Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Community engagement and volunteerism

Dec 12, 2024 - Highlights the occupational exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for firefighters, efforts to adapt best practices and policies to reduce exposures, the associated costs with those efforts, and changing firefighter culture to account for health and safety. Profiles one rural Maine fire department, describing challenges for adapting with fewer resources and the impact on workforce.
Source: Maine Morning Star
Dec 6, 2024 - Offers guidance to rural fire departments wanting to supplement their emergency response plans with non-firefighter trained support volunteers. Guidance includes planning for the health, safety, and nutrition needs of volunteers.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Nov 6, 2024 - Summarizes recent conversations at a panel discussion covering health literacy in rural communities. Topics covered include access to healthcare, provider-patient communication, and community engagement. Offers action steps for providers to improve health literacy in rural communities.
Source: The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Oct 28, 2024 - Interviews Carrie Henning-Smith about aging in place and social connection, highlighting the challenges and benefits in rural communities. Discusses Minnesota-based programming on the topic, community involvement, and recent research.
Source: Next Avenue, The John A. Hartford Foundation