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Rural Health Disparities – News

News stories from the past 60 days.

Nov 13, 2024 - Presents an overview of the recently launched Center for Advancing Health Equity in Rural and Underserved Communities (CAHE-RUC) at the Penn State College of Medicine. Describes initial research projects focusing on reducing cancer health disparities and improving health literacy for underserved and rural populations. Notes that the CAHE-RUC was formed through a partnership between the Penn State College of Medicine and the nonprofit Asian Health Coalition.
Source: The Patriot-News
Nov 11, 2024 - Highlights research finding that cardiovascular disease deaths have increased for rural adults between 2010 and 2020. The study analyzed death certificate data for over 11 million people from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's WONDER database. Discusses the impact of COVID-19 on already existing cardiovascular health outcomes on rural and urban populations. Notes possible solutions for reducing the disparity.
Source: American Heart Association Newsroom
Nov 8, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing the establishment of the CMS Health Equity Advisory Committee (HEAC) to advise and make recommendations to CMS on the identification and resolution of systemic barriers to accessing CMS programs that hinder the quality of care for beneficiaries and consumers. The Committee will focus on health disparities in underserved communities, which are populations sharing a particular characteristic or geography, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life. CMS is also requesting nominations for membership on the HEAC. Nominations are due by December 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 28, 2024 - Announces partnership between the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and StoryCorps to record stories related to rural health triumphs and challenges in honor of National Rural Health Day. Conversations will be recorded virtually in early November and archived at the Library of Congress. Registration is open now and recording slots are available on a first come, first served basis.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Oct 11, 2024 - Presents overview of data from the Census Bureau's Community Resilience Estimates (CRE) program on North Carolina counties affected by Hurricane Helene. Notes that 10 of the 27 counties under a major disaster declaration are predominantly rural; 20.2% of individuals living in the affected counties are classified by the CRE as having a high degree of social vulnerability to disasters. Explores CRE data on factors contributing to high social vulnerability in the affected counties, including age, disability, and housing quality.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Sep 25, 2024 - Provides an overview of recent research showing widening disparities in life expectancy and health quality for rural and urban men near retirement age. Discusses possible contributing factors including higher rates of smoking, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions among rural men. Notes expected challenges for rural communities as residents age and provider shortages persist.
Source: USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics

Last Updated: 11/13/2024