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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Healthcare needs and services

Promising Practice: GA SORH Looks at the Feasibility of EMS Regionalization in the State
Reports on a study undertaken by the Georgia State Office of Rural Health (GA-SORH) and the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) to determine if regionalization of emergency medical services (EMS) among counties was feasible as a way to fill the gaps left from the closure of several rural hospitals in the state.
Author(s): Beth Blevins
Date: 03/2017
Sponsoring organization: National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health
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Behavioral Health Treatment Needs and Outcomes for Washington Counties
Provides county-level behavioral health data for Medicaid enrollees in Washington. Includes data breakdowns for those covered under Medicaid expansion, adults with disabilities, and by race/ethnicity and age group. Covers mental health, substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, criminal justice involvement, emergency department use, homelessness, and more.
Date: 03/2017
Sponsoring organization: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
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The Effects of Perceived Racial/Ethnic Discrimination on Substance Use Among Youths Living in the Cherokee Nation
Study examining the association of racial discrimination and substance misuse from a sample of American Indian, American Indian and White, and White adolescents living in small rural communities of northeast Oklahoma within the Cherokee Nation Tribal Jurisdictional Service Area (CNTJSA).
Author(s): Brady A. Garrett, Bethany J. Livingston, Melvin D. Livingston, Kelli A. Komroc
Citation: Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, 26(3), 242–249
Date: 03/2017
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Implementation and Outcomes of a Community-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program in Rural Appalachia
Describes the implementation and outcomes of a community-based pulmonary rehabilitation program in rural Appalachia. Reports on data from three rural health centers and one large referral hospital for multiple measures, including pre- and post-exams, respiratory disease knowledge, smoking status, and more.
Author(s): Daniel Doyle, Chaffee Tommarello, Mike Broce, Mary Emmett, Cecil Pollard
Citation: Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention, 37(4), 295-298
Date: 03/2017
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Sleep Quality in an Adult American Indian Community Sample
Highlights a study on the sleep quality of American Indians and Alaska Natives and the factors contributing negatively to sleep. Analyzes data by age, academic attainment, and substance use among other factors.
Author(s): Cindy L. Ehlers, Derek N. Wills, Philip Lau, David A. Gilder
Citation: Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 13(3), 385-391
Date: 03/2017
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An Approach to Developing Local Climate Change Environmental Public Health Indicators in a Rural District
Explores climate and environmental public health indicators for a seven-county public health department in western Kentucky. Identifies public health hazards and vulnerability indicators and features statistics on percentages of population living in rural areas of the counties studied.
Author(s): Adele Houghton, Jessica Austin, Abby Beerman, Clayton Horton
Citation: Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2017, 3407325
Date: 03/2017
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Health Insurance Coverage, Health Care Utilization, and Health Outcomes within the Context of Marcellus Shale Development
A discussion of the public health impacts of the Marcellus Shale natural gas well development in four Pennsylvania counties. Includes comparisons of health insurance coverage rates and availability; the burden of increased utilization of healthcare facilities and services; and health outcomes as they relate to the environmental effects of natural gas extraction.
Date: 03/2017
Sponsoring organization: Center for Rural Pennsylvania
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Tribal Nursing Homes: Best Practices for Patients with Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
Details a report on tribal nursing homes' best practices for treatment of Dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Discusses cultural considerations and risk factors in caring for elders. Includes related organizations, resources, and webinars.
Date: 03/2017
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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Prevention of Drug Use and Treatment of Drug Use Disorders in Rural Areas
Discusses the role and potential benefits of engaging rural communities in the treatment and prevention of substance use disorders. Includes a discussion of substance use problems in the rural context, and provides examples of useful tools and evidence-based strategies. Provides a list of additional resources, and a self-assessment tool designed to help identify needs, capacities, and strategies in your community.
Date: 03/2017
Sponsoring organization: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
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Using Telemedicine to Increase Access, Improve Care in Rural Communities
Examines Avera Health, an integrated delivery system based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to highlight how telehealth can be used to improve access in rural areas. Avera offers "eEmergency" telehealth services to more than 130 rural hospitals and "ePharmacy" services to roughly 75 rural hospitals, and other telehealth services. Discusses Avera's expansion into other areas where provider recruitment may be difficult, including prisons, schools, and long-term care facilities.
Author(s): Sarah Klein, Martha Hostetter
Citation: Transforming Care: Reporting on Health System Improvement
Date: 03/2017
Sponsoring organization: Commonwealth Fund
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