disparities in rural and underserved areas, as well as health system, socioeconomic, and patient factors that can contribute to maternal health outcomes. Includes information on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) programs implemented to reduced maternal morbidity and severe maternal mortality. Describes how CDC and HRSA use the data they collect and offers recommendations to improve the utilization of this data and coordination across federal agencies.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Services: Key Findings from the 2020 KFF Women's Health Survey
Presents selected findings from the 2020 KFF Women's Health Survey with a focus on coverage and use of reproductive and sexual health services. Discusses the use and coverage of contraceptives, access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, sexual and reproductive health counseling and education, and more. Includes rural data throughout.
Author(s): Brittni Frederiksen, Usha Ranji, Alina Salganicoff, Michelle Long
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: KFF
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HIV and Hepatitis C in Rural Areas: Prevalence, Service Availability, and Challenges
Webinar recording discusses the prevalence of HIV and maternal hepatitis C in rural communities. Compares infection rates in rural versus urban areas and highlights changes over time. Makes recommendations regarding testing, treatment, and harm reduction services.
Additional links: Presentation Slides, Video Recording, Webinar Transcript
Date: 04/2021
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Research Gateway
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COVID-19 Outbreaks in Correctional Facilities with Work-Release Programs — Idaho, July–November 2020
Reports on COVID-19 outbreaks among incarcerated people at five Idaho correctional facilities with work-release programs. The work-release sites included an agriculture-related rural work camp and two food processing plants. Discusses the increased risk of COVID-19 exposure related to work-release programs, as well as correctional facility mitigation activities and outbreak control.
Author(s): Eileen M. Dunne, Ellie Morgan, Bruce Wells-Moore, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(16), 589-594
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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