Rural Health
News by Topic: Culture and cultural competency
Nov 4, 2024 - Highlights the growth of community health worker (CHW)
programs across the country. Notes that CHW programs in
rural areas can help connect low-income and minority
communities to health systems and navigate common barriers
to care. Describes the impacts of a CHW program in Huron,
South Dakota, which was created through a federal grant
program and is now funded by Medicaid reimbursements.
Source: South Dakota Searchlight, KFF Health News
Oct 23, 2024 - Discusses a telepsychology program at the University of Iowa that aims to work with rural Iowans and train psychologists. Discusses the benefits of telehealth in increasing access to care in workforce shortage areas, the culture of rural, and overcoming stigma.
Source: The Daily Iowan
Oct 18, 2024 - Examines high rates of substance abuse and overdose in Native American communities and the impacts of traditional healing practices that address cultural and spiritual needs. Notes that traditional healing practices will soon be covered by Medicaid and available through Indian Health Service facilities in California, Oregon, Arizona, and New Mexico. Provides overview of research on the efficacy of traditional healing practices for treating substance use disorder.
Source: KQED
Oct 16, 2024 - Announces the addition of 3 new member positions on the Federal Subsistence Board (FSB). The members will be nominated by federally recognized tribal governments of Alaska. The FSB manages subsistence use for federal land and water in Alaska. The additional members were added to strengthen Alaska Native tribe representation on the Board.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Oct 16, 2024 - Announces an amendment to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to allow coverage of traditional healthcare practices at Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities, tribal facilities, and urban Indian organizations in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Oregon. The action is expected to improve access to culturally appropriate healthcare. Notes the health disparities for American Indian and Alaska Native populations compared to the general population.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Oct 14, 2024 - Discusses higher breast cancer mortality rates among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women. Explores treatment barriers including transportation and long distances to care. Notes lower screening rates among AI/AN women and efforts to develop more culturally responsive outreach tools.
Source: ABC News
Oct 10, 2024 - Highlights the experiences of a rural doctor working North Dakota, noting her long commute and connection with patients as a lifelong rural resident and rancher.
Source: Sanford Health News
Sep 30, 2024 - Announces a newly-funded project aiming to reduce childhood obesity for rural children. The project will partner with community organizations and test a digital outreach approach for enrollment in an in-person health weight program. Discusses the importance of community involvement for project success.
Source: University of Utah Health News
Sep 24, 2024 - Discusses oral healthcare gaps in rural Colorado and a university's aim to close those gaps by training rural dentists. Profiles students in the program and their motivations for working in rural communities, notably mentorship, rural culture, and increasing access to oral healthcare.
Source: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Dental Medicine Newsroom
Sep 23, 2024 - Highlights the increases in rural suicide with focus on the impact on Black farmers in Tatums, Oklahoma. Discusses farming-related stressors, stigma, historic racism, workforce issues, and mental health resources.