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The Rural Monitor
Features

In-depth stories examining key rural health issues.

“Hopeful Forecasting”: Farmers Showing Increased Interest in Mental Health Resources

June 14, 2023
A December 2021 survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) suggests that farmers and farmworkers are more aware of mental health resources and less likely to see stigma as a barrier to care, compared to previous surveys. Experts from AgriSafe, AgWell, and AFBF share their own success stories of stigma reduction as well as the challenges that remain in addressing farmers' mental health.

Changing the Narrative — Rural Healthcare Opportunities and the Role of Emerging Leaders

June 7, 2023
While rural healthcare faces many challenges, it also possesses strengths and potential, such as its leadership. The NRHA's Rural Health CEO Certification Program and Rural Health Fellows works to strengthen current leaders' skills, while the University of Iowa's and the University of South Carolina's Master of Health Administration programs, NRHA's Student Constituency Group, and the Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network help shape future leaders.

Perspectives on the Long of COVID: From Doomscrolling to Rural Management Strategies

March 8, 2023
In the wake of acute COVID-19 comes another public health concern: Millions of rural Americans are experiencing Long COVID. With a federal agency representative weighing in on rural research efforts, a Tennessee rural health researcher shares his Long COVID story alongside a New York rural healthcare system who shares their story about the condition's management options.

A Rural Therapist and School Program Address Teen Mental Health

January 25, 2023
Rural teens face a higher prevalence of behavior problems, anxiety, and suicide rates than their urban peers, but there are fewer behavioral health providers in rural areas to help these teens. A trauma therapist in rural West Virginia and a school program in rural Wisconsin incorporate teenagers' strengths and interests and connect them with trusted adults in order to improve their mental health.

Rural Health Clinic Program at 45 Years: Created for Access and Still Delivering Care

October 26, 2022
After a 1965 public law created the Medicare and Medicaid programs, many rural residents insured by these government health programs were unable to access care. This challenge was remedied by another public law: the Rural Health Clinic Services Act of 1977. Using a historical framework, rural health policy experts, researchers, and clinicians reviewed the Act's impact on outpatient healthcare delivery in rural America.

Training Rural to Serve Rural: Baccalaureate-MD Programs and Their Rural Results

August 3, 2022
Rural healthcare delivery experts continue to emphasize the critical need for rural workforce. Using uniquely designed combined baccalaureate/medical degree programs, two university-based medical education teams shared not only the successes in training and placing physicians in rural areas — but the unique impact their service-oriented students and programs have on their academic environment.