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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Infrastructure

Tribal Transportation Program Delivery Guide: A Guide for Tribes with an FHWA Tribal Transportation Program Agreement
A procedural guide for tribal communities entering into an agreement with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Outlines the roles and responsibilities of tribes and the FHWA in the implementation of a Tribal Transportation Program Agreement (TTPA) to improve tribal road infrastructure.
Date: 04/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Federal Highway Administration, United States Department of Transportation
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IEUBK Modeling of Children's Blood Lead Levels in Homes Served by Private Domestic Wells in Three Illinois Counties
Examines the potential for elevated blood lead levels (BLL) due to consuming water from private wells in rural areas by utilizing Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic (IEUBK) modeling. Analyzes the water lead levels (WLLs) in 151 homes located in Illinois and discusses water safety for rural children.
Author(s): Sarah Keeley, Samuel Dorevitch, Walton Kelly, David E. Jacobs, Sarah D. Geiger
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(3), 337
Date: 03/2024
Type: Document
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American Clusters: Using Machine Learning to Understand Health and Health Care Disparities in the United States
Demonstrates the strengths and weaknesses of using machine learning (ML) to identify social determinants of health, healthcare access, healthcare infrastructure, and geography factors contributing to health inequalities. Discusses use of ML in policy, with different levels of geography, and in future research.
Author(s): Diane M. Bowser, Kaili Maurico, Brielle A. Ruscitti, William H. Crown
Citation: Health Affairs Scholar, 2(3)
Date: 03/2024
Type: Document
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2024 County Health Rankings National Findings Report
Analyzes county-level health and wellness data, focusing on issues such as public investment and health equity. Includes information on access to broadband, information, civic infrastructure and services, and more. Provides U.S. map of county-level life expectancy (LE) and discusses the relationship of LE to civic health.
Date: 03/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: County Health Rankings & Roadmaps
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Ohio Health Policy Brief: Connections Between Water Quality and Health
Examines water quality in Ohio, the health impacts of polluted water, and water policy to address potential harm. Provides data on harmful algal bloom, percent of households without complete plumbing facilities by county type, per capita H2Ohio funding for lead service line replacements by county type, and counties with drinking water violations. Includes discussion about environmental health disparities in disadvantaged populations, such as Appalachian and rural.
Author(s): Lexi Chirakos, Robin Blair-Ackison, Tonni Oberly, Jacob Santiago, Anna Sheeran
Date: 03/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Health Policy Institute of Ohio
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The Future of the Universal Service Fund and Related Broadband Programs
Provides an overview of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Universal Service Fund (USF) and its four programs: the High Cost Program, Lifeline Program, Rural Health Care Program, and Schools and Libraries Program. Describes legislation introduced in the 118th Congress that would impact the USF programs. Outlines considerations for Congress and five areas for possible reform.
Date: 03/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Congressional Research Service
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Stronger Together: Federal Funding and Planning Strategies Designed to Promote Sustainable Economic Development in Rural America
Resource guide offering information for rural communities on planning and technical assistance, infrastructure and broadband expansion, entrepreneurship and business assistance, and workforce development and livability. Covers the purpose, eligibility, application process, and contact information for programs from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and USDA Rural Development in each of these areas.
Date: 03/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Economic Development Administration, USDA Rural Development
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Access in Appalachia Pilot Implementation Project
Explores transportation accessibility within Appalachia by measuring, analyzing, and visualizing Appalachian residents' access to jobs, education, healthcare, entertainment, and intermodal freight facilities. Mentions rural throughout, and includes a section on healthcare deserts. Features maps with shadings indicating economic status and urbanicity level of Appalachian counties.
Author(s): Saumya Jain, Eric Lind, Andrew Owen, Shirley Shiqin Liu
Date: 02/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Appalachian Regional Commission
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Understanding Water Affordability Across Contexts: LIHWAP Water Utility Affordability Survey Report
Assesses water affordability for both families and utilities across the U.S, discussing low income households and funding. Includes rural, urban, and tribal comparisons and the unique challenges for each community type.
Date: 02/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: ACF Office of Community Services
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Small Business Administration: Targeted Outreach about Disaster Assistance Could Benefit Rural Communities
Examines disaster loan trends in rural and urban areas using geocoded Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan application data for fiscal years 2017 through 2022. Describes challenges rural communities may face in seeking disaster assistance from SBA and actions SBA could take to address these challenges.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 02/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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