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The Rural Monitor
Articles by Topic: Health conditions

Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Benefiting Rural Individuals, Benefiting Rural Population Health

June 30, 2021
On the list of leading causes of death, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, impacts millions of rural Americans and their quality of life. Though limited treatments are available for COPD, research indicates that pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) provides major benefits, yet is currently under-prescribed and facing challenges from COVID-19 and from reimbursement policies. Researchers discuss the potential that tele-PR might bring to rural areas, and rural healthcare leaders highlight the benefits of their PR programs for service areas.

Still Stealing Rural America's Breath: An Update on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

June 16, 2021
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a condition that continues to steal rural America's breath. Researchers, philanthropists, and healthcare professionals talk about new rural research efforts and the impact of COVID-19 on COPD. Also discussed is the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation, an impactful treatment long known to improve quality of life and now backed by new research proving it decreases death rates in select patients.

Vaccinating Rural America: Q&A with Dr. Amanda Cohn

May 12, 2021
Amanda Cohn, MD, Chief Medical Officer on CDC's COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force, shares how the CDC is providing funding, creating resources, and partnering with other organizations to increase vaccination rates in underserved communities such as rural, tribal, and communities of color.

Asset-Based Thinking: Q&A with Graham Adams

February 10, 2021
Graham Adams, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of the South Carolina Office of Rural Health (SCORH), shares how his office is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing social determinants of health like employment.