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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Healthcare needs and services

Rural Hospital Closures Reduce Access to Emergency Care
Recognizes the importance of hospital and emergency care services in providing healthcare in rural communities, and discusses the current hospital closure rate. Uses federal data to compare the financial viability of rural and urban hospitals, and the availability of emergency care in rural communities. Suggests policy recommendations for improving access to healthcare and emergency care for rural populations.
Author(s): Tarun Ramesh, Emily Gee
Date: 09/2019
Sponsoring organization: Center for American Progress
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Contextual Factors Associated With County-Level Suicide Rates in the United States, 1999 to 2016
Explores a study of the demographic variables associated with suicides, such as age, sex, and social capital. Details how the variables and rates vary based on rural or urban status.
Author(s): Danielle L. Steelesmith, Cynthia A. Fontanella, John V. Campo, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 2(9)
Date: 09/2019
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Characteristics of Inpatient Hospital Stays Involving Sickle Cell Disease, 2000–2016
Examines inpatient stays among patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), with trends by patient age from 2000-2016. Also reports on characteristics of inpatient stays in 2016, including data on the location of patient residence for metropolitan, rural metro-adjacent, and rural remote areas. Includes data by patient location for Black patients with SCD-related stays compared to Black U.S. residents as a whole. Also reports on SCD-related stays by hospital location for metropolitan, rural metro-adjacent, and rural remote areas.
Author(s): Kathryn R. Fingar, Pamela L. Owens, Lawrence D. Reid, et al.
Date: 09/2019
Sponsoring organization: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
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Improving Access to Maternal Health Care in Rural Communities
Highlights the issues affecting access to healthcare for women in rural communities before, during, and after pregnancy. Demonstrates the need for national, state, and community organizations to work together to develop a plan to improve access to care and the outcomes for rural women and their babies.
Date: 09/2019
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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Survey Development: Community Involvement in the Design and Implementation Process
Highlights how the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council Epidemiology Center (RMTEC) worked with one tribal community to develop a health priorities survey. Describes the importance of community involvement in public health activities and planning for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. Includes practice and policy implications.
Author(s): Allyson Kelley, Christopher Piccione, Aryn Fisher, et al.
Citation: Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 25(suppl 5), S77-S83
Date: 09/2019
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Wisconsin Number of Psychiatrist FTEs Needed to Remove Shortages for the Resident Population
Shows the number of psychiatrists needed to remove the Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) designation for each county in the state of Wisconsin.
Date: 09/2019
Sponsoring organization: Wisconsin Office of Rural Health
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Wisconsin Number of Providers Needed to Remove Shortage Designation: Dental Health
Shows the number of providers needed to remove the Dental Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) designation for each county in the state of Wisconsin.
Date: 09/2019
Sponsoring organization: Wisconsin Office of Rural Health
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Wisconsin Number of Providers Needed to Remove Shortage Designation: Primary Care
Shows the number of providers needed to remove the Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) designation for each county in the state of Wisconsin.
Date: 09/2019
Sponsoring organization: Wisconsin Office of Rural Health
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The Impact of Geographic Isolation on Mental Disability in the United States
Examines the association between geographic isolation and mental disability using the 2000 decennial census and supplementary county-level data from other sources. Analyzes factors including social isolation, socioeconomic status, and income inequality.
Author(s): Christopher G. Hudson, Nathan J. Doogan
Citation: SSM - Population Health, 8, 100437
Date: 08/2019
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Current Perceptions, Behaviors & Prevention Strategies of Prescription Opioid Misuse
Reports the findings of a survey of 379 rural Montanans about the perception of prescription opioid misuse in their communities. Offers data on opioid use behavior and accessibility, medication disposal options, and methods of distributing information about opioids to family, friends, and community members.
Author(s): Michelle Grocke, Barbara Allen, Wendy Stevens, Kristen Vardanega, Sandra Bailey
Date: 08/2019
Sponsoring organization: Montana State University Extension
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