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.
Commentary: Meatpacking Workers Like My Family Deserve Protection During and After Pandemic
Masks, gowns, and other protective gear aren’t enough. Mental health services, better wages, and a path to citizenship should all be on the table.
More RUral Health Stories
White House Staffers Brief Rural Health Advocates on Biden’s American Rescue Plan
The Biden administration wants to provide vaccines to federally qualified health centers serving hard-to-reach populations. Also on the table is $160 billion in community support for supplies, testing , and public health personnel.
Rural Health System Part of Operation Warp Speed Trials for Covid-19 Treatments
On the Canadian border of Upstate New York, a small health system is a rare example of rural-based clinical trials for treating Covid-19.
In Hard-Hit Indian Country, Tribes Rapidly Roll Out Vaccines
The Tribal Nations across America race against the clock to vaccinate their elders who are the keepers of culture and tradition. For Tribes recognized by the Federal Government it's a success, but others are left out.
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Even More to Explore In Rural Health
Rural Covid-19 Cases Drop While Rural Death Rate Holds Steady
The impact of the winter surge continues to be felt in the number of Covid-related deaths that occurred in rural America last week.
New Infections Ease in Rural Counties, but the Number of Deaths Climbs Slightly
New cases dropped by 8% last week in rural counties, but the number of new Covid-related deaths climbed by about 1%.
New York Representatives Introduce Legislation to Save Critical Access Hospitals
Proposed bipartisan legislation would put in place safeguards such as public comment period to ensure that facilities currently operating as Critical Access Hospitals can't lose their designation overnight.
What Is a Critical Access Hospital, or CAH?
In the 1990s, Congress responded to a crisis in rural hospital closures with the Critical Access Hospital program. The program provides ways to boost the financial health of small, mostly rural hospitals. But a new set of threats looms.
Rural Residents Appear to Be More Vulnerable to Serious Infection or Death From Covid-19
Health experts identified older age, underlying medical conditions and overall difficulty in accessing medical care as the main factors contributing to worse health outcomes among rural populations.
January Generates Record Number of Covid-Related Deaths in Rural Counties
The number of new infections declined 17% in rural America last week, but the number of deaths declined only slightly.
‘Childcare Gap’ Greater in Rural Areas, Study Finds
For rural families, there is a 35% gap between childcare supply and potential need, compared to a 29% gap in urban areas.
‘The Happiness and Joy Has Been Sucked Out of Me’: Wisconsin Dairy Farmers Face Mental Health Crisis
Many Wisconsin milk producers are overwhelmed, dogged by financial worries, a crushing workload, labor shortages and bad weather.
Commentary: Vaccines, Networks and the Importance of Trust
“The message of this essay is simple. It is a call for awareness and for larger and more concerted action. It is a call to eliminate a longstanding double standard in American medicine.”
Millions May Face Housing Uncertainty in February, Despite the Evictions Moratorium Extension
Lack of public information, insufficient internet access and illegal landlord practices are to blame, Arkansas experts say.
Rural Providers Get Creative With Vaccine Delivery but Suffer from Lack of Supply
Self-contained mobile clinics, vaccination vans, and even seaplanes are part of the plans. But providers are waiting on more vaccines.
Rate of New Infections, Deaths Declines in Rural Counties
The latest Covid-19 reports indicate that rural America has passed the peak of the surge that began in September.
Rural Healthcare Is in Crisis – Here Are 5 Innovative Ways Biden Can Help It Transform
Addressing rural healthcare, Biden's administration has to take into consideration its unique context. Some rural policy experts worry Biden's team lacks that perspective.
Rural First Responder: Why I Chose to Get Vaccinated
In Wisconsin, firefighters are now eligible to receive Covid-19 vaccinations. For volunteer Donna Kallner and her husband, there was more than just the 52-mile round trip to consider when they made the choice to get immunized.
Kentucky Schools Face Challenges Transitioning to Online Teaching during a Pandemic
Switching to online schooling proved difficult for both teachers and students. Even when the technology is available, many miss the structure and social interactions with their peers.
Commentary: Urgently Needed – A Racial Equity Approach to Covid-19 Vaccine Distribution
Research shows that apart from higher rates of infections, hospitalizations and deaths, minority populations are now facing vaccination disparities.
Hospitals Push Drug Companies to Honor Federal Discount Program
Rural medical groups and health advocates are warning drug companies to abide by federal guidelines that require them to provide discounts to some small, rural hospitals.
Commentary: Telehealth Could Help Tackle Hospital Bed Shortages Caused by Covid-19
Not quite a silver bullet for all the problems, telehealth could help with basic healthcare access for different populations, decreasing the pressure on the limited number of hospital beds.
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