Georgia News

Attack Hits Small Rural Georgia Hospital, Nursing Home

Nov 4, 2024 - A rural Georgia hospital experienced a ransomware attack, taking offline its electronic health records and IT systems. Discusses the disruption to patient care when a rural hospital is attacked and recent initiatives by the federal government and private sector to improve rural hospital cybersecurity.

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Rural Georgians Face Long Distances to Maternity Care - Community Clinics Can Help Fill the Gaps

Oct 21, 2024 - Highlights the experience of a pregnant rural Georgia woman in a maternity care desert. Discusses maternity care deserts nationally, obstetric and gynecologic care in Federally Qualified Health Centers, general health disparities in areas with limited access to healthcare, and increasing the healthcare workforce for rural areas.

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Patients Are Relying on Lyft, Uber to Travel Far Distances to Medical Care

Oct 14, 2024 - Describes the use of ride-hailing apps by rural Georgians for transportation to medical appointments. Highlights data showing that a significant number of rural residents are using the apps for transportation to appointments over 100 miles away. Notes that some insurance plans cover transportation costs, but services may be less available in rural communities.

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CMS Announces Resources and Flexibilities to Assist with the Public Health Emergency in the States of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina

Sep 27, 2024 - Announcement from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of additional resources to assist with the ongoing public health emergency related to Hurricane Helene. The public health emergency exists beginning September 23, 2024 in Florida; September 24, 2024 in Georgia; September 25, 2024 in North Carolina; and September 27, 2024 for South Carolina and Tennessee. Offers information and resources for those impacted and responding to the hurricane including CMS waivers, healthcare enrollment, a disaster toolkit, dialysis care, and medical equipment and supplies replacement.

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As CDC Prepares to Tackle Rural Health, What Could That Mean in Georgia?

Sep 24, 2024 - Highlights the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Office of Rural Health (ORH) and their recent five-year strategic plan. Discusses rural health in Georgia and nationally including health disparities, data challenges, and goals for the CDC ORH.

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