Keeping rural America strong means building healthy communities. Our healthcare coverage focuses on all the important issues in rural health, including access to critical care, affordability, the future of rural hospitals, the rural response to the Covid-19 pandemic, drug addiction and abuse, and much more.
Q&A: ‘This Is What We Do’ – Rural Health Center CEO on Providing Care During a Pandemic
When Covid-19 came to Roseburg, Oregon, KC Bolton, the CEO of a local health center, was called to put his military and healthcare experience to use. From the first surge to the rollout of vaccines, he helped coordinate the community’s response.
More RUral Health Stories
Traveling Nurses Help Rural Hospital Staffing Issues, But at a Cost
Hiring temporary staff to fill in the gaps often costs hospitals much more than paying for local, permanent employees.
As Insurance Companies Stop Full Coverage for Covid-19, Rural Hospitals Brace for More Financial Burdens
The federal government will still pay for the care of uninsured Covid-19 patients. But the insurance-rule changes could stress struggling rural hospitals.
Several Tribal Nations Offer Cash Incentives for Covid-19 Vaccinations
Native Americans already lead the nation in percentage of population vaccinated. Several tribes are using incentives to get the number of those protected even higher.
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Keep your finger on the pulse of rural health news.
Even More to Explore In Rural Health
Rural Covid Infections Decline for Third Straight Week
Despite improvements, the rural infection and death rates remain significantly higher than the metropolitan rates.
Faced with Failing Sewage System, Rural Community in Alabama’s Black Belt Wants a Say in Finding a Solution
Uniontown, Alabama has raised funds to mend its long deficient wastewater system. But residents are concerned about their level of involvement in the decision-making.
Republican-Voting Mountain Counties in N.C. Urge State to Expand Medicaid
For months, the CEO of the Cherokee Indian Hospital has quietly traveled to county commission meetings in Western North Carolina to give presentations on the benefits of Medicaid expansion. Five counties and several towns in the region have responded with resolutions of support.
Rural Infections Decline by 20%; Number of Covid Deaths Falls Slightly
Although conditions improved last week, rural counties continue to have significantly higher rates of Covid-19 infections and deaths than metropolitan counties.
Most Rural Counties See Decline in New Covid Infections
The rate of new infections fell significantly last week in rural America. But the death rate grew by 10% and could continue to grow for weeks.
Rural Vaccinations Increase by Fastest Pace Since June
The rate of new vaccinations has been on the rise since mid-August, when the Delta variant took hold in rural areas.
Covid, Staffing Shortages Force Idaho Hospitals to Implement Crisis Standards of Care
Extreme measures designed to ration limited resources in Idaho’s hospitals started in North Idaho in early September and have since expanded to the rest of the state.
Vaccine Mandates Could Help Some Rural Economies
Counties that have large employers will see a variety of benefits from workplace vaccination clinics, says UNC business researcher.
Commentary: County Newspaper Leads Vaccination Effort by Example
The staff of the Clinton County (Kentucky) News lend their names, images, and ad space to vaccination efforts. More rural media need to do the same, says Al Cross, the director of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues.
Commentary: Modernizing the Federal Rural Health Clinic Program
The 44-year-old Rural Health Clinic Program pioneered new approaches to healthcare. But it’s time for an update to keep the program relevant and effective.
Tribal Governments Adopt Vaccine Mandates as Covid-19 Surges
A handful of tribes moved to vaccine mandates even before President Biden’s announcement.
Vaccine Mandates Could Create Staffing Issues, Hospitals Report
In the examples we found, the percentage of unvaccinated healthcare workers is small. But the Biden administration should come forward with a plan to deal with staff disruptions, says one rural health leader.
Rural Vaccinations Climb by Fastest Rate in Three Months
Rural counties completed about 20% more vaccinations last week than two weeks ago. Two-thirds of rural counties upped their weekly number of new vaccinations.
Beware of Human Use of Animal Medications, Experts Say
People who use veterinary drugs for human conditions risk a host of complications, from overdoses to poisoning, experts say.
Covid Hits Wildfire Fighters Even Harder Than Last Year
The virulent Delta variant plus mixed adherence to safety measures have hampered already stretched resources.
Rural Covid-Death Rate Twice as High as Urban One
The rural death rate has been slightly higher than the urban rate for much of the pandemic. But something changed in August.
Pace of New Vaccinations Drops Slightly in Both Rural and Metro Counties
The number of completely vaccinated rural Americans climbs by about 300,000 to just over 18 million.
How Vaccination Became ‘Hip’ in the ’50s Thanks to Teens
Savvy teenagers helped the nation overcome its hesitancy to take the polio vaccine.
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