https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/states/north-carolina Rural health resources for North Carolina with information provided by the Rural Health Information Hub en Copyright 2026 Rural Health Information Hub https://www.ncdhhs.gov/north-carolina-rhtp-annual-report/download Reports on the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) in North Carolina. Details the state policy actions, uses of funds, recipients of funds, and progress reports for each initiative funded by RHTP. -- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28850 Fri, 25 Sep 2026 10:47:31 -0500 https://ncmedicaljournal.com/article/165678-factors-associated-with-covid-19-vaccine-hesitancy-and-preferred-sources-of-health-information-among-medically-underserved-populations-in-north-caroli Results of a study of vaccine hesitancy in North Carolina, using data from 918 participants in 40 rural counties with high Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Area scores, who completed a survey in the summer of 2021. Features demographics and other statistics. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28848 Fri, 25 Sep 2026 09:38:39 -0500 https://news.unchealthcare.org/2026/09/first-of-its-kind-initiative-aims-to-deliver-ai-to-rural-and-critical-access-hospitals-and-clinics-in-north-carolina/ A new statewide collaboration has received funding to help rural North Carolina clinics and hospitals use artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Discusses ethical use of AI and an AI digital divide. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/39010 Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:31:07 -0500 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1893009/full Examines the collaboration among a rural district health department, the local community in north-central North Carolina, and academic partnerships. Discusses the development of a rural academic health department (RAHD) and its work related to public health research and interventions in rural areas. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28816 Mon, 21 Sep 2026 11:48:30 -0500 https://dailyyonder.com/childcare-is-key-to-disaster-resilience/2026/09/21/ Describes the importance of childcare access in responding to and recovering from disasters in rural communities, as seen in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Discusses the needs of childcare providers to reopen, including their own health and safety concerns and funding. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/39001 Mon, 21 Sep 2026 09:56:48 -0500 https://nchealthworkforce.unc.edu/pdf/LRT-Snapshot.pdf Presents statistics on North Carolina licensed recreational therapists and assistants, including demographics, rate per 10,000 population with breakdowns by metro and nonmetro areas, and a county-level map showing rate per 10,000 population as of 2024. -- The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28799 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:12:13 -0500 https://nchealthworkforce.unc.edu/pdf/LPN-RN-Snapshot.pdf Presents statistics on North Carolina mental health and substance use services nurses, including demographics, rate per 10,000 population with breakdowns by metro and nonmetro areas, and a county-level map showing rate per 10,000 population as of 2024. -- The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28798 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:59:57 -0500 https://news.ecu.edu/2026/09/14/research-connects-rural-communities-to-narcan-access-through-vending-machines/ Describes a North Carolina opioid overdose prevention program offering free naloxone through vending machines in an effort to increase access to the medication. Discusses how machines are placed and stocked based on community needs as well as the partnerships that make projects like this possible. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38981 Tue, 15 Sep 2026 10:04:08 -0500 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jrh.70207 Examines the association between geographic access to low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening facilities and stage at diagnosis among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) adults in North Carolina. Utilizes 2016-2020 cancer registry and health insurance claims data to analyze 18,154 lung cancer patients according to distance to nearest LDCT, sociodemographic variables, and geography. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28614 Mon, 24 Aug 2026 14:14:37 -0500 https://www.arc.gov/about-the-appalachian-region/the-chartbook/ Provides state- and county-level information on population, age, household characteristics, housing occupancy, education, labor force, employment, transportation, income, health insurance coverage, disability, and veteran status for the 13 Appalachian states. Features statistics with breakdowns by 5 levels of population density. Includes data explorer options for Appalachian categories such as population and age, education, income and poverty, computer and broadband access, rural Appalachia versus rural America, and employment and commuting. -- Appalachian Regional Commission, Population Reference Bureau https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28590 Fri, 21 Aug 2026 08:20:17 -0500 https://www.ncdhhs.gov/nc-dhhs-orh-health-information-technology-one-pager/open Features program facts for state fiscal year 2025 on Health Information Technology/Telehealth grants and return on investment and economic impact. Includes county-level maps showing virtual behavioral health services reach and telehealth infrastructure grants reach, with shadings indicating rural and urban counties. -- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28550 Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:39:54 -0500 https://www.ncdhhs.gov/2025-performance-measures-across-programs/download Offers statistics for performance measures or output for fiscal year 2025. Features breakdowns including total patient encounters and telemedicine encounters; statistics on controlled diabetes, hypertension, and early pre-natal care; and screening for tobacco use, depression, and obesity. -- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28548 Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:15:53 -0500 https://www.nga.org/publications/reimagining-rural-maternal-and-child-health/ Describes Rural Health Transformation Program efforts in 6 states addressing maternal and child health through workforce recruitment and retention, technology and regional hubs, and integrated care models. -- National Governors Association https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28481 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 10:21:55 -0500 https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2026/25_0471.htm Examines the impact of the Fresh Start produce prescription (FSPRx) intervention in rural North Carolina among a medically underinsured population with type 2 diabetes. Utilizes program, survey, and interview data from FSPRx participants to analyze feasibility and acceptability of the program, with pre- and post-intervention data breakdowns according to dietary patterns, food literacy, health outcomes, and more. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28382 Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:42:01 -0500 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13335740/ Compares prehospital treatment for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) by sex in rural populations using 2016-2020 STEMI registry data from a rural cohort in North Carolina. Includes data breakdowns by clinical characteristics. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28376 Thu, 23 Jul 2026 10:18:55 -0500 https://www.milbank.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/HOP-STORY_7.13-1.pdf Describes experiences of participants in North Carolina's Healthy Opportunities Pilots program, including enrollees, care managers, and staff at community-based organizations. The program tested impacts of providing services to eligible Medicaid members to address upstream drivers of health in 3 predominantly rural regions of the state. -- Milbank Memorial Fund https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28323 Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:26:36 -0500 https://www.milbank.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/GME-Case-studies_26_8_17.pdf Explores ways in which Missouri, North Carolina, and Wisconsin are planning and implementing aspects of their state graduate medical education strategies. Offers insights for other states investigating ways to sustain a rural healthcare workforce and considering a "grow-your-own" approach to expanded residency training. -- Milbank Memorial Fund https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28317 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:06:27 -0500 https://nchealthworkforce.unc.edu/blog/pcc_index_2025/ Blog post providing updated information on the ratio of North Carolina population to primary care clinicians. Provides county-level maps with shadings showing better or worse access to primary care as of 2025 and percentage change in access from 2017-2025. -- The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28275 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:50:57 -0500 https://schs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/units/ldas/docs/2025-NC-StateHealthAssessment.pdf Offers a comprehensive look at the health and well-being of North Carolinians and provides the mid-cycle review of Healthy North Carolina 2030 (HNC 2030). Evaluates progress on statewide health goals, identifies emerging trends, and assesses opportunities to strengthen conditions that influence health. Mentions rural throughout. -- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/27976 Thu, 21 May 2026 11:24:56 -0500 https://www.ncha.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Economic_Impact_NC_Hospitals_RTI_2026_Report.pdf Reports on the statewide and regional economic contributions of 113 hospitals across North Carolina. Features statistics including number of hospitals by county designation and number of beds, with breakdowns by nonmetropolitan, micropolitan, and metropolitan areas. -- North Carolina Healthcare Association https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/27946 Fri, 15 May 2026 11:11:29 -0500 https://nchealthworkforce.unc.edu/pdf/CPSS-Snapshot.pdf Presents statistics on North Carolina peer support specialists, including demographics, rate per 10,000 population with breakdowns by metro and nonmetro areas, and a county-level map showing rate per 10,000 population as of 2024. -- The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/27908 Fri, 08 May 2026 14:10:34 -0500 https://nchealthworkforce.unc.edu/pdf/CHW_Snapshot.pdf Presents statistics on numbers of community health workers (CHWs) in North Carolina with breakdowns by metro and nonmetro areas, statistics on certification level, and a county-level map showing numbers of CHWs per 10,000 population as of 2024. -- The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/27906 Fri, 08 May 2026 13:58:21 -0500 https://nchealthworkforce.unc.edu/pdf/Addiction_Counselors.pdf Offers statistics on number of addiction counselors in North Carolina, with breakdowns by type; demographics; county-level maps showing number of licensed clinical addiction specialists and certified drug and alcohol counselors per 10,000 population; and metro and nonmetro rate to 10,000 population by credential type, as of 2024. -- The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/27905 Fri, 08 May 2026 13:42:25 -0500 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1059924X.2026.2656163 Explores access to and use of phones among migrant and seasonal farmworkers in North Carolina to identify barriers to managing healthcare and reporting emergencies. Discusses how international phone numbers impact participation with the healthcare system. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/27846 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:49:54 -0500 https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/funding/6569 Funding for free grant writing support for Western North Carolina nonprofits and municipalities. -- Dogwood Health Trust https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/funding/6569 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:36:36 -0500 https://www.jneb.org/article/S1499-4046(26)00007-2/fulltext Examines changes in food literacy among 140 diabetic or prediabetic adults without insurance participating in the Fresh Start Food is Medicine (FIM) + Food Literacy intervention, which provided group classes on food literacy, direct provision of produce, and health coaching in rural, eastern North Carolina. Provides data on racial and ethnic disparities in food literacy before and after participation. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/27761 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:28:30 -0500 https://www.ncdhhs.gov/about/department-initiatives/rural-health-transformation-program/rural-health-transformation-program-grant-opportunities Lists funding opportunities available through the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to help implement North Carolina's approved RHTP initiatives and activities. -- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/27607 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:28:16 -0500 https://ncmedicaljournal.com/article/146069-unpacking-the-primary-care-clinician-index-understanding-how-changes-in-population-and-workforce-supply-affect-access-to-primary-care-in-north-caroli Analyzes the primary care clinician supply between 2017 and 2024 to identify how it has changed with regard to physician, population, and geographic characteristics including rurality. Discusses how the studied characteristics indicate access to care. Discusses the role of the nurse practitioner workforce in increasing access to care. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/27539 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 10:31:25 -0500 https://ncmedicaljournal.com/article/147488-trends-in-non-emergency-medical-transportation-during-medicaid-transformation-in-north-carolina Examines the impact of Medicaid transformation on non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services in North Carolina in the shift from fee-for-service (FFS) to Managed Care. Utilizes 2019-2023 Medicaid claims data to analyze NEMT service provision trends according to cost, travel mode, public versus private provider, and urban versus rural geography. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/27537 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:02:57 -0500 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00031348261429424 Examines patient bypass of nearest surgical hospital (NSH) in North Carolina. Utilizes 2016-2019 patient data to analyze bypassing of local surgery care according to rurality of NSH and facility characteristics, general surgery workforce density by county, and patient characteristics, including residence of metro, micro, small town, or rural area. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/27426 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:31:50 -0600