In-depth stories examining key rural health issues.
November 9, 2016
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.
October 19, 2016
Much of a person's health is determined by social and environmental factors such as housing or access to healthcare. When these factors negatively affect a person's health, legal intervention combined with medical care may be the best treatment.
September 7, 2016
With the recent changes in healthcare delivery, many rural clinics and hospitals are concerned about the future of their communities' healthcare, especially their emergency medical services. Will EMS in rural areas survive these changes, and is there an opportunity to thrive in a volume-to-value system? We asked five rural EMS leaders to explore the possible challenges and opportunities in the transformation of rural healthcare delivery.
July 27, 2016
Built environments significantly influence community health and individual behaviors of physical activity. Rural communities may face infrastructure barriers to active living, but a little innovation can get an entire town moving.
June 13, 2016
The initial shock of the opioid epidemic is settling, and rural communities have identified several avenues to combat opioid addiction. Rural organizations are implementing innovative solutions to shrink the number of opioid overdoses, and many are finding that great success requires teamwork.
May 18, 2016
Opioid addiction continues to devastate communities across the country. However, there are some aspects of rural living that leave small communities even more vulnerable to the ever-growing epidemic.
May 4, 2016
Like all rural residents, LGBTQ individuals need access to quality healthcare from an engaged provider. But sometimes, providers lack the specific training and cultural know-how to address the healthcare needs of LGBTQ patients. This article discusses the barriers rural LGBTQ people face and what providers can do to ensure quality care.
March 30, 2016
Money, distance, and lack of education are just a few barriers between rural Americans and nutritious food. Find out how a Critical Access Hospital, a prescription program, and a research project are creating tangible examples of how to promote nutrition and increase patients' access to healthy food.
March 16, 2016
Physician burnout is rising as a popular healthcare topic, but the reality has been an ongoing problem in rural health settings. Dr. Jill Kruse shares her burnout experience, how she overcame it, and what she is doing to help others, while Dr. Randall Longenecker gives tips on building resiliency.
March 2, 2016
As the healthcare industry shifts from volume-to-value, Accountable Care Organizations are gaining in popularity for rural providers. But, there are risks and difficulties that come along with shared savings programs. We asked five rural ACO leaders to share their insights from building their ACOs.
