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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Population health

Declines in Infant Mortality in Appalachia and the Delta: 1995-1996 Through 2017-2018
Compares infant mortality nationwide to rates in the Delta and Appalachia, examining maternal demographic changes including age, race, and ethnicity. Draws data from the National Vital Statistics System.
Citation: National Vital Statistics Reports, 70(6), 1-13
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Services Utilization
Summarizes the results of a poll conducted between April 29-May 2, 2021, regarding patients' experiences receiving mental health and substance use treatment services, including telehealth services, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Examines the utilization of these services and barriers to treatment by sex, age, education, income, ethnicity, and urban-rural status. Explores the preferences of individuals seeking mental health or substance abuse treatment.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organizations: Bipartisan Policy Center, Morning Consult
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Rural Disparities in End-of-life Care for Patients with Heart Failure: Are They Due to Geography or Socioeconomic Disparity?
Examines the relationship of rurality, socioeconomic background, and end-of-life care for patients with heart failure in Maine. Includes data on healthcare utilization at end-of-life by age, sex, rurality, insurance type, and area deprivation index.
Author(s): Rebecca N. Hutchinson, Paul K. J. Han, F. Lee Lucas, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health
Date: 05/2021
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Vaccine Distribution in Rural Counties
Presents data on COVID-19 vaccination rates and intention to be vaccinated by urban-rural status. Discusses vaccine distribution, challenges facing rural communities, and considerations for communication about the vaccines. Describes best practices in rural counties in Virginia, Washington, and West Virgina.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Counties
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Characterization of Mental Illness Among US Coal Miners
Describe the prevalence of and risk factors for mental illness among 2,808 active and former coal miners from central Appalachia who received clinical care at Stone Mountain Health Services Black Lung Clinic between 2018-2020. Features statistics with breakdowns by degree of depression, pulmonary risk factors, and length of time spent working as a miner.
Author(s): Drew Harris, Timothy McMurry, Amanda Caughron, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 4(5)
Date: 05/2021
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CMS OMH Building COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence Webinar
Recording of a May 13, 2021, webinar on resources and strategies to promote COVID-19 vaccine confidence. Includes information on the development of the COVID-19 vaccines, as data on their efficacy and safety. Transcript is available in the video description.
Additional links: Partner Webinar Supplemental Handout, Presentation Slides, Vaccinate with Confidence Fact Sheet
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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Border 2025: United States-Mexico Environmental Program
Describes the goals and objectives of the Border 2025 program, including further investment in reducing air pollution, improving water quality, supporting waste management, and increasing preparedness to respond to environmental emergencies. Breaks down objectives into measurable stages and discusses partnerships between governments, U.S. tribes, and Mexican Indigenous communities.
Additional links: Frontera 2025: Programa Ambiental México - Estados Unidos
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Border 2020: United States-Mexico Environmental Program Key Closing Accomplishments
Describes the achievements of the Border 2020 program, including air pollution reduction, increasing access to clean water, wastewater facility construction, waste management, and emergency response preparation. Discusses examples of projects in rural colonias.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Empowering our People: Predictors of Retention in an STI Risk Reduction Program among Rural Native Americans with Binge Substance Use
Examines retention factors for Native Americans who have experienced binge substance use and who participate in sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk reduction programs. Discusses connection between substance use and STI risk behavior in rural Native communities and analyzes data for 150 participants of an STI risk reduction program.
Author(s): Lauren Tingey, Summer Rosenstock, Rachel Chambers, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 38(2), 323-335
Date: 05/2021
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State and Community Efforts to Address Stimulant Use
Explores state and community-based efforts to address stimulant misuse. Summarizes common themes and key findings that emerged from discussions with a diverse group of stakeholders. Covers program activities, funding sources, facilitators, and barriers to implementing programs to respond to stimulant use. Identifies policy options for community, state, and federal stakeholders. Includes rural references throughout.
Author(s): Rebecca L. Haffajee, Sara Heins
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organizations: HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, RAND Corporation
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