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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Economics and the economy

The Opioid Epidemic: A Geography in Two Phases
Examines population and geographic data on 2 phases of the U.S. opioid epidemic. Examines the association between overdose deaths and chronic pain, physical disability rates, and economic hardship. Discusses the shift from overdose mortality associated with prescription opioids to illicit and synthetic opioids in the early 2010s, including in rural areas and the Northeastern U.S.
Additional links: Report Summary
Author(s): David A. McGranahan, Timothy S. Parker
Date: 04/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Redefining Rural: Towards a Better Understanding of Geography, Demography, and Economy in America's Rural Places
Offers a hybrid definition of rurality based on metro and non-metro definitions from the Office of Management and Budget, Rural-Urban Continuum Codes, and considers outlying communities in metro and micropolitan counties as rural. Compares rural and non-rural poverty rates, economic well-being, population changes, and other characteristics to represent counties in economic distress.
Author(s): Kennedy O'Dell
Date: 03/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Economic Innovation Group
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COVID-19: Sustained Federal Action Is Crucial as Pandemic Enters Its Second Year
Discusses the federal government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Provides an overview of federal actions on healthcare and economic policy areas through March 10, 2021, including data on vaccine administration and COVID-19 relief spending. Offers 28 new recommendations to federal agencies regarding public health, the economy, and program integrity that would improve the federal response.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 03/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Uplifting America's Left Behind Places: A Roadmap for a More Equitable Economy
Report examining economic inequality on a geographic scale, addressing inequity across states, rural and urban areas, and counties. Discusses types of spatial inequality, including health, economic, and racial inequities. Offers recommendations to leverage federal economic development policy to support local and regional development. Discusses investments in connectivity and capacity-building, including broadband, infrastructure, labor markets, and civic institutions, particularly in rural areas.
Author(s): Kenan Fikri, Daniel Newman, Kennedy O'Dell
Date: 02/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Economic Innovation Group
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Broadband Today: Rural America's Critical Connection
Report discussing the importance of broadband to connecting rural communities, including its role in rural businesses, telehealth access, education, and agriculture. Addresses the impacts of COVID-19 on remote work, telehealth delivery, and changes to business and consumer activity, and explores future steps for broadband funding and adoption in rural areas.
Date: 02/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Foundation for Rural Service
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Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Rural America
Highlights a study on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural America. Explores outcomes in the areas of physical and mental health, household income, and overall well-being. Discusses shifts in employment and their impact on personal and local economies.
Author(s): J. Tom Mueller, Kathryn McConnell, Paul Berne Burow, et al.
Citation: PNAS, 118(1), 2019378118
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
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Community Health and Economic Prosperity: Engaging Businesses as Stewards and Stakeholders — A Report of the Surgeon General
Report examining the relationship between businesses and community vitality in the United States, including impacts on health, environment, and equality. Discusses the U.S. health disadvantage compared to other nations and the role of neighborhoods and businesses in shaping health and economic opportunity. Describes initiatives from business leaders in rural and tribal communities.
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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Eliminating Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing: Federal, State, Local, and Tribal Opportunities
Discusses housing supply and affordability challenges and offers recommendations for federal, state, local, and tribal governments to reduce regulatory barriers and address these challenges. Describes rural/urban differences in housing market challenges. Covers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on housing in the U.S.
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
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Ethics and Economic Growth in the Age of COVID-19: What is a Just Society to Do?
Explores the differences between public health and economic decision-making approaches. Discusses how rural communities and rural healthcare infrastructure will benefit from funding increases in response to COVID-19.
Author(s): Peter E. Hilsenrath
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 37(1), 146-147
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
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Investing in Rural Prosperity
Anthology examining policy, governance, and community and economic development in rural and tribal communities. Highlights strategies for local capacity building, efforts to strengthen rural community resilience, and the need for health and wellness investments in rural America.
Date: 2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
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