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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: COVID-19

COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Behaviors among Rural and Urban Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Summer, 2020
Study examining trends in hand washing, face touching, mask wearing, limited gatherings, and other COVID-19 risk mitigation behaviors that compares urban and rural populations over age 65. Discusses rates of specific mitigation behaviors and breaks down rural population demographics.
Author(s): Janice C. Probst, Elizabeth L. Crouch, Jan M. Eberth
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 37(3), 473-478
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
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COVID-19 Vaccines: Audience Insights & Messaging Guidance for Rural Communities
Examines rural residents' perspectives and concerns about vaccines, so that business leaders can respond to employee questions and effectively share vaccine facts. Includes suggested messages and links for additional resources.
Additional links: A Checklist for Rural Employers: Making it Easier for Employees & Workers to get Vaccinated
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Health Action Alliance
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Patterns in COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage, by Social Vulnerability and Urbanicity — United States, December 14, 2020–May 1, 2021
Examines vaccination coverage by rurality and social vulnerability. Includes data for metropolitan and nonmetro areas for four levels of social vulnerability and by type of vulnerability, based on the CDC social vulnerability index (SVI).
Author(s): Vaughn Barry, Sharoda Dasgupta, Daniel L. Weller, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(22), 818-824
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Rural Health Clinic COVID-19 Reporting Portal
Data collection portal for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) that received funding through the RHC COVID-19 Testing Program. Allows RHCs to report information related to their testing activities as required in the terms and conditions of the program.
Date: 06/2021
Type: Tool
Sponsoring organizations: Health Resources and Services Administration, National Association of Rural Health Clinics
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A Cross-Sectional Comparison of Physical Activity During COVID-19 in a Sample of Rural and Non-Rural Participants in the US
Examines the impacts of COVID-19 on physical activity in 25 states, comparing rural and urban responses from 278 survey participants. Discusses disparities in obesity and physical activity rates, and describes barriers to physical activity.
Author(s): Alan M. Beck, Amanda S. Gilbert, Dixie D. Duncan, Eric M. Wiedenman
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(9), 4991
Date: 05/2021
Type: Document
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Hunger, Poverty, and Health During COVID-19: Spotlight: Rural Communities
Research brief exploring the impact of the pandemic on rural communities, focusing on hunger, poverty, and health. Includes statistics on weekly deaths from March-November 2020 per 100,000 people ages 20 and over, with breakdowns by 5 levels of population density.
Date: 05/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Food Research & Action Center
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PeaceHealth Is Vaccinating Rural America Through Peer-to-Peer Outreach
Describes how PeaceHealth is promoting COVID-19 vaccines among farmworkers in rural Washington. Discusses the role of community health workers and digital media in educating people about the importance of vaccination.
Date: 05/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Mask Use and Ventilation Improvements to Reduce COVID-19 Incidence in Elementary Schools — Georgia, November 16–December 11, 2020
Examines the impact of school-level prevention strategies on COVID-19 incidence among students and staff members at Georgia elementary schools with in-person learning, before the availability of the COVID-19 vaccines. Includes data on case levels in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas.
Author(s): Jenna Gettings, Michaila Czarnik, Elana Morris, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(21), 779-784
Date: 05/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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COVID-19 Health Care Flexibilities: Perspectives, Experiences, and Lessons Learned
Recording of a May 19, 2021, U.S. Senate Committee on Finance hearing on healthcare flexibilities implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on telehealth. Discusses lessons learned and considerations for the extension of these flexibilities beyond the pandemic.
Additional links: Kisha Davis Testimony, Narayana Murali Testimony
Date: 05/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Senate Committee on Finance
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RHC COVID Initiatives Webinar
Recording of a May 19, 2021, webinar providing an overview of federal actions regarding COVID-19 vaccine confidence, testing and mitigation, and vaccine access specific to Rural Health Clinics. Covers program funding, eligibility, and application processes. Part of the Rural Health Clinic Technical Assistance Series.
Additional links: Presentation Slides, Transcript
Date: 05/2021
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Rural Health Clinics
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