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Rural Health Information Hub

California Resources

Nutrition Environment Gaps and Distribution Challenges in Rural Food Pantries During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study
Discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food pantries in rural areas. Analyzes survey data from 19 food pantry representatives working in California's San Joaquin Valley between August 2020 and June 2021. Examines the consumer nutrition environment in rural food pantries utilizing the Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Assessment Tool (NEFPAT).
Author(s): Kimberly D. Sánchez, Karina Díaz Rios, Denise D. Payán
Citation: Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 124(6), 713-724.E4
Date: 06/2024
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Facilitators and Barriers to Passing Local Policies That Prohibit the Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products: Qualitative Analysis of Strategies Implemented by 36 Communities in California, 2017–2021
Examines the success rate of implementing local polices that prohibit flavored tobacco sales in California. Analyzes both rural and urban communities and discusses barriers and facilitators to policy adoption.
Author(s): Sarah Hellesen, Sue Haun, Melanie S. Dove
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 21
Date: 05/2024
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Food Deserts and Hypertension Prevalence in the Central Valley
Policy brief analyzing the association between food deserts and hypertension by census tract in San Joaquin Valley, California. Includes color-coded census tract maps. Mentions high incidence of hypertension and food deserts in rural areas.
Author(s): G. Mendoza, E. Alcala
Date: 05/2024
Sponsoring organization: Central Valley Health Policy Institute
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A New Philanthropic Approach to Supporting the Health and Capacity of Rural Communities
Discusses the Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation's efforts to support community development and health equity through its implementation of the Rural Development Hub (RDH) model. Discusses RDHs as facilitators of partnership, cooperation, and philanthropic investment in rural, underserved communities.
Author(s): Roque Barros, Karen Winston
Date: 05/2024
Sponsoring organization: Grantmakers in Health
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Comparative Effectiveness of Clinician Versus Peer Supported Problem-Solving Therapy for Rural Older Adults with Depression
Examines the effectiveness of clinician-supported versus peer counselor-supported Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) among 105 rural adults aged 60+ in California's Tuolomne, Calaveras, and Stanislaus counties.
Author(s): Brooke Hollister, Rebecca Crabb, Patricia Areán
Citation: Psychiatric Services, 75(9), 925-928
Date: 04/2024
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Bridging the Gap in HPV Vaccinations: Community-Driven Strategies in Rural Areas
Discusses development and implementation of an HPV vaccination intervention focused on education and outreach, primary care team training, and data assessment which took place at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving primarily rural and Native American patients in California. Highlights the significance of trust-building and communication efforts to reduce rural vaccine hesitancy.
Author(s): Julie H.T. Dang
Date: 04/2024
Sponsoring organization: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
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An Exploration of Rural Housing Insecurity As A Public Health Problem in California's Rural Northern Counties
Explores housing insecurity in rural contexts through interviews with 153 adults in California's North State, a rural region with relatively high rates of poverty and unemployment. Discusses challenges related to housing affordability and availability, stability, quality, and community participation, including housing's influence on access to essential services and employment.
Author(s): Tamar M.J. Antin, Emile Sanders, Sharon Lipperman-Kreda, Geoffrey Hunt, Rachelle Annechino
Citation: Journal of Community Health, 49(4), 644-655
Date: 02/2024
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Supporting Rural Education Gains Through Community Schools
Discusses how community schools are beneficial to rural areas and can provide healthcare access, meals, tutoring, career readiness opportunities, and more. Provides examples of the impact of community schools in rural California school districts, student achievement data, and additional resources about community schools.
Author(s): Anna Maier
Date: 02/2024
Sponsoring organization: Learning Policy Institute
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El Dorado Community Health Centers: Addressing the Opioid Epidemic in Rural California Through Community Partnerships
Case study describing how El Dorado Community Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in California, works with a community coalition to address the opioid epidemic and implement a medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) program. Covers the infrastructure of the MOUD program, staffing and services, financing, and more. Highlights challenges and successes, as well as recommendations for other health centers.
Author(s): Ashley Jasko, Meryl Schulman
Date: 01/2024
Sponsoring organization: Center for Health Care Strategies
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Addressing the Needs of Older & Disabled Adults in Rural Communities: Findings From the California Rural Master Plan for Aging Initiative
Webinar recording discussing the development of rural-specific master plans for aging in rural California. Offers an overview of the process, summary of findings, recommendations, and next steps. Transcript available in the description.
Date: 12/2023
Sponsoring organization: California Collaborative for Long-Term Services and Supports
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Additional resources are available. See a full list of California Resources.