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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Infrastructure

Loneliness and Social Isolation Are Common in Rural America. Is "Social Infrastructure" the Solution?
Discusses structural factors that contribute to social isolation in rural areas. Features programs in Minnesota, Nebraska, and Alaska that are finding ways to build connection into rural communities.
Author(s): Brendan Stermer
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Rural Road Safety Funding at the US Department of Transportation: Example Projects from 2022
Compiles a selection of projects from certain U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) discretionary and non-discretionary grant programs intended to address rural road safety. Helps prospective rural applicants understand how USDOT grants have previously been used to improve rural road safety, and showcases the importance of safety across USDOT grant programs.
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Transportation
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Community Voices Volume 1: Climate Stressors Report: Perceptions and Experiences of Mountain West Climate-Health Engagement Hub Advisory Board Members
Analyzes and highlights themes from interviews with experts and community leaders investigating climate resilience and health equity in rural and urban Colorado. Includes recommendations for action related to centering equity, collaboration, infrastructure, policy, and adaptation.
Author(s): Cerise Hunt, Gabrielle Cooper, Nicholas Stoll, Kelsey Phinney
Date: 05/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Mountain West Climate-Health Engagement Hub
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Annual Report To the Congress of the United States On Sanitation Deficiency Levels for Indian Homes and Communities: Fiscal Year 2022
Reports on sanitation deficiencies in tribal communities and describes efforts and priorities of the Indian Health Service to improve tribal water, sewer, and solid waste infrastructure. Includes data on estimated costs to address sanitation deficiencies, estimated health impacts, and healthcare costs avoided by infrastructure investment.
Date: 05/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Indian Health Service
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The Future of Broadband Affordability
Presents a recording of a May 2, 2024, hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband. Describes federal approaches to increase broadband access and affordability. Discusses the state of broadband affordability programs, the impact of a potential lapse or end of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), and strategies to address shortfalls in broadband affordability programs.
Additional links: Blair Levin, New Street Research - Testimony, Jennifer Case Nevarez, Community Learning Network - Testimony, Kathryn de Wit, Pew Charitable Trusts - Testimony
Date: 05/2024
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
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Social Infrastructure Availability and Suicide Rates Among Working-Age Adults in the United States
Examines the relationship between county-level social infrastructure (SI) and suicide rates among working-age adults. Analyzes 2016-2019 National Vital Statistics System mortality data and 2013-2015 National Neighborhood Data Archive information on community SI, providing statistical correlations as well as county-level maps. Discusses the relationship among county demographic, socioeconomic, healthcare, and SI factors in relation to mental health and well-being.
Author(s): Xue Zhang, Danielle C. Rhubart, Shannon M. Monnat
Citation: Socius: Sociological Research for a Dynamic World, 10
Date: 04/2024
Type: Document
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How Americans View Infrastructure in Their Community
Examines survey data on residents' perspectives on their own neighborhood infrastructure for 15 community types as defined by the American Communities Project. Discusses infrastructure condition, funding, amount of use, access to infrastructure, and environmental hazards due to infrastructure.
Author(s): Ari Pinkus
Date: 04/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: American Communities Project
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USDA Rural Utilities Service's Support for Tribes and Other Indigenous Entities
Provides an overview of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) programs that help offset the costs of building and repairing utility systems in rural areas. Describes the types of tribal and other Indigenous entities eligible to apply for RUS programs. Highlights two USDA Rural Development authorities that can help tribes and other Indigenous entities access RUS programs. Outlines issues Congress may consider if it chooses to constrict, maintain, or expand the laws governing these programs.
Date: 04/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Congressional Research Service
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"Economic Development is Population Health": A New Vision for Rural Hospital Leadership
Describes the role that rural hospital investments can play in contributing to community health. Features a Wisconsin Critical Access Hospital making infrastructure investments in their downtown and a New Hampshire medical center investing in public transit and affordable housing.
Author(s): Brendan Stermer
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 04/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Facing Disproportionate Danger, Rural Communities Take a Grassroots Approach to Road Safety
Discusses rural traffic risks. Features programs in rural communities focused on seat belt use, car seat safety, and addressing impaired and distracted driving.
Author(s): Gretel Kauffman
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 04/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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