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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Healthcare needs and services

A Dire Shortage and Getting Worse: Solving the Crisis in the Health Care Workforce
Video of a May 20, 2021 U.S. Senate hearing with testimony from representatives of the Association of American Medical Colleges, the National Medical Association, Albany (Georgia) Area Primary Health Care, and the University of New England. Examines lack of access to high-quality care in rural and underserved areas, and the importance of training students likely to practice in rural areas.
Additional links: David J. Skorton Statement, James D. Herbert Statement, Leon McDougle Statement, Shelley Spires Statement
Author(s): David J. Skorton, Leon McDougle, Shelley Spires, James D. Herbert
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions
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Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Services Utilization
Summarizes the results of a poll conducted between April 29-May 2, 2021, regarding patients' experiences receiving mental health and substance use treatment services, including telehealth services, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Examines the utilization of these services and barriers to treatment by sex, age, education, income, ethnicity, and urban-rural status. Explores the preferences of individuals seeking mental health or substance use treatment.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organizations: Bipartisan Policy Center, Morning Consult
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Rural Disparities in End-of-life Care for Patients with Heart Failure: Are They Due to Geography or Socioeconomic Disparity?
Examines the relationship of rurality, socioeconomic background, and end-of-life care for patients with heart failure in Maine. Includes data on healthcare utilization at end-of-life by age, sex, rurality, insurance type, and area deprivation index.
Author(s): Rebecca N. Hutchinson, Paul K.J. Han, F. Lee Lucas, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health
Date: 05/2021
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Vaccine Distribution in Rural Counties
Presents data on COVID-19 vaccination rates and intention to be vaccinated by urban-rural status. Discusses vaccine distribution, challenges facing rural communities, and considerations for communication about the vaccines. Describes best practices in rural counties in Virginia, Washington, and West Virgina.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Counties
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Vaccine Hesitancy among Rural Hospitals: The Arrival of a Challenging "New Normal"
Summarizes the results of a survey of rural hospital leaders between March 12-April 15, 2021, regarding COVID-19 vaccination among rural hospital personnel. Explores the percentage of rural hospital employees that have declined a vaccine, are partially vaccinated, and are fully vaccinated; reasons for declining the vaccine; and changing attitudes toward the vaccine.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: The Chartis Group
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Characterization of Mental Illness Among US Coal Miners
Describe the prevalence of and risk factors for mental illness among 2,808 active and former coal miners from central Appalachia who received clinical care at Stone Mountain Health Services Black Lung Clinic between 2018-2020. Features statistics with breakdowns by degree of depression, pulmonary risk factors, and length of time spent working as a miner.
Author(s): Drew Harris, Timothy McMurry, Amanda Caughron, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 4(5)
Date: 05/2021
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CMS OMH Building COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence Webinar
Recording of a May 13, 2021, webinar on resources and strategies to promote COVID-19 vaccine confidence. Includes information on the development of the COVID-19 vaccines, as data on their efficacy and safety. Transcript is available in the video description.
Additional links: Partner Webinar Supplemental Handout, Presentation Slides, Vaccinate with Confidence Fact Sheet
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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State and Community Efforts to Address Stimulant Use
Explores state and community-based efforts to address stimulant misuse. Summarizes common themes and key findings that emerged from discussions with a diverse group of stakeholders. Covers program activities, funding sources, facilitators, and barriers to implementing programs to respond to stimulant use. Identifies policy options for community, state, and federal stakeholders. Includes rural references throughout.
Author(s): Rebecca L. Haffajee, Sara Heins
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organizations: HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, RAND Corporation
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Socioeconomic and Racial Inequities in Breast Cancer Screening During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Washington State
Describes a study of breast cancer screening disparities, comparing screening rates in Washington by race, socioeconomic status, and rural residence based on data from a statewide healthcare system. Compares rates of screening before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Author(s): Ofer Amram, Jeanne Robison, Solmaz Amiri, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 4(5), e2110946
Date: 05/2021
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PeaceHealth Is Vaccinating Rural America Through Peer-to-Peer Outreach
Describes how PeaceHealth is promoting COVID-19 vaccines among farmworkers in rural Washington. Discusses the role of community health workers and digital media in educating people about the importance of vaccination.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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