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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Infectious diseases

Multiple COVID-19 Outbreaks Linked to a Wedding Reception in Rural Maine — August 7–September 14, 2020
Reports on a COVID-19 outbreak that began at a rural Maine wedding reception and spread in the local community and to a long-term care facility and a correctional facility in other counties. Discusses the impact of noncompliance with CDC's recommended mitigation measures.
Author(s): Parag Mahale, Craig Rothfuss, Sarah Bly, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 69(45), 1686-1690
Date: 11/2020
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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COVID-19 Outbreak in an Amish Community — Ohio, May 2020
Reports on a COVID-19 outbreak in a rural Ohio Amish community. Discusses access to testing, provision of culturally responsive health education messages, and collaboration among health department staff and community leaders to help overcome cultural barriers.
Author(s): Hammad Ali, Karthik Kondapally, Paran Pordell, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 69(45), 1671-1674
Date: 11/2020
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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HRSA Programs Serve Rural Communities
Infographic provides an overview of the Health Resources and Services Administration programs serving rural areas. Covers rural health, health center, health workforce, HIV/AIDS, and maternal and child health programs.
Date: 11/2020
Sponsoring organizations: Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration
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Notes from the Field: Development of an Enhanced Community-Focused COVID-19 Surveillance Program — Hopi Tribe, June‒July 2020
Describes a collaboration between the Hopi Tribe Department of Health and Human Services, Hopi Health Care Center, and CDC to provide house-to-house COVID-19 surveillance and education in a rural, low-resource setting using community health representatives and volunteers.
Author(s): Royce Jenkins, Rachel M. Burke, Joyce Hamilton, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 69(44), 1660-1661
Date: 11/2020
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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A SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak Illustrating the Challenges in Limiting the Spread of the Virus — Hopi Tribe, May–June 2020
Reports on an investigation of a COVID-19 outbreak among immediate and extended family and community members of the Hopi Tribe. Describes the public health response, which included support for those in isolation and quarantine and community education and mitigation activities.
Author(s): Jocelyn Hirschman, Harpriya Kaur, Kay Honanie, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 69(44), 1654-1659
Date: 11/2020
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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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
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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
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
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
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
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Rural Health Clinics
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