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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Population health

America's Health Rankings Annual Report 2018
Provides a national and state-by-state overview of population health by analyzing 35 measures to describe health outcomes in the U.S. Provides rural specific information and statistics by residence, obesity, excessive alcohol use, physical inactivity, smoking, diabetes, health status, mental and physical distress.
Additional links: Executive Summary
Date: 12/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: United Health Foundation
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How Far Americans Live from the Closest Hospital Differs by Community Type
Features an examination of the differences in the distance traveled between home and the nearest hospital for communities across the nation. Compares the travel time in rural, urban, and suburban areas, as well as by census region.
Date: 12/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Pew Research Center
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Public Health and Other Related Provisions in P.L 115-271, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act
Summarizes Title VII and VIII provisions in the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Addresses provisions affecting access to opioid abuse treatment and providers, data collection, child welfare, the Department of Justice, substance abuse prevention, and more. Sections highlighting rural authorize grants for first responder training, data collection on adverse childhood experiences, recovery support services, and reauthorization of the State and Tribal Response to the Opioid Abuse Crisis grant program with technical assistance for rural and underserved communities.
Date: 12/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Congressional Research Service
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The Special Registration for Telemedicine: In Brief
Describes changes to the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) authorizing special registration for telemedicine to increase access to healthcare providers that can prescribe controlled substances using telemedicine, with the goal of helping address the opioid crisis and shortage of mental health providers. Outlines the seven categories for the practice of telemedicine under the authority of the CSA. The Drug Enforcement Administration plans to publish the related proposed rule to finalize the registration process and procedures.
Date: 12/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Congressional Research Service
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South Carolina State Health Improvement Plan 2018-2023
Describes a plan for public health improvement in South Carolina, including discussion of priorities, strategies, and metrics. Highlights topics including child welfare, chronic conditions, and behavioral health. Discusses the South Carolina Rural Health Action Plan, including discussion of rural healthcare access and determinants of health on pages 51-65.
Additional links: South Carolina Rural Health Action Plan
Date: 11/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Alliance for a Healthier South Carolina (AHSC)
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Emergency Department Utilization by Native American Children
Examines pediatric emergency department (ED) utilization in Native American (NA) populations in urban and rural areas. Analyzes 8,294 visits by 5,275 NA patients and 44,503 visits by 33,945 White patients across 6 EDs between 2011-2012 to observe health disparities in different areas and populations. Includes data breakdowns of ED patient demographics and characteristics according to rural, mid-size urban, and large urban location.
Author(s): Heather G. Zook, Anupam B. Kharbanda, Susan E. Puumala, et al.
Citation: Pediatric Emergency Care, 34(11), 802-809
Date: 11/2018
Type: Document
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Rates of Obesity and Obesogenic Behaviors of Rural Appalachian Adolescents: How Do They Compare to Other Adolescents or Recommendations?
Evaluates data from a sample of Appalachian adolescents in Ohio to compare obesity and related behaviors to that of the national adolescent population. Includes comparisons for body mass index (BMI), mean body fat percentage, daily physical activity behaviors, and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.
Author(s): Laureen H. Smith, Devin Laurent, Erica Baumker, Rick L. Petosa
Citation: Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 15(11), 874-881
Date: 11/2018
Type: Document
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Rural-Urban Differences in Cancer Incidence and Trends in the United States
Examines the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries' public use dataset to compare rural and urban population-based cancer incidence rates from 2009-2013 and trends from 1995-2013. Explores factors associated with rural cancer disparities, including demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic characteristics as well as exposure to carcinogens, like tobacco and HPV.
Author(s): Whitney E. Zahnd, Aimee S. James, Wiley D. Jenkins, et al.
Citation: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 27(11), 1265-1274
Date: 11/2018
Type: Document
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Utility and Generalizability of Multi-State, Population-Based Cancer Registry Data for Rural Cancer Surveillance Research in the United States
Analyzes various cancer registries to determine the usability of these sources in rural cancer surveillance research. Includes data from 2009-2013 on rural and urban cancer incidence rates by cancer site and race/ethnicity.
Author(s): Whitney Zahnd, Wiley Jenkins, Aimee James, et al.
Citation: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 27(11), 1252-1260
Date: 11/2018
Type: Document
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National Rural Health Day 2018 Community Stars
Collection of stories about individuals and organizations across the U.S. that have made positive differences in the health of the rural communities they serve through innovation, leadership, commitment, collaboration, education, and communication.
Date: 11/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health
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