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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: COVID-19

Impact of the COVID-19 Shutdown on Mental Health in Appalachia by Working Status
Results of a study on issues faced by Appalachian residents during the COVID-19-related shutdown in the spring of 2020, including concerns about healthcare and finances, and the effect on mental health. Examines whether there were higher levels of anxiety, fear, and depression among those who continued working outside the home compared with those who began working remotely during the shutdown. Features demographics and statistics on chronic health conditions and types of concerns, with breakdowns by work categories.
Author(s): Erin N. Haynes, Timothy J. Hilbert, Susan C. Westneat, et al.
Citation: Journal of Appalachian Health, 3(1), 18-28
Date: 2021
Type: Document
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A Description of COVID-19 Lifestyle Restrictions Among a Sample of Rural Appalachian Women
Findings from a survey given to 33 women who had previously participated in a larger survey involving substance use and behavioral risks. Features demographics and statistics on substance use, mental health, and types of activity restrictions related to COVID-19.
Author(s): Michele Staton, Martha Tillson, J. Matthew Webster
Citation: Journal of Appalachian Health, 3(1), 4-17
Date: 2021
Type: Document
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Using State Licensure Data to Assess North Carolina's Health Workforce COVID-19 Response Capacity
Assesses the supply of healthcare providers in North Carolina who are able to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, using licensure data merged with population data and numbers of intensive care unit (ICU) beds. Mentions rural throughout. Features county-level maps showing ratios of respiratory therapists, critical care nurses and physicians per 10,000 county population, and ratios of critical care nurses and respiratory therapists to numbers of ICU beds.
Author(s): Heather Wilson, Evan M. Galloway, Julie C. Spero, et al.
Citation: North Carolina Medical Journal, 82(1), 29-35
Date: 2021
Type: Document
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The Best and Worst Places for Children in America
Includes an interactive map ranking states and counties on their ability to care for and protect children, with data on child poverty, COVID-19 vulnerability, and more. Users can select and compare counties on various threats to childhood, such as deaths before age 18, teen pregnancy, food insecurity, and school dropouts.
Additional links: Childhood in the Time of COVID
Date: 2021
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: Save the Children Federation, Inc.
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Rural Housing Symposium: Recovery Through Resiliency
Video recording of the 2020 Rural Housing Conference that covers discussions on long-term trends and recent changes in rural housing due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic impacts, recovery pathways, and policy collaboration on a variety of topics to build rural resiliency. Includes 7 sessions available for viewing.
Date: 12/2020
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: Housing Assistance Council
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Equitable Recovery and Resilience in Rural America
Reports on geographic, economic, and cultural diversity in rural America, addressing issues of equity, health disparities, and economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. Offers recommendations for local and federal action related to broadband internet access, small business development, and collaboration to support rural economic vitality and equity.
Author(s): Brian Dabson
Date: 12/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Aspen Institute
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Benefits and Barriers to Pediatric Tele-Urology During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Study of remote video visits by a pediatric urology provider serving rural Virginia that examines the rapid integration of video visits into a practice that previously treated patients exclusively in-person. Discusses patient demographics, diagnosis and clinical outcomes, and success rates of video visits for 116 patients.
Author(s): Andrew J. Winkelman, Haerin L. Beller, Kathryn E. Morgan, et al.
Citation: Journal of Pediatric Urology, 16(6), P840.E1-840.E6
Date: 12/2020
Type: Document
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Impacts of COVID-19 on Rural Mental Health
Presentation slides from an American Farm Bureau Federation poll of 2,000 rural adults in December 2020, comparing results to a similar April 2019 poll. Addresses perceived importance of mental health, issues of stigma, impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, barriers to care, and other mental health topics. Tracks response trends between 2019 and 2020, highlighting consistent aspects of the survey and changes in impressions and experiences.
Date: 12/2020
Type: Presentation Slides
Sponsoring organization: American Farm Bureau Federation
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Lakewood Engage Tackles Food Insecurity in Rural Minnesota
Features a community-based program in rural Minnesota that addresses food insecurity through multiple initiatives, including distribution of fresh produce through a food "prescription" program, home delivery of meals to post-acute care patients and those in COVID-19 quarantine, and a farmers market.
Author(s): Kathryn Rutz
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 12/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Ensuring an Equitable Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines in Rural Communities
Policy brief addressing rural access to COVID-19 vaccines. Discusses the vaccine infrastructure, distribution, transportation, and storage needed to reach rural residents. Provides guidance for national, state, and local leaders.
Author(s): John Gale, Alana Knudson, Michael Meit, Shena Popat
Date: 12/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
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