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Resources by Topic: Public health

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2): Public Health, Medical Supply Chain, Health Services, and Related Provisions
Provides an overview of the provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 that relate to public health; behavioral health; medical supply chain; and health-related workforce, services, and support. Includes information related to funding for the National Health Service Corps and Nurse Corps, funding for graduate medical education, and emergency rural development grants for rural healthcare providers.
Date: 07/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Congressional Research Service
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COVID-19 Vaccination Plan for the Veterans Health Administration
Guidance on the VA's vaccination program, which provides vaccinations for veterans and VA staff. Covers storage and handling, safety monitoring, reporting, education, and communication. Addresses risk stratification approaches to identify those at highest risk, including rural and minority veterans. Appendix P provides detailed information on planned outreach to rural veterans.
Date: 07/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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Indian Health Service - COVID-19 Webinar Recordings
Features a number of webinar recordings of Indian Health Service trainings related to COVID-19. Discusses issues such as emotional well-being, domestic violence, and telebehavioral health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Date: 07/2021
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: Indian Health Service
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Evaluation of Solar-Powered Battery Systems for Individuals Using Electricity-Dependent Medical Devices in Puerto Rico Following Hurricane Maria
Examines the effectiveness of using solar-powered battery systems in the event of a power outage for persons dependent on electrical medical devices. Rooftop solar-powered panels were distributed to rural residents of Puerto Rico who needed battery back-up for their device during power disruptions. Interviews were conducted to determine acceptance and use. Study concluded the use of solar-powered battery systems for medical devices could be an important factor in public health emergency management and reduce mortality during disasters.
Author(s): Gabriella A Tosado, Marvi Matos, Mareldi Ahumada-Paras, Michael K Chapko, Lilo D Pozzo
Citation: Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 1-4
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
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Enrolling a Rural Community Pharmacy as a Vaccines for Children Provider to Increase HPV Vaccination: A Feasibility Study
Examines how the enrollment of a rural community pharmacy in Alabama in the Vaccines for Children program impacted the promotion and provision of HPV vaccines and other vaccinations to adolescents.
Author(s): Casey L. Daniel, Frances Lawson, Macy Vickers, et al.
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
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2020 Annual (January–December) Infectious Disease Report
Highlights the number of cases of infectious diseases occurrence in different regions of Alaska in 2020. Looks at diseases such as Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, and Lyme disease, among many others.
Citation: State of Alaska Epidemiology Bulletin, 10
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Alaska Department of Health, Alaska Division of Public Health
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Motivational Interviewing for COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy
Video providing guidance from a psychologist on how to use an evidence-based approach to have productive conversations about the COVID-19 vaccines.
Date: 06/2021
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organizations: Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network, New England MHTTC
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Multilevel Modeling of County-level Excessive Alcohol Use, Rurality, and COVID-19 Case Fatality Rates in the US
Presents a study on the relationship between COVID-19 outcomes and elevated alcohol use in rural counties. Looks at levels of alcohol use and misuse in rural counties prior to the pandemic and compares it with COVID-19 mortality data. Breaks down data by rurality and alcohol use while controlling for other comorbidities such as obesity, smoking, and being over the age of 65.
Author(s): George Pro, Paul A. Gilbert, Julie A. Baldwin, et al.
Citation: PLOS ONE, 16(6), e0253466
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
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An Evaluation of Firearm Injuries among Rural versus Urban Veterans: Data Validity and Early Findings
Webinar recording discussing rural and urban differences in rates of firearm injuries among veterans. Breaks down data pertaining to injuries, suicide, homicide, and unintentional fatalities related to firearms.
Additional links: Audio Recording, PDF Handout, Webinar Transcript
Date: 06/2021
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage Among Adults — United States, December 14, 2020–May 22, 2021
Reports on COVID-19 vaccinations administered from December 14, 2020–May 22, 2021, by age, sex, and community-level characteristics. Includes vaccine coverage data by age group (18-29, 30-49, 50-64, 65+) for metropolitan, micropolitan, and noncore areas.
Author(s): Jill Diesel, Natalie Sterrett, Sharoda Dasgupta, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(25), 922-927
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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