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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Emergency preparedness and response

An Evaluation of FirstNet's Progress
Presents a recording of a September 24, 2020, hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Examines FirstNet and AT&T's progress on developing a nationwide public safety broadband network. Testimony from Jason Porter, Senior Vice President of AT&T, discusses FirstNet's focus on rural America.
Additional links: Jason Porter Testimony
Date: 09/2020
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
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COVID-19: Federal Efforts Could Be Strengthened by Timely and Concerted Actions
Examines key actions the federal government has taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifies lessons learned and issues that require continued attention by federal policymakers. Details recommendations to prepare for and improve the ongoing federal response.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 09/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Rural EMS COVID-19 Preparedness Checklist
Provides a checklist for rural response agencies to evaluate their current level of preparedness and identify areas that need additional action to better respond to COVID-19. Covers planning, strategy, personal protective equipment and supplies, workforce and recruiting, and funding.
Date: 08/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: American Ambulance Association, Federal Healthcare Resilience Working Group
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Living and Learning Through COVID-19 - Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital and Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital
Profiles how two CAHs in rural Lincoln County, Oregon, prepared for and responded to a COVID-19 outbreak. Discusses steps taken to address staffing, supply chain, and cultural awareness challenges that emerged during the pandemic.
Date: 08/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Rural Health and COVID-19
Information to help hospital and health system emergency planners and state and local public health emergency planners understand the challenges rural communities face related to COVID-19. Addresses issues facing healthcare facilities and those related to at-risk residents. Includes proposed solutions and mitigation steps.
Date: 08/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response
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National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services Meeting Summary, July 30, 2020
Summarizes the 88th meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services (NACRHHS), which was held virtually. Includes a discussion of the rural response to COVID-19.
Date: 07/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services
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Hospitals Face Financial Challenges Due to COVID-19
Describes the financial impact of COVID-19 on Kittitas Valley Healthcare in Ellensburg, Washington. Discusses the decline in emergency department and non-emergency surgery volume and changes to labor costs as a percentage of net revenue.
Date: 07/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Rural Healthcare Surge Readiness
Resources for rural healthcare systems preparing for and responding to a COVID-19 surge. Includes resources for emergency medical services, inpatient and hospital care, ambulatory care, and long-term care settings. Addresses a wide range of topics including healthcare operations, space, supplies, funding, and more.
Date: 07/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: COVID-19 Healthcare Resilience Working Group
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Oversight Hearing on "Evaluating the Response and Mitigation to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Native Communities" and Legislative Hearing to Receive Testimony on S. 3650
Presents the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs oversight hearing on the response to COVID-19 in tribal communities. Features testimony from representatives from the Indian Health Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission, and the National Indian Health Board.
Additional links: Lisa Elgin Testimony, Michael D. Weahkee Testimony, Robert J. Fenton, Jr. Testimony, Scott J. Davis Testimony
Date: 07/2020
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
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COVID-19: Opportunities to Improve Federal Response and Recovery Efforts
Provides an overview of key federal actions and spending allocations in response to the health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifies challenges related to federal actions including the Payment Protection Program, economic impact payments, and Medicaid's Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) formula. Offers lesson learned from the initial pandemic response and recommends areas for further legislative action.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 06/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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