This resource tips to help multi-disciplinary teams respond to cases of child abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has the potential to increase child abuse. It includes some information specific to rural communities. Read more here.
Rapid Deployment of Telehealth Services for Rural Hospitals Fighting COVID-19
This case study profiles how a Critical Access Hospital in Minnesota implemented a telehealth network in preparation for COVID-19. It offers lessons learned for other healthcare providers looking to implement virtual healthcare models. Read more here.
An Older Population Increases Estimated COVID-19 Death Rates in Rural America
This issue brief examines the influence of age structure and other factors on the spread of coronavirus in rural areas of the U.S. It compares the incidence of the virus and the estimated mortality rates due to the virus in rural and urban areas. Read more here.
Infectious Agents Exposure Reduction Training for First Responders
This resource contains a video outlining protocols and strategies for mitigating exposure to infectious agents. Content focuses specifically on COVID-19, but information can be applied to situations involving other highly infectious pathogens. Find more information here.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Rural Hospitals
This resource examines how COVID-19 is impacting already vulnerable rural hospitals. It evaluates access to ICU beds, loss of outpatient revenue, and the number of days of cash on hand. Read more here.
Additional links: The Rural Health Safety Net Under Pressure: Understanding the Potential Impact of COVID-19
COVID-19 Telehealth Resources
This resource is a collection of tools and resources for setting up a telehealth program to address COVID-19. It covers technology, implementation, and related topics. It includes both national resources and resources from the telehealth resource centers focused on serving specific states. Read more here.
Child Welfare Information Gateway – COVID-19 State Child Welfare and Related Health Resources
This resource contains a list of websites containing state-specific guidelines and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, as related to child health and welfare. Read more here.
USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19
Apr 8, 2020 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has taken actions to help rural communities and businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. This resource provides a list of opportunities for immediate relief, including the Rural Housing, Rural Utilities, and Rural Business-Cooperative Services. Items with an asterisk are new or updated as of April 8, 2020. Read more here.
One-in-Four U.S. Rural Hospitals at High Financial Risk of Closing as Patients Leave Communities for Care
Apr 8, 2020 — This article summarizes an analysis conducted before the coronavirus outbreak, that found a quarter of rural hospitals are at high risk of closing due to financial challenges. It describes how the migration of patients to care options outside the community has contributed to the situation, includes advice for rural hospitals to partner with other regional health systems and their communities. Read more here.
Individualized Telephone Outreach Reduces COPD Exacerbations
Apr 13, 2020 — Highlights a telephone outreach intervention launched by the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) at one of the VA’s rural outpatient clinics in Ohio. The program provided weekly healthcare visits by telephone for six weeks and reduced acute episodes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among veterans. Read more here.