The Rural Monitor
Articles by State: Illinois
For more information and resources, see the
Illinois state guide.
July 12, 2023
Rural community pharmacies are often vital sources for prescriptions, vaccinations, patient education, and other healthcare needs, but the RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis reported a decrease in the number of rural pharmacies from 2003 to 2021. A pharmacy chain in the Midwest, a pharmacy-based research network in the South, and an Illinois school of pharmacy discuss the rewards and challenges of operating in rural areas.
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July 28, 2021
Researchers and rural communities are working together to address rural cancer prevention and control, with federal funding supporting a wide range of projects. From targeting health behaviors, to making cancer screening and vaccination more accessible, to increasing rural participation in clinical trials, efforts to reduce rural cancer burden are underway across the country.
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June 26, 2019
Because private water sources are not regulated, rural residents who rely on them can be more susceptible to health risks from waterborne contaminants. Water experts and a public health professional share how they are helping rural residents keep their well water clean to avoid sickness.
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November 13, 2017
In rural communities, a little bit can go a long way. Learn how three Federal Office of Rural Health Policy awardees have used their funds to enhance healthcare access and create sustainable change.
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November 30, 2016
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.
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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.
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May 31, 2016
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.
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April 13, 2016
Across the nation, 11,000 sites are using The Coordinated Approach To Child Health (CATCH), the most widespread coordinated school health program in the world. This article focuses on one Illinois region that has engaged 76% of their elementary schools in healthy eating and physical activity through CATCH.
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February 21, 2013
An update on Kansas and Illinois housing organizations previously featured in the Rural Monitor. These programs address housing needs for special populations including veterans, the elderly, and the homeless.
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