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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Health disparities

Improving Behavioral Health Services for Individuals with SMI in Rural and Remote Communities
Discusses behavioral health workforce shortages in rural and remote areas and the effect this has on healthcare access for people with serious mental illness (SMI). Highlights strategies for reducing barriers to access and improve workforce retention. Provides examples of programs to improve access in various states.
Date: 08/2021
Sponsoring organizations: American Psychiatric Association, SMI Adviser, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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Epidemiology of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Virginia: Excellent Survival Outcomes for Patients in Rural Appalachia
Results of a study comparing the molecular characteristics of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in rural and urban Virginia. Also evaluates the effect of geography and socioeconomic factors on the biology, treatment, and survival rate of AML patients. Features demographics with breakdowns by urban or rural location and a county-level map showing frequency of patients, with shadings indicating urban or rural area.
Author(s): Krista M. Isaac, Daniel R. Reed, Raj Piyush Desai, et al.
Citation: Cancer Reports (Hoboken), 4(4), e1354
Date: 08/2021
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Barriers for Implementing the Hub and Spoke Model to Expand Medication for Opioid Use Disorder: A Case Study of Montana
Highlights a study of the barriers to the implementation of hub and spoke programs to provide treatment for opioid use disorder in rural Montana. Features data based on interviews with 65 programs that provide medication for opioid use disorder in Montana and discusses the barriers to their efforts.
Author(s): Brandn Green, Danielle Christine Rhubart, Matthew R Filteau
Citation: Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, 15
Date: 08/2021
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"We Got an Invite into the Fortress": VA-Community Partnerships for Meeting Veterans' Healthcare Needs
Evaluates the efficacy of the VA's Veteran's Community Partnership (VCP) initiative across the rural and urban continuum. Bases conclusions on focus group interviews with local representatives of organizations involved with VCP. Highlights program challenges, benefits, and achievements in rural and urban settings.
Author(s): Carol J. Ward, Curtis Child, Bret L. Hicken, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(16), 8334
Date: 08/2021
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Minnesota State Oral Health Plan 2020-2030
Outlines the state oral health plan for Minnesota, focusing on the oral health infrastructure, access to oral healthcare, health systems integration, disability, special care needs and inclusion, and data. Includes rural considerations throughout.
Date: 08/2021
Sponsoring organization: Minnesota Department of Health
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Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Innovations in Native American Communities
Report highlights the efforts of tribal programs to address opioid use disorder in their communities. Presents success stories of programs providing culturally competent treatment, prevention, and recovery for American Indian and Alaska Native communities in several states.
Date: 08/2021
Sponsoring organization: National American Indian and Alaska Native Addiction Technology Transfer Center
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Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Measurement Recommendations Report
Provides an overview of two measurement frameworks, one for maternal morbidity and one for maternal mortality. Includes a list of short- and long-term recommendations for each measurement topic, which cover equitable treatment; timely access to treatment and services; follow-up and care coordination of care; protocols and guidelines; substance use disorders, mental health, and behavioral health; access to pain management and labor support; and patient- and family-reported outcomes and experiences of care. Discusses three potential, actionable measure concepts for maternal mortality.
Date: 08/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Quality Forum
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Rural Residency Training as a Strategy to Address Rural Health Disparities: Barriers to Expansion and Possible Solutions
Identifies barriers rural communities face in developing and sustaining graduate medical education programs, and proposes potential solutions including regulatory fixes and legislative action. Includes definitions of key concepts and terminology in the Supplementary Data section.
Additional links: Supplementary Data
Author(s): Emily M. Hawes, Erin Fraher, Steven Crane, et al.
Citation: Journal of Graduate Medical Education, 13(4), 461-465
Date: 08/2021
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State and Regional Differences in Access to Hospital-Based Obstetric Services for Rural Residents, 2018
Highlights a study on rural access to hospital-based obstetric services by state and region. Compares rates regionally and by state across the country and discusses the factors that affect obstetrics access.
Author(s): Julia D. Interrante, Mariana S. Tuttle, Bridget Basile Ibrahim, et al.
Date: 08/2021
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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Stroke‐Related Mortality in the United States–Mexico Border Area of the United States, 1999 to 2018
Used the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research - Multiple Cause of Death database to examine death certificates from 1999 to 2018 listing natural death attributed to stroke as the cause. Compares death certificates between U.S.-Mexico Border counties and non-border counties in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. Data are further examined for disparities in states, age, sex, race and ethnicity, and location of death.
Author(s): Safi U. Khan, Ankur Kalra, Siva H. Yedlapati, et al
Citation: Journal of the American Heart Association 10(13)
Date: 07/2021
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