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.
Rural Infection Rates Dropped While Death Rates Climbed
Rural and metropolitan America had virtually the same Covid-19 infection rates last week. Rural Covid-related deaths jumped by 26%.
More RUral Health Stories
Nurse Midwives Step Up to Provide Prenatal Care After Two Rural Hospitals Shutter Birthing Centers
A group of certified nurse midwives from the University of Iowa helping ensure area women where the local hospital closed its birthing unit can receive related services.
An Oasis in the Desert: Walker River Paiute Tribe Builds a Food Pantry in Response to Covid-19
What started as an ad-hoc program to feed homebound tribal elders turned into a food source for all in need.
Commentary: Dental Care for the Rich, Ridicule for the Poor
More than half of the U.S. population is missing one or more teeth. So why do we respond with derision and prejudice instead of seeing the apparent need to improve access to dental care?
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Even More to Explore In Rural Health
Federal Grants Will Fund Rural Treatment Centers to Address Psychostimulant Overdoses
New federal funding will help rural communities deal with the latest drugs causing overdose deaths – psychostimulants like methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy.
Rural Covid Infections Rise by 14%, Deaths by 27%
Rural America reported its fifth consecutive week of higher numbers of Covid infections. The rural death rate was 50% higher than the metropolitan death rate last week.
The US Mental Health Hotline Network Is Expanding, but Rural Areas Still Face Care Shortages
On July 16, a three-digit number, 988, became the centerpiece of a nationwide effort to unify responses to Americans experiencing mental health crises. But many people, especially those in rural areas, will continue to find themselves far from help if they need more support than call operators can offer.
S’mores and Sensory Rooms: Operation Shine Camp Offers Summer Camp for Autistic Children
The summer camp for 7- to 12-year-olds on the autism spectrum offers a life-changing experience to kids and parents alike, introducing them to tailored activities and a network of support.
Aging Farmers Are at Greater Risk of Suicide, Study Finds
One third of farmers and ranchers are 65 or older, but they represent nearly half of the farmers and ranchers who die by suicide. Farmers may be less likely to share information that indicates they are at risk.
Rural Covid Infections Increase for Fourth Straight Week
The number of Covid-related deaths also increased last week, but the rate remains lower compared to earlier phases of the pandemic.