Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: COVID-19

COVID-19: Additional Actions Needed to Improve Accountability and Program Effectiveness of Federal Response
Discusses the federal government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Provides an overview of federal actions on healthcare and economic policy areas through September 2021, including data on COVID-19 relief spending, testing, worker health and safety, and child nutrition programs. Offers 16 new recommendations to federal agencies regarding the proper use of relief funding, occupational health and safety, and fraud risks to unemployment insurance programs that would improve the federal response and preparation for future public health emergencies.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 10/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
view details
COVID-19 Contracting: Indian Health Service Used Flexibilities to Meet Increased Medical Supply Needs
Examines the Indian Health Service (IHS) National Supply Service Center (NSSC) contract obligations to obtain COVID-19-related products and medical supplies. Describes the contracting approaches used and challenges IHS officials faced.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 10/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
view details
COVID-19 and the Rural Health Workforce: Recommendations to Improve Health in Illinois
Provides an overview of the healthcare workforce in rural Illinois and describes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Offers policy recommendations to strengthen the rural health workforce in the state, improve service delivery, and enhance access to specialty care via telehealth services.
Date: 10/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Southern Illinois University (SIU) Medicine Department of Population Science and Policy
view details
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
view details
Financial Guide for the Rural Health Care Leaders During COVID and Post-COVID
Highlights strategies for addressing the financial challenges RHCs and CAHs may face during and after a public health emergency such as COVID-19. Discusses how rural providers can improve financial performance in the face of lower inpatient and outpatient volumes, fewer elective surgeries, and the added cost of PPE, ventilators, and staff, among others. Details indicators of financial stress and recommends corresponding strategies.
Date: 10/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Resource Center
view details
State Cross-Agency Collaboration During the COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Examines cross-agency approaches to COVID-19 response efforts in Illinois, Indiana, and Rhode Island. Identifies key themes, lessons, and best practices for other states to consider when preparing for future public health emergencies. Highlights efforts to serve rural populations.
Author(s): Elinor Higgins, Rebecca Cooper
Date: 10/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Academy for State Health Policy
view details
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
view details
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
view details
How Rural Communities Overcame Challenges During COVID-19 Pandemic
A recorded webinar that provides an overview of the experiences of 16 No Kid Hungry grantees who worked with exclusively rural schools and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discusses the demand for free and accessible meals, the benefits of partnerships, and the need for flexibility to break down barriers related to food insecurity.
Additional links: Report, Slide Deck
Date: 09/2021
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organizations: No Kid Hungry, Save the Children, Walmart Foundation
view details
Hunger, Poverty, and Health Disparities During COVID-19 and the Federal Nutrition Programs' Role in an Equitable Recovery
Examines how food security and health were impacted by COVID-19, particularly for underserved populations and areas. Discusses the role of federal nutrition programs in addressing disparities. Includes analysis specific to rural communities.
Date: 09/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Food Research & Action Center
view details