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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Type: Document

Geographic Access to Health Care for Rural Medicare Beneficiaries in Five States: An Update
Describes the provider mix caring for rural and urban Medicare beneficiaries in Alaska, Idaho, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Washington, using 2014 data. Examines the quality of care, number of annual visits, and the distances traveled for treatment of several conditions. Compares 2014 data with estimates from 1998, to assess the changes in geographical access to care. Features statistics with breakdowns by urban, large rural, small rural, and isolated rural locations.
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
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Rural and Urban Hospital Characteristics by Obstetric Service Provision Status, 2010-2018
Illustrates the differences between urban and rural hospitals providing obstetric (OB) services. Compares them by size, capacity, location, and community characteristics, and compares these factors between rural hospitals with OB units and those that had discontinued services during the study period. Features statistics with breakdowns by urban and rural location.
Additional links: Characteristics of Rural and Urban U.S. Hospitals Based on Obstetric Services
Author(s): Julia D. Interrante, Lindsay K. Admon, Mariana S. Tuttle, Bridget Basile Ibrahim, Katy B. Kozhimannil
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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Rural Community-based Palliative Care: Improving Health and Reducing Disparities in Access and Services
Toolkit describing a framework for the development of rural community-based palliative care capacity and services. Includes information and links to resources regarding assessing community needs, foundational tools, process development, service implementation.
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: Stratis Health
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States Work to Support Rural Hospitals Despite Pandemic Challenges
Blog post highlighting state-level policies to address and prevent rural hospital closures. Discusses proposals in state legislatures regarding alternative payment methodologies and funding, service delivery models, and the recruitment and retention of a rural healthcare workforce.
Author(s): Beth Giambrone
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
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Notes from the Field: COVID-19 Case Investigation and Contact Tracing Program — Spirit Lake Tribe, North Dakota, September–November 2020
Reports on how the CDC helped the Spirit Lake Tribe build a tribally managed program to address increasing COVID-19 cases through comprehensive case investigations, case notification, contact tracing, contact testing, and contact management. Describes the work of Spirit Lake community members who served as investigators and contact tracers, providing advice about the need to isolate or quarantine. Discusses housing challenges that impacted isolation and quarantine efforts.
Author(s): James Matthias, Tracy Charboneau, Cheri Schaffer, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(14), 533-534
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Use of Stay-at-Home Orders and Mask Mandates to Control COVID-19 Transmission — Blackfeet Tribal Reservation, Montana, June–December 2020
Reports on the impact of community mitigation resolutions passed and enforced by the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council on COVID-19 incidence in the Blackfeet Tribal Reservation. Mitigation measures included case investigation, contact tracing, a mandatory stay-at-home order, and required mask use in public.
Author(s): Caroline Q. Pratt, Anna N. Chard, Rosaula LaPine, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(14), 514-518
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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COVID-19 Incidence and Mortality Among American Indian/Alaska Native and White Persons — Montana, March 13–November 30, 2020
Examines COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and White people in Montana. Discusses factors that may have contributed to greater incidence and mortality for the AI/AN population and the need for appropriate public health measures and vaccine allocation strategies to address disparities.
Author(s): Laura L. Williamson, Todd S. Harwell, Todd M. Koch, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(14), 510-513
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Looking at the Rural Homelessness Experience: Definitions, Data, and Solutions
Explains how homelessness impacts health. Features a Vermont organization's work using the evidence-based Housing First model to help people with mental health and substance use challenges and others who lack social supports and have housing needs.
Author(s): Kay Miller Temple
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Strengthening Primary Care and Improving Population Health: Nebraska's Approach
Explores efforts to strengthen primary care in Nebraska through Patient-Centered Medical Homes, Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), and the Comprehensive Primary Care Plus program. Discusses the development of pilot programs and a partnership with a local nonprofit and the University of Nebraska College of Public Health.
Author(s): Martha Hostetter, Sarah Klein
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: Milbank Memorial Fund
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Care Systems COVID-19 Impact Assessment: Lessons Learned and Compelling Needs
Explores the clinical and public health responses and experiences of hospitals and health systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Presents policy actions and policy considerations to leverage the lessons of the pandemic to improve health system financing, infrastructure, and coordination. Includes information on challenges and priority areas for consideration for rural hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals.
Author(s): Jeffrey Balser, Jaewon Ryu, Michelle Hood, et al.
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Academy of Medicine
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