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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Population health

Examining Geographic Disparities in Access to No-Cost Naloxone in North Carolina: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Naloxone Distribution Programs
Presents a study exploring the geographic distribution of no-cost naloxone in North Carolina. Bases findings on a survey of naloxone distributors in the state and breaks down data by user demographics and distributor type.
Author(s): Grace Marley, Caroline Shubel, Carolyn T. Thorpe, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 41(3), e70069
Date: 08/2025
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Seeking Connection: A Qualitative Study of Psychosocial Support Needs of Rural Cancer Survivors in Minnesota
Explores the psychosocial support needs of cancer patients and barriers to receiving support in rural Minnesota. Bases findings on focus group interviews of cancer survivors and highlights self-reported definitions of support in a rural context.
Author(s): Morgan Gruner, Katherine Brown, Renee Anderson, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 41(3), e70066
Date: 08/2025
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Understanding the Influence of Social Determinants of Health on Symptom Reporting in Pediatric Cancer
Highlights a study on the social determinants of health of caregivers of children with cancer in Appalachia. Discusses the symptom burden of child cancer and breaks down data by child's age, rurality, and Appalachian versus non-Appalachian location, among other measures.
Author(s): Micah A. Skeens, Adelaide Booze, Mark Ranalli, Anna Olsavsky
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 41(3), e70071
Date: 08/2025
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The Boost Team: Transforming Outreach for Female Veterans in Rural Communities
Evaluates the impact of The Boost Team, a telephone-based outreach program focusing on improving access and engagement with Veterans Health Administration (VHA) services among rural female veterans. Provides data and discussion on types of assistance provided through Boost, participant and clinician feedback on program impacts, and facilitators and barriers of care among rural, female veterans.
Author(s): Jenny Krause Cohen, Kara Zamora-Rogoski, Caitlin McLean, et al.
Citation: Frontiers in Health Services, 5
Date: 07/2025
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Appalachian Diseases of Despair: Final Report
Analyzes the impact of diseases of despair on mortality within Appalachia, focusing on mortality from alcohol, prescription drug, and illegal drug overdose; suicide; and alcoholic liver disease/cirrhosis of the liver. Includes data through 2023, with demographics and breakdowns by subregion, county economic status, and levels of rurality.
Date: 07/2025
Sponsoring organizations: Appalachian Regional Commission, East Tennessee State University Center for Rural Health Research, NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis
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Promoting Intergenerational Health in Rural Kentuckians With Diabetes (PIHRK'D): Protocol for a Longitudinal Cohort Study
Study protocol analyzing whether family participation influences the effectiveness of a nutritional education intervention for rural Kentuckians with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Author(s): Brittany L. Smalls, Courtney L. Ortz, Makenzie Barr-Porter, et al.
Citation: JMIR Research Protocols, 14, e69301
Date: 07/2025
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The Impact of Rural Hospital Closures and Mergers on Health System Ecologies: A Scoping Review
Examines 46 studies on rural hospital closures and mergers between 2010 to 2023, with a focus on understanding health system impacts, finances, workforce, utilization, access to facilities and services, and community and economic well-being.
Author(s): Alison Coates, Janice Probst, Kanika Sarwal, Suhaib Riaz, Agnes Grudniewicz
Citation: Medical Care Research and Review, 82(5)
Date: 07/2025
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Arizona Tribal Maternal and Child Health Needs Assessment
Reports on maternal and child health needs for the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) population in Arizona, including health indicator and community survey data on topics such as mental health, education, nutrition, public health communication, and more. Discusses tribal health topics throughout, with additional rural-specific data presented on pages 14-19.
Date: 07/2025
Sponsoring organization: Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, American Indian Research Center for Health
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New Resource Webinar: CRC Screening in Rural Communities Best Practices Guidebook
Webinar introducing the ACS NCCRT Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening in Rural Communities Best Practices Guidebook. Includes an overview of CRC disparities in rural communities and offers guidance for organizations working to improve CRC screening rates in their communities. Highlights successes of CRC screening programs in Alaska and Arizona administered by the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation and Mariposa Community Health Center.
Additional links: Colorectal Cancer Screening in Rural Communities Best Practices Guidebook, Presentation Slides
Date: 07/2025
Sponsoring organization: American Cancer Society National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (ACS NCCRT)
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Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening in Rural Communities: A Practical Guide
Provides an overview of rural colorectal cancer (CRC) disparities and guidance for community organizations on improving CRC screening in rural areas. Includes recommendations related to recognizing and addressing barriers to screening, organizational planning and strategy, service delivery models, and more.
Date: 07/2025
Sponsoring organization: American Cancer Society National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (ACS NCCRT)
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