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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Infectious diseases

A Just Recovery for Rural Equity in Wisconsin
Provides information for advancing health equity, with respect to the impact of COVID-19, for rural populations in Wisconsin. Discusses topics fundamental to supporting rural health equity, including: healthcare access, broadband and infrastructure, food and agriculture, job security, and availability of social services. Identifies proven policies and practices that can be implemented at the local and state level.
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute
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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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Characteristics of US Adults Delaying Dental Care Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Highlights a study on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on oral healthcare utilization and the factors contributing to decisions to delay care. Bases findings on a cross-sectional national survey of adults from late May to early June of 2020. Breaks down demographic indicators of participants by age, race, and rurality, among other factors.
Author(s): A.M. Kranz, G. Gahlon, A.W. Dick, B.D. Stein
Citation: JDR Clinical & Translational Research, 6(1), 8-14
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: RAND Corporation
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Harm Reduction and Adaptations Among PWUD in Rural Oregon During COVID-19
Presents a study on harm reduction practices during the COVID-19 pandemic for people who use drugs (PWUDs) in rural Oregon. Bases findings on interviews with PWUDs in 5 rural counties. Breaks down data by gender, race, and drugs used. Discusses the effect of COVID-19 on syringe service programs in rural areas.
Author(s): Andrew Seaman, Gillian Leichtling, Erin Stack, et al.
Citation: AIDS and Behavior, 25(5), 1331–1339
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
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Rural Community Engagement for Health Disparities Research: The Unique Role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Explores the potential of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HCBUs) to help reduce health disparities in rural communities of color. Highlights the Research with Care project, a collaboration between the North Carolina Central University and rural Halifax County, N.C. and discusses the expounding health disparities faced by people of color in rural areas, including COVID-19.
Author(s): Lorraine C. Taylor, Charity S. Watkins, Hannah Chesterton, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(1), 64
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
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Telemedicine for Tobacco Cessation and Prevention to Combat COVID-19 Morbidity and Mortality in Rural Areas
Discusses the use of telehealth to initiate tobacco cessation programs in rural areas as a means of limiting comorbidity and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlights the rates of tobacco use in rural areas by type and compares rates to urban areas. Explores several examples of programs using telemedicine to implement successful models of tobacco cessation treatment in the U.S. and in Hong Kong.
Author(s): Ashley L. Merianos, Bradley Fevrier, E. Melinda Mahabee-Gittens
Citation: Frontiers in Public Health, 8, 598905
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
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COVID-19: Urgent Federal Actions to Accelerate America's Response
Presents six short-term recommendations for the Biden administration and Congress to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlights the need for policies and strategies to prevent or mitigate health disparities, including in rural and tribal areas.
Additional links: Webinar Recording
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Bipartisan Policy Center
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1,232 Doses of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Distributed at Coliseum in Dalhart, Texas
Reports on a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in rural Texas that distributing vaccines to residents in a tri-county area, while helping participants to promote the event on social media.
Author(s): Joyce Bezner
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Poll Finds Rural Residents More Hesitant to Get Vaccinated
Results of a poll conducted from November 30 - Dec 8, 2020, in which approximately 1,700 respondents were asked if they would get a COVID-19 vaccination if it were determined to be safe, effective, and available at no cost. Features statistics with breakdowns by urban, suburban, or rural location.
Author(s): Tim Marema
Citation: Journal of Appalachian Health, 3(1), 61-65
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
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Lessons Learned from the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands COVID-19 Response
Blog post describing the ways in which public health officials used collaboration, communication, and partnership in their response to COVID-19 in American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianna Islands, Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. Includes information about other health-related challenges faced by these islands.
Author(s): Karl Ensign
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
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