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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Infectious diseases

Telehealth in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Rural Health Disparities
Investigates the potential effects of telehealth implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic on rural health disparities. Includes discussion on telehealth initiatives and barriers to accessing broadband, and provides recommendations for researchers and policymakers.
Author(s): Kelly A. Hirko, Jean M. Kerver, Sabrina Ford, et al.
Citation: Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 27(11), 1816–1818
Date: 11/2020
Type: Document
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COVID-19 Behavior Changes and Recommendations for COVID-19 Messaging Among People Who Use Drugs in Rural Oregon
Presentation slides that provide an overview of rapid qualitative interviews during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess COVID-19 messaging geared toward people who use drugs (PWUD) in rural Oregon counties. Provides demographic information of and qualitative responses from respondents.
Author(s): Justine Pope, Jessica Larsen
Date: 10/2020
Type: Presentation Slides
Sponsoring organization: Comagine Health
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Healthcare: A Key Challenge in Alabama's Black Belt
Issue brief examining healthcare access in Alabama's Black Belt region compared to national trends. Covers hospital beds in relation to population, rural hospital closures, COVID-19 strain, and policy impacts.
Author(s): Emily Jacobs, Hunter Whann, Emily Grace Corley, Jonathan Bowen, Noel Keeney
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: University of Alabama Education Policy Center
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Ohio's COVID-19 Populations Needs Assessment
Describes a statewide evaluation of the unique needs of communities in Ohio at increased risk of disease and death due to COVID-19, as well as barriers these communities face in following COVID-19 protective behaviors. Focuses on 6 population groups, including rural communities. Offers 8 recommendations that would mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 across multiple populations.
Additional links: Executive Summary, Findings & Recommendations for Rural Communities
Author(s): Julianna M. Nemeth, Tasleem J. Padamsee
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: The Ohio State University College of Public Health
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Billing & Coding Telehealth
Recording of a webinar presented in October at the NARHC 2020 Virtual Fall Institute covering telehealth billing requirements relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discusses changes that may occur once the public health emergency end, and the posting and coding of telehealth services on a cost report.
Additional links: Presentation Slides
Date: 10/2020
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Rural Health Clinics
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Navigating RHC COVID-19 Testing Fund Reporting Requirements
Recording of an October 7, 2020, webinar providing detailed information about the reporting requirements for the Rural Health Clinic (RHC) COVID-19 Testing Relief Fund. Discusses the importance of reporting data and the type of data that should be documented. Part of the Rural Health Clinic Technical Assistance Series.
Additional links: Presentation Slides, Transcript
Date: 10/2020
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Rural Health Clinics
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Rapid Detection of Tuberculosis in Remote Alaska
Study of a rapid testing method for active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) administered in a remote area of western Alaska. Discusses challenges of diagnosing and treating TB in a timely manner in remote areas, and describes the process of creating and implementing a rapid testing program in partnership with healthcare organizations. Presents data from 223 patients who received the rapid test over 3 years, including positivity rates, test sensitivity and specificity, and effectiveness of the testing method.
Author(s): Ronald J. Bowerman
Citation: International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 79(1), 1827786
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
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HIV Prevention and Treatment Challenges in Rural America from the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services
Webinar recording discusses rural HIV infection rates and barriers to HIV prevention and treatment in rural communities. Features presentations from representatives of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and Medical Advocacy & Outreach.
Additional links: Audio Recording, PowerPoint Handout, Webinar Transcript
Date: 10/2020
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Association Between Social Vulnerability and a County's Risk for Becoming a COVID-19 Hotspot — United States, June 1–July 25, 2020
Examines associations between social vulnerability and COVID-19 hotspot locations, based on June 1–July 25, 2020 county-level COVID-19 cases and data from the 2018 CDC social vulnerability index. Includes data by level of urbanicity for large metropolitan, small/medium metro, and nonmetro counties. Looks at both social vulnerability overall and specific components, including racial/ethnic minority population, percent of residents who speak English less than well, and housing and transportation vulnerability.
Author(s): Sharoda Dasgupta, Virginia B. Bowen, Andrew Leidner, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 69(42), 1535-1541
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Vaccination Coverage by Age 24 Months Among Children Born in 2016 and 2017 — National Immunization Survey-Child, United States, 2017–2019
Examines vaccination coverage for selected vaccines and doses among children born in 2016 and 2017. Supplementary Table 2 includes data for metropolitan and nonmetro areas.
Additional links: Supplementary Table 2
Author(s): Holly A. Hill, David Yankey, Laurie D. Elam-Evans, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 69(42), 1505-1511
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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