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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Population health

The Motivations and Needs of Rural, Low-Income Household Food Gardeners
Results of a study using surveys, interviews, and garden visits to households in rural, western Pennsylvania to explore behavior and motivations of rural food gardeners, and the challenges they face. Discusses the financial, spiritual, and ecological value of gardening, and opportunities for community support.
Author(s): Kate J. Darby, Taylor Hinton, Joaquin Torre
Citation: Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 9(2), 55-69
Date: 01/2020
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A Public Health Emergency: State Efforts to Curb the Opioid Crisis
Presents the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on the outcomes of public health efforts to combat the opioid crisis. Features testimony from representatives of the Rhode Island Department of Health, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, and the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organization: House Committee on Energy and Commerce
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Rural Community Action Guide: Building Stronger, Healthy, Drug-Free Rural Communities
Provides an overview of challenges rural communities face related to substance use disorder (SUD), including prescription opioid misuse. Identifies action steps rural communities can take related to prevention, treatment, recovery, and SUD-related issues such as stigma, transportation barriers, and lack of employment opportunities. Features programs that are working to address these issues in rural communities.
Additional links: Promising Practices Supplement
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organization: Office of National Drug Control Policy
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Assessing Health and Safety Concerns and Psychological Stressors among Agricultural Workers in the U.S. Midwest
Results of a 2018 study of 540 farmers in Iowa, Ohio, Missouri, Minnesota, and Nebraska, identifying agricultural work stressors including chemical and equipment safety, finances, and health concerns such as hearing loss, respiratory problems, depression, and acute illnesses. Examines differences between mail and in-person survey modes, and compares their effectiveness in promoting farm workers' willingness to participate in the surveys. Features demographics and statistics on the types of stress experienced.
Author(s): Kanika Arora, Marsha Cheyney, Fredric Gerr, et al.
Citation: Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health, 26(1), 45-58
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organization: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
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Maternal Morbidity among Women in Medicaid
Provides an overview of severe maternal morbidity and mortality (SMMM) among Medicaid beneficiaries. Presents data on SMMM rates by insurance payer, race/ethnicity, and geography, including differences among rural and urban residents. Presented by Dr. Katy Kozhimannil, director of the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, at the January 2020 MACPAC meeting.
Author(s): Katy B. Kozhimannil
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organization: Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission
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Faces of Black Lung II
Informational video describing the recent increase in cases of black lung disease, especially among younger miners in central Appalachia. Includes testimonials from former miners who suffer from black lung, and commentary by experts. Intended to increase awareness and to promote participation in the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program, which provides screenings to diagnose black lung as quickly as possible. Features transcript.
Author(s): Anita L. Wolfe
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organization: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
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Farm and Farm Family Risk and Resilience: A Guide for Extension Educational Programming
A guide for educators focused on programming to reduce risk and increase resilience for farms and farm families. Includes a risk and resilience framework, logic models for programming with three different audiences, tools for assessment and teaching, and teaching resources. Part of the Farm and Farm Family Risk and Resilience Toolkit.
Additional links: Creating a Thriving Farm Visuals, Descriptions and Stacking Game, Farm and Farm Family Risk and Resilience Logic Models, Farm and Farm Family Risk and Resilience Program Planning Tool
Author(s): Bonnie Braun, Maria Pippidis
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organizations: University of Cooperative Delaware Extension, University of Maryland Extension
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Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation in Pennsylvania
Presents an overview of child sexual abuse and exploitation in Pennsylvania. Highlights specific issues in rural areas and compares rural and urban areas in the state. Details conclusions and makes policy recommendations.
Additional links: Executive Summary
Author(s): Sarah A. Font, Sheridan Miyamoto, Casey N. Pinto
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organization: Center for Rural Pennsylvania
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Public Transportation: Enhanced Federal Information Sharing on Coordination Could Improve Rural Transit Services
Report details the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) efforts in improving rural public transit coordination and identifies areas for improvement. Highlights some of the challenges affecting the FTA's ability to effectively coordinate transportation for rural and tribal areas.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Special Diabetes Program for Indians 2020 Report to Congress - Changing the Course of Diabetes: Charting Remarkable Progress
Highlights the advancements and improvements in diabetes care and health outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) due to the implementation of evidence-based treatments and local community strategies focused on prevention and treatment of diabetes, and with support from the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI). Presents statistics demonstrating reductions in mortality and complications from diabetes.
Date: 2020
Sponsoring organization: Indian Health Service
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