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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Access

Statewide Age-Friendly Initiatives: An Environmental Scan
Policy brief examining statewide programs that support the health, independence, and well-being of elders as they age in place. Categorizes 33 initiatives in 22 states, distinguishing those that include specific rural focus, which are examined in greater detail in the additional policy brief.
Additional links: Examples of Statewide Age-Friendly Initiatives
Author(s): Jill Tanem, Carrie Henning-Smith, Megan Lahr
Date: 10/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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Birth Volume and Geographic Distribution of US Hospitals with Obstetric Services from 2010 to 2018
Examines the characteristics of hospitals with obstetric services by volume of births between 2010-2018. Describes the geographic distribution, proximity to other obstetric hospitals, and metropolitan status. Presents data on birth volume by hospital characteristics, including Critical Access Hospital and Rural Referral Center designation.
Author(s): Sara C. Handley, Molly Passarella, Heidi M. Herrick
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 4(10)
Date: 10/2021
Type: Document
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State of Telehealth: Removing Barriers to Access and Improving Patient Outcomes
Presents a recording of an October 7, 2021, hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband. Examines the importance of access to telehealth services, telehealth utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of the pandemic on telehealth regulations, and the role of broadband access in the public health response. Features testimony from the American Academy of Family Physicians, Project ECHO, Avel eCare, and the Federal Communications Commission.
Additional links: American Academy of Family Physicians Testimony, Avel eCare Testimony, Federal Communications Commission Testimony, Project ECHO Testimony
Date: 10/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
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Affordability and Availability: Expanding Broadband in the Black Rural South
Report examining broadband access in African American communities in the rural South. Highlights economic, healthcare, and educational opportunities that accompany broadband access. Discusses financial and policy barriers to broadband access in the Black rural South and offers policy recommendations to increase access.
Author(s): Dominique Harrison
Date: 10/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
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Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccination Status, Intent, and Perceived Access for Noninstitutionalized Adults, by Disability Status — National Immunization Survey Adult COVID Module, United States, May 30–June 26, 2021
Examines COVID-19 vaccination status and intent and perceived vaccine access among adults by disability status. Includes data on vaccination by disability status for those in metropolitan compared to nonmetro areas.
Author(s): A. Blythe Ryerson, Catherine E. Rice, Mei-Chuan Hung, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(39), 1365-1371
Date: 10/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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ADA Toolkit
Provides information and resources for local and rural transit managers. Identifies requirements under ADA regulations based on the type of transit service and best practices. Includes information on considerations for riders with disabilities related to COVID-19.
Date: 10/2021
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Transit Assistance Program
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A Holistic Approach to Maternal Health in Rural Indiana
Discusses the Healthy Start Communities that C.A.R.E. (HSCC) program that utilizes family nurse practitioners (FNPs) and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) to serve women in 4 rural counties in Indiana. Provides commentary on the program, such as reducing access barriers, utilizing bilingual healthcare practitioners, providing mental health support and trauma-informed care, and more.
Author(s): Heather M. Grable, Joanah Wischmeier, Kasia Jayjack
Date: 09/2021
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: Maternal Health Learning & Innovation Center
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Who Will Answer the Call? An Abstract of Challenges Facing Michigan's Rural EMS Agencies
Provides an overview of challenges experienced by Michigan's rural emergency medical services (EMS) agencies, such as reimbursement, access to care, recruitment and retention, workforce shortages and training, and more.
Date: 09/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Subcommittee of the EMS Coordinating Committee
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2021 Maryland Primary Care Needs Assessment
Identifies areas of focus for primary, dental, and mental healthcare and services in Maryland. Includes sections on Health Professional Shortage Areas, Medically Underserved Areas and Populations, Federally Qualified Health Centers, the J-1 Visa Waiver program, and the State Loan Repayment Program.
Date: 09/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Maryland Department of Health
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Rural Adolescent Immunization: Delivery Practices and Barriers to Uptake
Examines rural barriers to adolescent vaccination, including logistic issues and parental vaccine attitudes, based on data from surveys of Colorado clinicians in June-August 2019. Features demographics and statistics with breakdowns by urban or rural location and provider specialty.
Author(s): Jessica R. Cataldi, Sarah E. Brewer, Cathryn Perreira, et al.
Citation: Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 34(5), 937-949
Date: 09/2021
Type: Document
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