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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Healthcare needs and services

Oral Health among Indian Health Service Oklahoma City Area Population: A Review of Current Data 2020-2021
Presents data on oral health indicators for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) in the Indian Health Service (IHS) Oklahoma City Service Area (OKC Area). Compares oral health statistics for the IHS OKC area to the IHS population nationwide as well as the general population. Discusses access to dentists and other oral health providers in rural and tribal communities.
Author(s): Julie Seward, Amanda J. Llaneza, Alexandrea Holt
Date: 02/2021
Sponsoring organizations: Native Oral Health Network, Southern Plains Tribal Health Board
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Strengthening Rural Community Colleges: Innovations and Opportunities
Examines the needs and challenges of rural community colleges throughout the United States, based on interviews with over 500 rural college trustees, presidents, and rural leaders. Explores funding disparities, access to broadband and mental health resources for students, and includes a section on tribal colleges and universities. Features statistics on community college expenditures for overall costs and student services costs, with breakdowns by urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Author(s): Rachel Rush-Marlowe
Date: 02/2021
Sponsoring organization: Association of Community College Trustees
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Opioid and Substance Use Strategies for Critical Access Hospitals
Recording of a February 26, 2021, webinar discussing the role of Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in addressing opioid use disorders (OUDs) and substance use disorders (SUDs) in local systems of care. Provides a framework to support CAH opioid and substance use initiatives. Highlights examples of OUD and SUD activities taken by CAHs and offers lessons learned.
Additional links: Presentation Slides
Date: 02/2021
Sponsoring organization: Flex Monitoring Team
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Projected Estimates of Opioid Mortality After Community-Level Interventions
Presents a study on the effectiveness of different evidence-based practices to prevent opioid overdose mortality in simulated rural and urban communities. Highlights data by evidence-based practice and by projected rural and urban population group, which is broken down by age, sex, and opioid injection versus non-injection.
Author(s): Benjamin P. Linas, Alexandra Savinkina, R.W.M.A. Madushani, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 4(2), e2037259
Date: 02/2021
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Social Isolation and Loneliness in Rural Communities and the Role of Cross-Sector Partnerships
Discussion with Carrie Henning-Smith around social isolation and loneliness in rural communities and obstacles to address these issues. Profiles how two Minnesota communities took steps to improve accessibility and social cohesion. Describes how cross-sector partnerships can promote recovery of rural communities after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Date: 02/2021
Sponsoring organization: Build Healthy Places Network
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Partnering to Improve Birth Outcomes in a Rural Community: Kearny County Hospital, Lakin, KS
Highlights the Pioneer Baby program, a partnership between Kearny County Hospital, a Critical Access Hospital in rural Lakin, Kansas, and the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita. Discusses how funding from grants and local employers enhanced the obstetrics program. Describes how the partnership worked to improve pregnancy and birth outcomes and presents lessons learned.
Date: 02/2021
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Rural-Urban Residence and Emergency Contraception Use, Access, and Counseling in the United States, 2006-2017
Study examining emergency contraception access, counseling, and use by rural and urban county of residence for women ages 15-44. Analyzes 2006-2017 data from the National Survey of Family Growth including participant characteristics, contraceptive methods, and emergency contraception counseling.
Author(s): Carly M. Milkowski, Erika C. Ziller, Katherine A. Ahrens
Citation: Contraception: X, 3, 100061
Date: 02/2021
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Rural EMS Workforce: A Call to Action
Policy brief discussing rural emergency medical services (EMS) systems. Highlights challenges facing the rural EMS workforce, including the costs of training and reimbursement concerns. Outlines policy recommendations to strengthen rural EMS systems.
Author(s): Christopher McLaughlin, Olivia Riutta, Jonnathan Busko
Date: 02/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
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Rural Obstetric Unit Closures and Maternal and Infant Health
Policy paper examining the discontinuation of obstetric services in rural communities. Discusses factors contributing to obstetric unit closures, including hospital financial constraints, Medicaid reimbursement rates, and maternal health workforce concerns. Offers policy recommendations to prevent additional obstetric unit closures in rural areas.
Author(s): Lindsay Corcoran, Catherine Clary, Sarah Brinkman
Date: 02/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
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Addressing Higher Risk of Suicide Among Farmers in Rural America
Policy brief highlighting factors contributing to the higher risk of suicide among farmers, including financial pressures, social pressures, and access to care. Offers policy recommendations to promote and improve farmers' mental health.
Author(s): Rosalie Eisenreich, Carolyn Pollari
Date: 02/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
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