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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Occupational health and safety

Community-based Program to Increase Use of Hearing Conservation Practices among Farm and Rural Youth: A Cluster Randomized Trial of Effectiveness
Examines the effectiveness of two interventions regarding knowledge and attitudes toward hearing conservation among farm and rural youth. Discusses the prevalence of hearing loss among farmworkers and the risks of exposure to farm noise from an early age.
Author(s): Marjorie C. McCullagh, James J. Yang, Michael A. Cohen
Citation: BMC Public Health, 20(1), 847
Date: 06/2020
Type: Document
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Improving Mental Health Care by Understanding the Culture of Farming and Rural Communities
Session one of a four-part webinar series on the interplay of COVID-19 and the mental health crisis in rural and agricultural communities. Discusses co-occurring substance use disorders, telehealth, and provider compassion fatigue, among other issues.
Additional links: Session 2: Approaching and Treating Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Use Disorders in Farming and Rural Communities, Session 3: Providing Mental Health Telehealth Services in Farming and Rural Communities, Session 4: Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Use Disorders in Farming and Rural Communities: Assessment, Ethics, and Preventing Compassion Fatigue
Date: 06/2020
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organizations: Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network, Mountain Plains Mental Health Technology Transfer Center
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Association of Farm-Related Occupations with Psychological Distress & Mortality
Highlights the factors contributing to psychological distress and mortality among farm-related occupations. Discusses the health risks associated with agricultural labor and their psychological and physical outcomes. Slide presentation from the 2020 National Rural Health Association Annual conference.
Author(s): Ahmed A. Arif, James N. Laditka, Sarah B. Laditka, Oluwaseun Adeyemi
Date: 06/2020
Type: Presentation Slides
Sponsoring organization: Rural and Underserved Health Research Center
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Trends in Pneumoconiosis Deaths — United States, 1999–2018
Examines deaths due to pneumoconioses, preventable occupational lung diseases caused by inhaling dust particles such as coal or mineral dust. Includes data by type of disease and by state, as well as data for the top industries and occupations associated with pneumoconiosis deaths, including mining.
Author(s): Jessica L. Bell, Jacek M. Mazurek
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 69(23), 693-698
Date: 06/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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COVID-19: Rural Hospital Compendium
Summarizes Missouri Hospital Association's (MHA) efforts to help rural hospitals address the COVID-19 pandemic. Includes information on advocacy and financial support, the rural healthcare workforce, telehealth, personal protective equipment, and more.
Date: 06/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Missouri Hospital Association
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Mortality Among Persons with Both Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Aged ≥25 Years, by Industry and Occupation — United States, 1999–2016
Reports on deaths with both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as the underlying or contributing cause of death. Examines deaths by industry and occupation for men and women, with data by age for those 25-64 years old and 65 and older. Includes data on industries and occupations more common to rural areas, including agriculture, forestry, and mining.
Author(s): Katelynn E. Dodd, John Wood, Jacek M. Mazurek
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 69(22), 670-679
Date: 06/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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2020 National Emergency Medical Services Assessment
Describes emergency medical services (EMS), EMS emergency preparedness, and 9-1-1 systems at the state and national levels, using data from a survey completed by representatives of 54 states and U.S. territories. Features statistics in categories including EMS organizations, response and patient care, workforce health and safety, disaster preparedness, and funding, including funding provided by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy.
Date: 05/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Association of State EMS Officials
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COVID-19 Among Workers in Meat and Poultry Processing Facilities ― 19 States, April 2020
Examines COVID-19 cases among workers in 115 meat and poultry processing facilities reported by 19 states. Discusses factors potentially affecting risk for infection, including difficulties with workplace physical distancing and hygiene and crowded living and transportation conditions. Includes recommended changes to address these issues.
Author(s): Jonathan W. Dyal, Michael P. Grant, Kendra Broadwater, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 69(18), 557-561
Date: 05/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Hospital Experiences Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a National Pulse Survey March 23–27, 2020
Reports on hospitals' challenges and needs in responding to the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Addresses access to testing, supplies, and equipment; workforce issues; facility capacity; the need for financial assistance; and information needs. Identifies strategies hospitals reported using the help protect staff and manage patient care. Includes information on rural hospitals' concerns.
Date: 04/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Office of Inspector General (HHS)
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Genotyping and Subtyping Cryptosporidium To Identify Risk Factors and Transmission Patterns — Nebraska, 2015–2017
Examines the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium in Nebraska, looking at the distribution of cases of cryptosporidiosis caused by Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis in rural and urban settings. Reports on rural cases due to animal exposures and urban cases in child care facilities.
Author(s): Brianna K. Loeck, Caitlin Pedati, Peter C. Iwen, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 69(12), 335-338
Date: 03/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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