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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Access

Communities That Care: The Power of Giving with Sanford Health
A conversation with Sanford Health's president and CE0, Bill Gassen, and chief philanthropy officer, Deb Koski, about philanthropy to support healthcare access in rural Midwestern communities. Focuses on community engagement and collaboration.
Author(s): Tom Haederle, Bill Gassen, Sue Ellen Wagner, Deb Koski
Date: 11/2025
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Missed Opportunities for Tobacco Dependence Treatment among U.S. Veterans Referred for Lung Cancer Screening: An Observational Cohort Study
Analyzes rates at which tobacco dependence treatment (TDT) is provided to veterans who use tobacco and were referred for lung cancer screening (LCS) at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and associated clinics in the upper Midwest between September 2022 and September 2023. Breaks down clinical and demographic factors associated with TDT use, including rurality.
Author(s): Anne C. Melzer, Adam Kaplan, Megan Campbell, et al.
Citation: Preventive Medicine Reports, 59, 103263
Date: 11/2025
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Comparing Trends in Telemedicine Use and Geographic Disparities in Utilization among Patients with Cancer in the United States
Analyzes how telemedicine use varied by rurality among patients with lung or colon cancer during the early COVID-19 pandemic, using 2020-2021 Medicare fee-for-service claims data. Includes data on the use of telehealth, in-person, and emergency department services.
Author(s): Matthew Mackwood, Qianfei Wang, Tor D. Tosteson, et al.
Citation: JCO Oncology Practice, 22(7), 1331-1340
Date: 10/2025
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ASCO State of Cancer Care in America Special Report 2025: Access to Cancer Clinical Trials in the United States
Reports on the value of clinical trials for cancer treatment, barriers to cancer clinical trial access, and state of federally funded cancer research infrastructure in 2025. Includes discussion of rural communities, among other demographic groups.
Author(s): Erin P. Balogh, Laura A. Levit, Joseph M. Unger, et al.
Citation: JCO Oncology Practice, 21, 1746-1758
Date: 10/2025
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New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services Roadmap 2025-2027
Describes the Department of Health & Human Services' strategic priorities and initiatives, focusing on investing in people and culture, promoting thriving communities, and improving customer services. Includes a section on the Rural Health Transformation Plan.
Date: 10/2025
Sponsoring organization: New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
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Unpacking the Primary Care Clinician Index: Understanding How Changes in Population and Workforce Supply Affect Access to Primary Care in North Carolina
Analyzes the primary care clinician supply between 2017 and 2024 to identify how it has changed with regard to physician, population, and geographic characteristics including rurality. Discusses how the studied characteristics indicate access to care. Discusses the role of the nurse practitioner workforce in increasing access to care.
Author(s): Evan Galloway, Brianna Lombardi, Erin Fraher
Citation: North Carolina Medical Journal, 86(3)
Date: 10/2025
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The Unspoken Struggles from Mental Health Stigma in a Rural Community: A Qualitative Exploration of Clubhouse Members' Lived Experiences
Explores the efficacy of the clubhouse model at overcoming stigma around mental health conditions and receiving mental healthcare in rural communities. Bases findings on semi-structured interviews with participants and staff of the Clubhouse in Wyoming. Details the Clubhouse's efforts to address stigma and overcome mental health prejudices.
Author(s): Ruth Korankye, Gloria Oladeji, Lauren Gilbert
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(11), 1626
Date: 10/2025
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Maternity Deserts: The Equality State's Growing Crisis
Highlights maternity healthcare deserts in Wyoming and nationally. Discusses the impact of labor and delivery department closures, maternal mortality and morbidity, and more on access to care. Notes opportunities to improve outcomes including increasing access to care, additional workforce training and facility protocols to improve healthcare quality, and promote networking opportunities to share knowledge. Offers policy recommendations based on report findings. Discusses rural throughout.
Date: 10/2025
Sponsoring organization: Wyoming Women's Action Network
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Advancing Diagnostic Excellence in Rural Areas: A Workshop
Recording of a workshop exploring potential improvements in diagnosis in rural areas of the United States. Topics discussed include the state of diagnosis in rural areas, access to diagnosis and diagnosis-related health disparities, applications of new technologies and innovations, healthcare workforce training, education, and support, and other aspects of service delivery innovation in rural areas. A video transcript is accessible through video control bar. Meeting materials are available for download below the video player, including workshop agenda, presentation slides, and public briefing materials.
Date: 10/2025
Sponsoring organization: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
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Advocating for Incorporating Public Veterinary Health Care Into Human Health Systems
Explores the human health impacts of a public veterinary health program in rural tribal communities in Alaska. Highlights the health concerns from stray dog populations in tribal communities and remote areas that lack veterinarian services. Details impact on rates of dog bites, rabies, and other zoonotic pathogens.
Author(s): Laurie Meythaler-Mullins, Cheryl Eia, Allyce H. Lobdell, Danielle M. Frey
Citation: Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 12
Date: 10/2025
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