November 30, 2016
First conceptualized in the 1970s, but not widely adopted in rural communities, freestanding emergency departments (FSEDs) have been getting another look as a sustainable rural option. This article discusses hospital-based versus independent FSEDs, the model's financial viability, and highlights two FSEDs meeting their communities' healthcare needs in Arizona and Illinois.
November 16, 2016
In Pennsylvania, more people are dying from drug overdose than from car accidents. The FORHP-funded Addiction Recovery Mobile Outreach Team (ARMOT) program works to educate medical staff on addiction and recovery and to support patients as they navigate the recovery process.
November 9, 2016
Happy 25th anniversary to the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy's State Office of Rural Health (SORH) Program! Although each SORH has its own story, this article highlights the history of the program and the good work of three state offices that are meeting rural health needs in unique ways.
November 2, 2016
Women in Chuuk, Micronesia, often serve as caregivers for their families and communities. But without a formal education, many women can't move beyond their immediate environments. The Chuuk Women's Council provides education and training for Micronesian women, empowering them to become leaders in health.
October 19, 2016
Much of a person's health is determined by social and environmental factors such as housing or access to healthcare. When these factors negatively affect a person's health, legal intervention combined with medical care may be the best treatment.
October 5, 2016
Dr. Ali Mokdad uncovers reasons behind the United States' high infant and maternal mortality rates. A Professor of Global Health at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) and Head Faculty Member on U.S. Studies at the University of Washington, Dr. Mokdad shares his perspective on this issue through a rural lens.
September 21, 2016
About one in seven Americans struggles with hunger, and rural communities seem to be hit especially hard. The Allegan Farmers Market is helping its low-income, senior, and other nutritionally at-risk populations gain access to Michigan-grown produce through a variety of incentives. These incentives include free transportation and Double Up Food Bucks that matches SNAP participants' spending.
September 7, 2016
With the recent changes in healthcare delivery, many rural clinics and hospitals are concerned about the future of their communities' healthcare, especially their emergency medical services. Will EMS in rural areas survive these changes, and is there an opportunity to thrive in a volume-to-value system? We asked five rural EMS leaders to explore the possible challenges and opportunities in the transformation of rural healthcare delivery.
September 7, 2016
Kevin McGinnis, Program Manager with the National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO), discusses rural EMS's options as services switch from a traditional form to the hub and spokes model.
September 7, 2016
Diane Calmus, Government Affairs and Policy Manager at the National Rural Health Association, explores the need for a new hospital model to help rural communities gain and maintain access to emergency medical services.