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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Public health

Differential Effects of a Social Work Staffing Intervention on Social Work Access Among Rural and Highly Rural Veterans: A Cohort Study
Presents a study on the efficacy of a VA program to expand access of social work services to rural veterans. Draws data from VA sites that participated in the program from October 2016 to September 2021. Compares social worker utilization by rural and urban veterans and breaks down data by age, race, and reason for visit, among other factors.
Author(s): Andrew N. Honken, Christopher W. Halladay, Lisa E. Wootton, et al.
Citation: Health Services Research, 59(S2), e14327
Date: 12/2024
Type: Document
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New Mexico State Health Assessment, 2024
Assesses the health status of New Mexicans, identifies health needs and priorities, and details actions and strategies supporting public health in New Mexico. Highlights rural and tribal health and access disparities for select topics, including COVID-19, missing and murdered indigenous people, geographic access to healthcare and other services, and more.
Date: 11/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: New Mexico Department of Health
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Texas Task Force of Border Health Officials Recommendations Report, 2024
Report addressing public health issues in the Texas-Mexico border region, offering short- and long-term planning recommendations. Covers health workforce training, communicable diseases, environmental health, mental health, and maternal child health.
Date: 11/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Task Force of Border Health Officials
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Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage Among Health Care Personnel — National Healthcare Safety Network, United States, 2023–24 Respiratory Virus Season
Reports on influenza and COVID-19 vaccination coverage among healthcare personnel working in acute care hospitals and nursing homes during the 2023-2024 respiratory virus season. Includes data by workplace location for rural and urban areas.
Author(s): Jeneita Bell, Lu Meng, Kira Barbre, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 73(43), 966-972
Date: 10/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Strengthening Rural Health: The Role of HPV Vaccination
Recording of an October 1, 2024, webinar regarding trends in HPV-related cancers in rural areas and the importance of HPV vaccination to cancer prevention. Features Heather Brandt, Director of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's HPV Cancer Prevention Program. Discusses the hospital's efforts to increase HPV vaccinations in rural communities. Part of the Rural Health Clinic Technical Assistance Series.
Additional links: Presentation Slides
Date: 10/2024
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Rural Health Clinics
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Firearm Experiences, Behaviors, and Norms Among Rural Adolescents
Examines handgun carrying experiences and social norms among 93 rural adolescents in Washington state. Utilizes survey, interview, and focus group data to provide data on having carried a handgun, age at first carry, and views on acceptable and unacceptable ways to engage with firearms, reasons for carrying, and places to carry.
Author(s): Elizabeth H. Weybright, Heather F. Terral, Ashley Hall, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 7(10), e2441203
Date: 10/2024
Type: Document
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Sustainable Development in Rural Underserved Communities through Improved Responsible Management of Decentralized Wastewater Infrastructure: A Focus on the Alabama Black Belt
Examines strategies to achieve sustainable development in rural, underserved communities through safe wastewater management in the Alabama Black Belt. Discusses utility structure, operation, and potential barriers to achieving development that is compatible with public health, as well as policy to support sustainable wastewater systems.
Author(s): Amal Bakchan, Kevin D. White
Citation: Environmental Science & Technology, 58(42), 18671-18685
Date: 10/2024
Type: Document
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The Burden of HPV-Associated Cancer in Rural America Beyond 2020
Explores the burden of HPV-associated cancer in rural communities after the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlights rates of HPV-associated cancer in rural, urban, and metro populations and discusses prevention efforts.
Author(s): Jason Semprini
Citation: Rural and Remote Health, 24, 9281
Date: 10/2024
Type: Document
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Bridging Gaps: Addressing HPV Awareness and Vaccination Challenges in Hispanic/Latino Rural Communities
Discusses disparities in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and HPV awareness experienced by Hispanics/Latinos in rural areas. Examines factors influencing HPV vaccine access and approaches to increasing HPV vaccine awareness and utilization.
Author(s): Gabriel A. Benavidez
Date: 10/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
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Improving Care and Accessibility for Rural Patients with Disabilities
Provides an overview of barriers to healthcare access for rural patients with disabilities. Shares insights from a public health department in Montana and a disability and health program in New Hampshire on how to improve accessibility and communication with patients with disabilities.
Author(s): Allee Mead
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 10/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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