Learn about programs and initiatives being undertaken in different states to address rural health issues. Have an idea for an Around the Country story? Please contact kristine@ruralhealthinfo.org
June 9, 2021
After their county ranked number seven in the nation for opioid related deaths, the community of Fayette County, Ohio created Pathways to Recovery, with programs designed to educate providers and law enforcement, prevent overdoses, reduce harm, and encourage recovery through the use of Peer Support Specialists.
January 28, 2021
An event space in Dalhart, Texas was converted into a COVID-19 vaccine clinic, distributing 1,232 Pfizer vaccines to residents in a tri-county area and beyond, finding unique ways for the participants to promote the event on social media.
January 26, 2021
Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center (RCCHC) in rural Ahoskie, North Carolina, is using social media and creating graphics to answer common questions about vaccines and encourage its patients to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
December 23, 2020
To address the issue of food insecurity in the rural Minnesota communities it serves, Lakewood Health System created Lakewood Engage, a community-based program with multiple initiatives including a "Food Farmacy," home delivery, and a farmers market.
December 9, 2020
Study after study underscores transportation as a major barrier to rural healthcare access. With the support of federal funding, a project director shares how Rides to Health and Wealth is emerging as a solution in eastern Missouri — despite COVID-19.
October 28, 2020
The University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Pharmacy created the Rural Pharmacy Practice program, a concentration for PharmD students interested in working in rural communities. Two students, two assistant professors, and a clinical pharmacy specialist share their experiences.
July 1, 2020
Butler Memorial Hospital in Pennsylvania received a HRSA Rural Health Care Services Outreach grant to develop a program for chronic disease patients. Partway through the grant cycle, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The hospital shares how it was able to transition its program services to an online format and develop new initiatives to address stress in the healthcare workforce and the larger community.
February 26, 2020
A Federally Qualified Health Center used grant support to provide primary care oral health assessment and fluoride varnishes in 12 school-based health centers in nine Louisiana parishes, hoping to provide thousands of children with better oral health in the present as well as into adulthood.
November 6, 2019
To help Ohio counties affected by the opioid crisis, Ohio University and the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) applied for FORHP's Rural Communities Opioid Response Program planning grant. Awarded separately, the partners formally braided the grants together, allowing the organizations to form a master consortium with five counties.
August 7, 2019
To address rising ER readmissions, an Arizona healthcare system and network partners adapted an unconventional EMS telehealth service to help rural patients. Coupled with care coordination, mobile telehealth units are saving the healthcare system money while better meeting patients' healthcare needs.
