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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Population health

The Veterans Choice Program (VCP): Program Implementation
Presents a report on the implementation of the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Veterans Choice Program (VCP) as a way to increase access to care for veterans. Discusses veteran eligibility and care options within the program, provider participation, and the processing of payments.
Date: 04/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Congressional Research Service
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North Dakota Behavioral Health System Study Final Report, April 2018
Reports findings from the North Dakota Comprehensive Behavioral Health Systems Analysis, which includes a review of the existing behavioral health system, an analysis of utilization and payment patterns by payer source, and recommendations to improve the behavioral health system to meet the needs of the community. Discusses the benefits and challenges of providing behavioral health services in rural areas.
Date: 04/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Human Services Research Institute, North Dakota Department of Health
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The Association Between Nutrition Information Use and the Healthfulness of Food Acquisitions
Results of a study examining the effectiveness of federal nutrition information and education efforts, using data from the USDA's 2012-13 National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey (FoodAPS). Features demographic statistics including percentage of FoodAPS respondents in rural areas, and the percentage of these rural respondents who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Author(s): Eliana Zeballos, Tobenna D. Anekwe
Date: 04/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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The State of Health in New Mexico 2018
Describes the health status for the population of New Mexico in rural and urban areas. Provides statistics on multiple health indicators, such as socioeconomic status, maternal and child health, chronic disease, substance use, and injury, among others.
Date: 04/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: New Mexico Department of Health
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Social Determinants of Health: Transforming the Buzz Phrase to a Rural Action Item
Discusses how rural healthcare organizations can use social risk assessments as a tool to improve population health. Highlights the work of two rural organizations, CommWell Health in North Carolina and Tift Regional Health System in Georgia, to assess social risks and address patients' social determinants of health (SDOH).
Author(s): Kay Miller Temple
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 04/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Veterans Health Administration: Opportunities Exist for Improving Veterans' Access to Health Care Services in the Pacific Islands
Details opportunities for veterans to access healthcare in the Pacific Islands. Discusses barriers to care, such as long travel distances, and the use of telehealth and the Choice Program as methods of improving access.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 04/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Combating the Opioid Crisis: Improving the Ability of Medicare and Medicaid to Provide Care for Patients
Presents the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on the role of Medicare and Medicaid in combating the opioid crisis. Features testimony from representatives of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Boston Medical Center, the Centene Corporation, Centerstone America, Geisinger Health System, and Magellan Healthcare.
Additional links: Mr. David Guth Testimony, Mr. Toby Douglas Testimony
Date: 04/2018
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: House Committee on Energy and Commerce
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Opioid White Paper: Analysis of Responses to Committee Request for Information
Details an analysis of the information received by the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee regarding the opioid crisis. Discusses the current state of the crisis and the measures currently in place regarding prevention and treatment.
Date: 04/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: House Ways and Means Committee
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The Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018
Presents the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) hearing on the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018. Features testimony from representatives of the Delaware Office of the Child Advocate, the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors, and the Addiction Policy Forum.
Date: 04/2018
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions
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2018 County Health Rankings Key Findings Report
Provides information on county-level health disparities by analyzing health factors and outcomes throughout the U.S. Covers low birthweight, residential segregation, child poverty, teen births, and more. Includes key findings and steps communities can take to improve health outcomes.
Date: 03/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: County Health Rankings & Roadmaps
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