Topics: Maine

For more information and resources, see RHIhub’s Maine state guide.

Wabanaki Public Health Serves Native People, Community, and Culture During COVID-19 Crisis

Tribal communities have been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Serving the four federally recognized tribes in Maine, Wabanaki Public Health is taking a stand to address these disparities. A recipient of the Rural Tribal COVID Response (RTCR) grant, they have implemented a number of programs to meet the needs of their communities, providing support by reinforcing cultural connection even in the most difficult of times.

CAPABLE is a national model that connects low-income seniors with an occupational therapist, registered nurse, and home repair services. Program coordinators from Hawaii and Maine share their successes and the challenges of helping rural residents age safely in place.

As more healthcare delivery efforts include social risk assessments, the impact of the social determinants of health is better understood. Rural clinicians, researchers, and other experts share perspectives on social isolation and loneliness.

In rural America, many community members do not understand the skill level, training, and availability of the people who answer their 911 calls. The Informed Self-Determination Process helped the community of St. George, Maine learn about their EMS system and created consensus about what EMS would look like in their town.

An in-depth look at death certificates shows how this vital statistic document can impact rural healthcare, rural healthcare policy, and public health interventions.

Across the country, recruitment and retention challenges are common for rural healthcare entities providing post-acute care. Healthcare leaders share practical examples that have created incentive for staff to join, and stay on, their healthcare teams.

Post-acute care (PAC) services available locally can make fully recovering from a serious illness or injury faster and easier, setting the patient and provider up for the best possible outcome. This article looks at how a tertiary facility’s communication with skilled nursing facilities, a Critical Access Hospital’s swing bed program, and a home health agency are improving patient transitions from acute care to PAC.

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.

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.

The Rural Monitor

Articles and resources on key rural health issues, from the Rural Health Information Hub

Topics: Maine

Making Informed Decisions about Rural EMS

The Death Certificate: A Document to be Honored and Accurate

Rural Post-Acute Care: Healthcare Leaders Offer Practical Solutions to Workforce Challenges

Rural Post-Acute Care: Improving Transitions to Enhance Patient Recovery

Feasting on Rural America: The Spread of Tick-Borne Diseases

Providing Patients with Access to Nutritious Food