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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Policy

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Tobacco 21 Policies and Youth Tobacco Use: Implications for Future Policy Research
Examines the impact of Tobacco 21 (T21) policies that raise the sales age of tobacco to 21 on youth smoking. Utilizes 24 completed studies to analyze T21 regulations on smoking behaviors of respondents aged 11 to 20. Discusses T21 impacts in rural and urban areas.
Author(s): Danyi Li, Shiyou Wu, Steve Sussman, Mary Ann Pentz
Citation: The Lancet Regional Health - Americas, 50, 101208
Date: 10/2025
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Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Model Frequently Asked Questions
Provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation. Covers general information, Conditions of Participation, and REH payment policies.
Date: 10/2025
Sponsoring organizations: Mathematica, Rural Health Redesign Center
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New York State's Paid Family Leave Improved Postpartum Health Care among Women with Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy
Assesses the impact of a state paid family leave law on postpartum healthcare utilization among 312,470 women with hypertensive disorders. Includes rural and urban break down by hypertension status of study participants, among other demographic and health characteristics.
Author(s): Donglan Zhang, Jun Soo Lee, Elena V. Kuklina, et al.
Citation: Health Affairs Scholar, 3(10)
Date: 09/2025
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New Mexico Department of Health: FY25-27 Strategic Plan Update
Reports on the New Mexico Department of Health's priorities, initiatives, and services provided under the FY 25-27 Strategic Plan as of September 2025. Discusses topics including access to care, data collection and use, public health, and tribal partnerships.
Date: 09/2025
Sponsoring organization: New Mexico Department of Health
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Does Caregiver Well-Being Differ by Rurality and State Policy Environment? Identifying a Well-Being Typology for Rural, Suburban, and Urban Caregivers
Results of a study of informal caregiver well-being, exploring ways in which geographic location, individual circumstances, and state-level policies can impact a caregiver's health, comfort, and happiness. Features demographics and statistics with breakdowns by rural, suburban, and urban areas.
Author(s): Elena Maria Pojman, Florence Becot, Zuzana Bednarik, Carrie Henning-Smith
Citation: Rural Sociology, 90(3), e70015
Date: 09/2025
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Building a Sustainable Oral Health Workforce in Pennsylvania: Strategies for Reinvigorating Dental Careers and Strengthening the Pipeline
Features recommendations to guide efforts to build a strong and sustainable dental workforce pipeline for Pennsylvania, by increasing supply of providers and improving retention rates. Mentions rural throughout.
Date: 09/2025
Sponsoring organization: Pennsylvania Department of Health
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The Landscape of Mental Health and Financial Support for Midwest Farmers
A recorded webinar that discusses the farm crisis of the 2010s and how it impacted farmers in the Midwest. Presents research on individual and contextual determinants that correlate with farmer mental and financial health and help-seeking behaviors. Provides information on mental health programming, rural mental healthcare access, and policy strategies to support farmers.
Author(s): Florence Becot, Carrie Henning-Smith, Andrea Bjornestad, Sarah Ruszkowski
Date: 09/2025
Sponsoring organization: North Central Regional Center for Rural Development
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State Youth Peer Support Policy Toolkit
Toolkit presents resources and guidance for developing and supporting state-level policy for peer support to address youth mental health needs. Highlights models, funding mechanisms, and training, among other aspects integral to youth peer support programs.
Date: 09/2025
Sponsoring organization: Mental Health America
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University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center Annual Report, 2024-25
Reports on University of Minnesota (UMN) Rural Health Research Center activities such as programs and collaborations, project highlights, Flex Monitoring Team activities, the UMN Rural Health Program, policy and public impact, a list of publications, and more.
Date: 09/2025
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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Rural Health Transformation Program Applicants Webinar
Recording of a September 19, 2025, webinar discussing the Rural Health Transformation Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Covers the application process and content, funding and scoring, award administration, and more.
Additional links: Presentation Slides, Transcript
Date: 09/2025
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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