Photo credit: James Gathany,
CDC Public Health Image Library
Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses have become the most prolific zoonotic diseases in our nation. Because of their proximity to tick environments, rural areas are more susceptible. In this article, we hear from a Lyme disease patient, a scientist, psychiatrist, nonprofit leader, and a medical doctor about the spread and what’s being done about it.
Read More
Oral health training programs are equipping Community Health Workers on Navajo Nation, Texas colonias, and Maryland’s Appalachian communities to improve access to dental care and teach people how to take care of their teeth.
Read More
Nearly 1 in 5 American adults have a diagnosable mental or behavioral disorder. By supporting 16 nonprofit agencies, the Vermont Care Network facilitates the provision of services for this population. Nearly 50,000 Vermont residents have access to behavioral health and developmental disability services through their efforts.
Read More
First conceptualized in the 1970s, but not widely adopted in rural communities, freestanding emergency departments (FSEDs) have been getting another look as a sustainable rural option. This article discusses hospital-based versus independent FSEDs, the model’s financial viability, and highlights two FSEDs meeting their communities’ healthcare needs in Arizona and Illinois.
Read More
Happy 25th anniversary to the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy’s State Office of Rural Health (SORH) Program! Although each SORH has its own story, this article highlights the history of the program and the good work of three state offices that are meeting rural health needs in unique ways.
Read More
Women in Chuuk, Micronesia, often serve as caregivers for their families and communities. But without a formal education, many women can’t move beyond their immediate environments. The Chuuk Women’s Council provides education and training for Micronesian women, empowering them to become leaders in health.
Read More
Dr. Ali Mokdad uncovers reasons behind the United States’ high infant and maternal mortality rates. A Professor of Global Health at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) and Head Faculty Member on U.S. Studies at the University of Washington, Dr. Mokdad shares his perspective on this issue through a rural lens.
Read More
A unique wellness program in rural Ohio has impacted nearly 2,000 adults. Participants of Trinity Hospital Twin City’s Fit for Life program have reversed their diabetes, lowered cholesterol, lost weight, and are even sleeping better. The secret lies in Dr. Timothy McKnight’s curriculum that centers around a change of mindset to spur long-term physical health.
Read More
By teaching youth how to better their health and economic situation, Reverend Richard Joyner has inspired the Conetoe community to make lasting changes. Read more about how the Conetoe Family Life Center’s garden camp and partnerships with local hospitals have revolutionized the health of northeast North Carolina.
Read More
Since its start, the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network has designed services to meet the needs of rural hospitals across the state. Through leveraging FORHP funds and their partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health, ICAHN has helped 54 hospitals transition from competition to collaboration.
Read More