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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Population health

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
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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
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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
Sponsoring organizations: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons: Law Enforcement & Prevention
Details the U.S. Department of Justice's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) initiative and presents a number of reports highlighting strategies and collaborations to aid in the investigation and prevention of crimes against American Indian and Alaska Native people. Features reports from non-government organizations, such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Amber Alert Training and Technical Assistance Program, as well as from different areas of the federal government, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Health and Human Services, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, among others.
Citation: DOJ Journal of Federal Law and Practice, 69(1)
Date: 01/2021
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Justice
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Rural Renewal: Three Success Stories, Capturing Prosperity/Health
Showcases success stories from 3 rural communities that sought to address local health concerns, such as inadequate prenatal care and access to healthy food, and increase access to healthcare and related services. Describes community-based initiatives implemented in Nebraska, New Mexico, and South Carolina.
Author(s): Phillip L. Polakoff, Dennis Berens, David Angelson
Date: 01/2021
Sponsoring organization: A Healthier WE
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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
Sponsoring organization: Bipartisan Policy Center
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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
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Ensuring Contact: Calling Rural Appalachian Older Adults During the COVID-19 Epidemic
Presents a study on the well-being and healthcare needs of socially isolated adults 75 years and older during the COVID-19 pandemic in rural West Virginia. Bases conclusions on telephone interviews with seniors from April 1-22, 2020. Breaks down data by demographic characteristics, mental and physical health conditions, and comfort with different forms of communication technology, among other factors.
Author(s): Robert B. Walker, Michael Grome, William Rollyson, Adam D. Baus
Citation: Rural and Remote Health, 21(1), 6122
Date: 01/2021
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Advancing Population Health in Rural Places: Key Lessons and Policy Opportunities
Discussion of topics including strategies to incorporate population health into rural health, how collaboration can help rural hospitals address population health issues, how rural healthcare systems can gain community support for population activities, and ways in which the rural healthcare workforce can be involved in population health. Examines various demonstration projects with roots in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Author(s): Keith J. Mueller, Delaney P. Bounds, Andrew F. Coburn, et al.
Date: 01/2021
Sponsoring organization: Rural Policy Research Institute Rural Health Panel
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Community Health Center Addresses Vaccine Hesitancy through Social Media
Shares examples of graphics and videos developed by Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center to answer common questions about the COVID-19 vaccines and encourage patients to get vaccinated.
Author(s): Allee Mead
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 01/2021
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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